Jennifer Marohasy

a forum for the discussion of issues concerning the natural environment

Archives for August 25, 2005

Build Dams So Hydra Can Wash Her Hair

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I don’t think KPMG partner Bernard Salt would like Hydra Sustainable -a member of the Victorian Government’s eco-perfect family. In today’s The Australian, Salt complains about hotels suggesting he re-use his towel to save water. Hydra goes as far as to suggest we should wash our hair just once a week to save water.

What Salt says:
http://www.theaustralian.news.com.au/common/story_page/0,5744,16370702%255E25658,00.html .

What Hydra says:
http://www.dse.vic.gov.au/thesustainables/hydra.htm .

I lived at a Presbyterian and Methodist girl’s boarding school in the 1970s and we were only allowed to wash our hair once a week and then only in the hand basins – noone was allowed to wash their hair in the showers at Clayfield College.

The ban on hair washing in showers probably had something to do with being austere – a Presbyterian and Methodist virtue. The rule actually created a lot of self-loathing, greasy-haired teenage girls.

Salt makes the observation that “The environment lobby has skilfully manouevered middle Australia to a no-dams policy without having to go through the tedium of public debate.”

The environment movement is really very Presbyterian and Methodist?

Salt suggests that no water restrictions would make Sydney greener and that this would be good for our souls, and our wildlife, and for social cohesion. … and I would add, our hair.

He suggests we should start talking about building some more dams.

Saving the Planet Starts with The Sustainables?

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The Victorian government has endorsed the activites of a family called the Sustainables. This family has identified 10 things that we can all do to save the planet. They are:

1. Take a four minute power shower

2. Take reusable bags with you when you go shopping

3. Turn off lights and appliances at the switch when not in use

4. Sign up to Green Power with your electricity supplier

5. Buy the most energy and water efficient appliances you can afford

6. Put your food or plant scraps in the compost or worm farm

7. Look for products without unnecessary packaging

8. Walk, cycle or use public transport when you can � and leave the car at home

9. Grow plants native to your area in your garden

10. Go green when you clean.

For more information see http://www.dse.vic.gov.au/thesustainables/who.htm .

I wonder what would be achieve for the environment if every Melbournian subscribed to these activities? Would the planet really be saved?

My list is a bit different.