Universal Edition 44: Our Natural World

O U R N AT U R A L W O R L D

UNIVERSAL FREE

EDITION 44

From The Editor Thank you for finding the time to read this edition of Universal: Our Natural World, produced by a talented team of under 25s who live, work and socialise in the City of Kingston.

The first few months of 2021 have been interesting for many of us here at Universal.

Living in a somewhat post-lockdown era and getting back into the groove of normality has been an experience many of us are still learning to navigate. Throughout the tumultuous year we had, our natural surroundings seemed to be a primary source of solace and comfort throughout COVID-19 and continues to be now.

This edition has been lovingly curated in an attempt to draw attention to all that can be appreciated in our natural world. From individuals saving our planet to the wondrous flora, fauna and insects that occupy our spaces – there’s something in here for every interest.

So, brew yourself some tea or grab a coffee from your favourite café, sit back, and enjoy leafing through Edition 44 of Universal Magazine!

Again, thank you for supporting our team - we appreciate each and every one of our readers and love creating content for you.

We would like to acknowledge the traditional custodians of the land on which Universal Magazine has been written, designed and created, the Wurundjeri People of the Kulin nation. We pay our respects to elders past, present and emerging and extend that respect to any Aboriginal or Torres Strait Islander person who might be reading Universal today. Sovereignty was never ceded, and this land was, is and always will be traditional Aboriginal land.

We encourage our readers to do some research and understand more about the land on which they work, live and socialise on.

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Our Natural World inspired each of us in numerous ways. We encourage you to think about which aspects of the environment are meaningful to you – the birds that sing in the morning, your dog’s favourite park or maybe your Grandma’s garden?

Acknowledgement of Country

The Universal Team Cover Design by Sammar Bassal

Interested in joining the team?

Or looking to submit some work?

Please contact Courtney on P: 1300 369 436 E: courtney.mcgill@kingston.vic.gov.au

Read previous editions:

Available for your reading pleasure at any time! Send Courtney an e-mail for more info

The views and opinions expressed in these articles are those of the authors and do not necessarily reflect or represent the views, values and official position of the City of Kingston or any of its officials, representatives or employees Kingston Youth Services and the Universal team acknowledge the support of the Victorian Government

Contents

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Minimum Effort, Maximum Impact

A Peaceful View

Words by Adele D’Souza Design by Molly Fairley

Illustration by Lila Ni

9 Kangaroo Paw Illustration by Sammar Bassal

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Nature In Unnatural Spaces Photography and design by James Milnes

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Making Waves

Photography, words and design by Hannah Phemister

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Native Plants Of Australia Words and design by Rochelle Leslie

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The Biophilia Effect Words by Adele D’Souza Design by Rochelle Leslie

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Eucalyptus Trees Words and design by Sammar Bassal

12 Daisy Illustration by Sammar Bassal

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Native Bees

Words and design by Naketra Mendes

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Melbourne’s Natural Environment Photography, words and design by Hannah Phemister

Minimum Effort, Maximum Impact Interview with Anaïs and Alex, Co-Founders of Reducing Our Footprint Words by Adele D’Souza Design by Molly Fairley

The first time I met Anaïs and Alex, I was drawn to their fervour for sustainability and the authenticity they fostered within their social enterprise. Together, they cofounded ‘Reducing Our Footprint’ (ROF), an environmental start-up promoting behavioural change in support of the environment. Since 2018, ROF has been in a constant state of growth. It launched first as a community not-for-profit organisation. Currently, ROF has collaborations with companies such as Salesforce and Ferrero Rocher and connections with over 45,000 individuals.

Alex and Anaïs

Being personally inspired by the duo, I wanted to catch-up with Alex and Anaïs to delve deeper into what drives their passion for the environment. I was keen to explore how they have been able to blend community and individual action to create a holistic approach to sustainability.

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THE THREE PILLARS OF ROF At an individual level, ROF aims to educate people, influencing positive behavioural change through online platforms and classes.

So far, ROF has released a Slow Fashion Class, advocating ethical fashion and providing guidance towards creating a capsule wardrobe. They have also just released the Plastic-free Life in 28 Days Class, providing actionable solutions for busy people who want to embrace plastic-free living.

At a business level, ROF collaborates with organisations to educate employees and workplaces through green consultations, webinars, workshops and specified training.

They have worked with renowned institutions such as The Royal Children’s Hospital and the City of Yarra Council.

The newest pillar in ROF’s operations is a circular organic waste management solution named ‘Pop a Bud.’ It involves the collection of organic waste from various businesses such as hairdressers and cafes, which is then turned into nurturing soil and used to grow different varieties of herbs. Talk about innovation!

ROF’S INCEPTION Alex’s and Anaïs’ shared drive to champion the cause of our Planet began when they came to realise their duty as human beings to preserve the home they were born into. Alex’s affinity for diving in the ocean and Anaïs’ love for walking amongst forests imbued gratitude and connection to the natural world around them and a deep desire to leave it untouched.

Their zest for travelling also instilled in them an appetite for minimalism that helped to reduce the feeling of burdening their planet as they moved from one place to the next.

Rather than accumulating mementos as they travelled, they gathered memories.

The awareness of their duty led them to perceive the lack of environmental knowledge within the communities they were surrounded by. As a result, they were on a quest to find ‘a tribe of people who were on the same journey’ as themselves. During their time in Shanghai, Alex and Anaïs were privy to pioneering zero-waste communities. They observed how effective individual behaviours could be in such a huge city. This engendered motivation to spread positivity within the environmental space as they grasped the value of community-power.

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ANAïS’ & ALEX’S HELPING HAND

On a personal note, I often find myself simmering in helplessness, unable to shake the immense gravity of the climate crisis and the trifling sum of my efforts in comparison.

I asked Alex and Anaïs if these feelings resonated with them and their response filled me with unexpected optimism.

I believe the universality of these feelings should not be undermined. Any issue is distressing when viewed broadly. Alex and Anaïs urge people to select one thing that they despise or are impassioned by, such as preserving diversity in our ecosystems or reducing the plastic waste that lands in our oceans. Challenging your mindset and focusing on what fires you up is a great place to start. By concentrating on one cause at a time, you are able to move onto the next one comfortably and at your own pace. This is much less daunting than tackling the WHOLE climate crisis single-handedly! In doing so, slowly, you will also see a shift towards a more sustainable lifestyle without you even realising it.

rubbish home. After collecting other people’s rubbish, she hoped that those who came after her would be less inclined to litter, as no one wants to be that person. It is so easy to go with the flow and believe that since ‘others are doing it, why shouldn’t I?’ Small, repetitive, individual actions do make a difference and have the capacity to inspire change.

Alex touched on the use of narrative in tackling the pessimism which often accompanies climate change. He suggests altering the story we tell ourselves. Rather than a story revolving around the disruption of our climate and the fatalistic ramifications, the new narrative involves actively taking responsibility and making incremental changes to live harmoniously with our Planet. Not only does this provide hope to a seemingly dismal situation, but it is socially and economically beneficial, stimulates innovation and encourages collaborations and opportunities for humanity.

Anaïs also spoke about her time at Wilson’s Promontory, where trash was sadly scattered along the beautiful hiking trails. Instead of taking this as a cue to be equally irresponsible with her rubbish, she utilised this as an opportunity to encourage others to take their

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Finally, I asked the pair what message they would want to communicate to the whole world if they could:

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Be the change that you want to see in the world – Alex

Take responsibility for your actions – Anaïs

”

If everyone cultivates more sustainable habits, the impact on our planet as a community will be immense. Through volunteering at ROF, I have learnt that staying true to my values is a significant element in my sustainability journey. Everyone’s journey is unique and worthwhile. Surrounding myself with likeminded and spirited change-agents such as Alex, Anaïs and other volunteers at ROF, has only increased my zeal for environmentalism and saving Our Home.

ROF have kindly offered free online classes to the readers of Universal Magazine. Simply scan the QR code to access the classes with the code: 2busy2eco and begin or continue your sustainability journey with the friendly guidance of the ROF team ☺ To find out more visit: www.rof-it.com Or follow their Instagram: reducingourfootprint

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P A W

Sammar Bassal

K A N G A R O O

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Native Plants of Australia Words and design

by Rochelle Leslie

Ever thought about putting some Australian natives in your garden? Or just wanted to know the name of a plant you always walk past?

Well, here are a number of popular native plants that might just fit these categories.

How many of them do you recognise, and which ones do you like best?

Acacia - Flowers from late Winter to Spring.

- Prefers full sun and some watering.

If you don’t recognise the name then maybe ‘wattle tree’ will ring some bells. This plant is a fast grower that can range in size from a small shrub to that of a medium tree. There are over 1, 200 different species in Australia and Africa, however, all are characterised by small, puffy white or yellow flowers that resemble pompoms or pipe cleaners. While many acacia species have a short life, they are also good at self-sowing and are quite resilient.

They are commonly seen as a coastal plant.

Banksia - Flowers in Summer, Autumn and Winter.

- Prefers sunny locations with sandy soil.

With the exception of a single species in New Guinea, banksias are a species exclusively native to Australia. There are 75 different varieties of this evergreen plant ranging from small shrubs to low hanging trees. The species is quite woody, with long cylindrical flowers that often look like a colourful paint roller. They come in a range of colours such as yellow and red but gradually dull to a brown as they age and wither. Banksia are considered a coastal plant and are good for creating dense foliage.

Bottlebrush - Flowers in Summer.

- Prefers sunny locations.

With sizes ranging from small shrubs to medium trees, most bottlebrush species are native to South-East Australia. As the name suggests these plants grow fluffy, brush-like flowers which are irresistible to many bird species. While other colours are available, bright red bottlebrush are the most common to be seen around. They are relatively resistant to frost and drought but enjoy regular sunlight and watering to look their healthiest.

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Correa - Flowers from late Autumn to Winter.

- Prefers some sun or light shade and some watering.

Another coastal plant, tolerant to a number of weather conditions, the correa is particularly popular for its resilience in shady garden locations. Correa plants are great as low ground cover plants or can be grown into smaller shrubs of up to 1-2 metres. Their flowers look like small hanging bells and are usually red or pink with yellow tips where the flower opens up. These plants are a popular option for people looking for something easy to grow and maintain.

Grevillea - Flowers all year.

- Prefers sun and an occasional deep water.

A hardy, evergreen plant, the grevillea is great for almost any location. Characterised by their brush-like appearance, these plants flower all year round and come in a variety of red, yellow and even orange. The grevillea genus contains over 340 species ranging from low growing shrubs to large trees, making them suitable for just about any garden and location. The 3 most common differences between grevillea are whether they have spider-like, toothbrushlike or large, brush-like flowerheads.

Eucalypts - Flowers in Summer.

- Prefers full sun and regular watering.

Iconic and definitely Australian, Eucalypts come in a vast range of shapes and sizes.

These evergreen trees come in over 700 varieties and can be found almost anywhere, from coast to mountain range. Eucalypt flowers are typically red or white and blossom in the Summer months. While some species can grow over 80 metres tall, others can be kept as indoor pot plants. If you are interested in growing your own, contact a local nursery and see what types are native to your area.

Kangaroo Paw - Flowers in Summer.

- Prefers some sun or partial shade and regular watering.

The name of this plant comes from the unique flowers it produces which are unlike any other in the world. These beautiful, velvety flowers come in a range of colours and sizes which can be affected by factors such as sunlight levels and yearly temperatures. Red is the most common colour for flowering kangaroo paws which can grow from small shrubs up to 3 metres in height. If you’re looking for something unique in your garden then look no further than here.

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Sammar Bassal

DA S Y I

Nature in Unnatural Spaces

All photographs taken by James Milnes

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The Biophilia Effect Words by Adele D’Souza Design by Rochelle Leslie

For years I have been aware of the equanimity I feel whilst surrounded by nature. Irrespective of whether I am deep in the Daintree Rainforest, amongst wild or manicured gardens, or soaking up the sun on the bank of the Murray river, I feel serene. My anxieties, worries and unsolvable problems seem to diminish in the wake of natural surroundings.

I feel grounded and clarity seems simpler and more attainable compared to the otherwise irrational and looming thoughts inside my mind. I feel rejuvenated. I often yearn for natural environments as a place to take refuge from the complexities of everyday life.

The profound sense of serenity that consumes me while amongst nature beckoned me to learn more about this fulfilling relationship.

My findings were the least bit disappointing.

It provided me with a greater incentive to care for and maximise my time on our planet, Earth.

What I found . . .

I have surrendered to the effects of biophilia.

Erich Fromm, a social psychologist, first used the word biophilia to describe a ‘love of life and all that is alive.’ In 1984, conservationist and biologist Edward Wilson, popularised the biophilia hypothesis, contending that human beings are born with an innate affinity for lifeforms and nature. The meaning of biophilia has been adapted and reinterpreted by many over the course of time. I understand it as a philosophy. Put simply, as human beings have evolved as part of nature, we, therefore, have an undeniable interconnectedness and relationship with the world around us.

Have you ever noticed the abundance of meditation or relaxation playlists that include the sounds of rainforest or soothing waterfalls? Perhaps you are drawn to the crackling fire whilst camping, or have the urge to fill and decorate your bedroom with a variety of plants, vases of dried flowers and candles? Even admiring Kingston’s own natural beauties such Braeside Park, or Australia’s Uluru and the Twelve Apostles, invoke evidence for biophilia.

Importantly, these affiliations are not all positive. Through evolution, aversion from certain natural phenomena developed through mechanisms of survival. What elicits fear whilst in nature further supports the cause of biophilia. Trypophobia, a fear of clustered small holes, is thought to have developed as this particular natural pattern is indicative of the presence of poison. I believe the essence of our relationship with nature, is akin to being able to know whether your best friend is truly content or upset, without a word being said. Our connection with nature is intrinsic to our being.

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What I took away . . .

I see this inborn biophilic connection as analogous to a powerful magnetic force, imploring harmony with all that is alive and living. Sally Coulthard writes that ‘we need nature much more than nature needs us.’ As water has run through the veins of our planet since its inception, these deep affiliations between humans and our natural surroundings is equally rooted in our bones and heritage. We are designed to spend time in nature and breathe it in daily. It is, therefore, our duty to honour natural sentience and live in unity with our irreplaceable environments.

Native Bees Words and Design by Naketra Mendes

What are Native Bees?

Over the past 30 years, recorded bee populations have seen a decline. Recently, initiatives have been aimed at increasing their populations. However, these initiatives only involve the European honeybee (also referred to as the Western honeybee). This bee was brought into Australia with the first settlers and they have been thriving ever since. These bees are great pollinators and are known for their honey. However, they are not the only species that are threatened.

In Australia, there is estimated to be 1600 species of native bees, all varying in colours and sizes. Unlike European honeybees who live in hives, most native bees live by themselves.

This makes native bees much harder to track and care for. This is why it is important to create native bee-friendly backyards to allow them (and other very important pollinating insects) to thrive in Melbourne.

European Honeybee Apis Mellifera

Native Bees

Here are a few species of native bees to look out for in your backyard!

Blue Banded Bee Amegilla

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Named after the bright blue bands found on their abdomen. Other varieties of this species have been found to have light blue/ white bands instead. These bees are known for a unique technique of pollination known as buzz pollination. This occurs when the bee shakes the flower very fast to release the pollen.

Nest Females nest in soft clay.

Males roost on stems or twigs at night.

Resin Bee Megachile Named after their nesting behaviour where they collect resin to line and seal their nests.

Nest They make their nest in timber but have also been observed to nest in rocks and crevices. They use resin and sometimes chewed up leaves to seal their nest.

Masked Bee Amphylaeus, Hylaeus and Meroglossa Named after the marking found on their face which looks like a mask.

Nest They nest in pre-existing wood or pithy stems.

Teddy Bear Bee Amegilla (Asaropoda) Named after their chubby, furry bodies which look very similar to a teddy bear.

Nest Females nest in soft soil whilst males roost on stems or twigs at night.

Reed Bee Exoneura Named after their nesting material. They are known to nest in reeds or dead stems of plants.

Nest These bees are more sociable compared to other native bee species. A few reed bees can live together in the same nest. They nest in reeds, dead stems of plants or bamboo.

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Leafcutter Bee Megachile (Eutricharaea) Named after their behaviour of cutting circles out of leaves for their nest. Rose bush leaves are commonly used, but they have been observed to using cuttings from other plants like Buddleja and Wisteria.

Nest This bee nests in holes found in timber. They line their nest with leaves before laying the eggs.

How to Create a Native Bee Friendly Garden There are three elements to creating a native bee habitat.

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Water

Water is an important resource for all living things, and native bees are no exception. As bees cannot swim, it is important to create dry areas for bees to land on. This can be achieved by simply adding rocks to a shallow dish of water.

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2 Shelter As native bees do not live in hives, shelter comes in the form of nests. Female native bees often lay their eggs in holes found in wood, reeds, and clay soil. As built-up environments have removed these naturally occurring habitats, human-made substitutes are used by some species of native bees. These are known as native bee hotels.

1 To create a native bee hotel, first begin by sourcing the exterior material. This can be an empty can, half a plastic bottle or even an unused ceramic mug. It just needs to be weatherproof.

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2 Source the nesting material. This can be bamboo, reeds, clay soil or timber.

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Prepping the nest: Bamboo/ reeds – a hollowed step with a small diameter (smaller than 10mm). The ideal depth should be between 10 and 15 cm with an enclosed hole.

Clay soil – holes in clay soil should be 8mm wide and 10 to 15 cm in depth.

Timber – holes that are 3 to 8 mm in width and 10 to 15cm in depth. Choose untreated timer with holes spaced 2cm apart.

Position the bee hotel at eye level, no more than 2 meters off the ground. Face the entrance between north and east in a sunny to semi shady position. Make sure this location is well sheltered.

Have numerous bee hotels all around the garden to encourage a variety of bees.

Food

Bees’ food sources come from flowers. So, flowering plants is the way to go. Native bees have been observed to use native plants, many co-evolving with specific native plant species.

Here are a few tips to help you decided what plants to use in your backyard:

Tip 1: Aim for variety of plants

Look for plants that bloom at different times of the year, with flowers of different colours and sizes. This will accommodate various types of native bees, whilst providing a steady and assorted diet throughout the year.

Tip 2: Plant same species together

Bees are more attracted to clusters of flowers rather than flowers spaced around the garden. Try and grow the same species of plants close together.

Tip 3: Use native plants

It is strongly encouraged to grow native plants in your backyard.

Native plants are more adapted to the Australian climate, attracting all sorts of native birds, and other native fauna. As native plants have co-evolved with native bees, there are certain native bees that have specialised in pollinating these particular plants.

Without native plants, native bees can struggle to survive.

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Making Waves Earrings that clean

our beaches

Words, Design and Photography by Hannah Phemister

Making Waves is an ethical jewellery company created by three university students committed to building a more sustainable world. Sarah, Tara and Mel are all studying a Bachelor of Science Advanced – Global Challenges (Honours) at Monash University.

In 2019, inspired by their love of nature, they entered a Monash design competition hosted

by Precious Plastics. From there, Making Waves was born. Sarah and Tara both love earrings, so the idea to collect and give new life to plastic emerged. Together, the three envisioned the transformation of waste into beauty.

Tara works as a volunteer lifeguard and is very aware of the effects of plastic on our oceans. Sarah has an appreciation for the environment and nature because of her

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family, culture and faith. She believes in the balance of taking from the earth only what she is capable of giving back. Mel is driven by her values and uses Making Waves as an avenue to have an impact on the real world whilst reflecting her beliefs. All three share a passion for sustainability and hold different reasons as to why this cause matters to them.

Sarah shared some of her motivations for the work she does and the change she aims to create.

From her Italian heritage, Sarah is inspired by the ethical and sustainable practices of her family. Her great-grandmother and grandmother immigrated to Australia. The strong women in her family motivate her and prove that everyone has the potential to make a difference. Her values revolve around

an appreciation for food and nature, reusing resources and not taking more than you need. This is a consistent message in Sarah’s life – from her practice of reusing recyclable tomato and raspberry punnet packaging to transport her jewellery, to wearing beautiful, thrifted outfits.

For Sarah, Making Waves offers her a platform to start conversations and encourage people to think about their environmental impact. A major theme of Making Waves is providing a starting point for living a more sustainable lifestyle. By choosing to purchase earrings made from recycled plastics, you are giving new purpose to something that could otherwise end up in our oceans. Having these earrings and starting these conversations about sustainability inspires and motivates others to use their power to fight for change. Often it feels like corporations and governments are immovable barriers to change and that our sphere of influence is restricted in every way. Yet, Sarah is a strong believer that this feeling of powerlessness in creating change is what renders you helpless.

Sarah is also passionate about slow violence and the adverse effects it causes. Coined by Rob Nixon in his book, Slow Violence and the Environmentalism of the Poor, the term refers to destruction of the environment that occurs gradually and out of sight. An example of this is the gradual acidification of the ocean.

The burning of fossil fuels is a major cause of acidification. The two countries burning the most fossil fuel in the world are China and the United States. However, according to an Oceana report, the Philippines is significantly more vulnerable to ocean acidification than either of the top polluters. Often the people who are causing the most damage to the environment are the ones who are not suffering the consequences. This further extends the divide between the rich and the poor in society. The affluent contribute to the slow violence against the environment, using their position of wealth and influence to avoid uncomfortable environmental changes.

Sarah’s passion and drive to progress sustainable practices across the world is strengthened for this reason.

By making intentional choices every day, a ripple effect occurs. The jewellery made

by Making Waves serves as a vessel to empower people to take the step towards deliberate choices and sustainability. They draw attention, raise awareness, and provide a simple starting point for people wanting to make a change. Sarah’s goal is to promote change, support more sustainable options, and to force the market to be stimulated by sustainability. This will influence big businesses to choose sustainable options to increase profits and create positive change for our environment.

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EUCALYPTUS TREES There are over 700 species of eucalyptus worldwide1 with many of the species found around Australia. Here are some facts and examples of the tree species in our backyards and surrounding areas.

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FUN FACTS Eucalyptus leaves and bark are poisonous to humans and most animals because of their high concentration of Cineole Oil2. Only Koalas, Ring-Tail possums, and a few insects can eat eucalyptus leaves and bark2.

Eucalyptus flowers have no petals2. The entire bloom consists of stamens which produce pollen. The blooms can be white, red, orange, pink, and lime green2 depending on the species.

Eucalyptus trees are also known as gum trees because of the sap produced when the trunk is damaged3.

Eucalyptus wood make the best Didgeridoos2.

Didgeridoos are a long, trumpet-like instrument with a deep history among the Indigenous people of Australia3.

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Rainbow Gum Scientific Name Eucalyptus deglupta Mature Size Up to 240 feet tall Flower Colour White, yellow Special Features Multi-colored rainbow bark

https://www.australiangeographic.com. au/topics/science-environment/2019/07/ who-painted-the-bark-meet-the-magnificent-rainbow-eucalyptus/

Lemon Scented Gum Scientific Name Corymbia citriodora Mature Size Up to 100 feet tall Flower Colour White Special Features Lemon scented leaves

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Words by Sammar Bassal

Sugar Gum Scientific Name Eucalyptus cladocalyx Mature Size Up to 115 feet tall Flower Colour White, cream, yellow Special Features Glossy leaves and steep branches

https://www.ebay.com.au/itm/ Sugar-Gum-Eucalyptus-cladocalyx-100-seeds-/193736036838

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Red Flowering Gum Scientific Name Eucalyptus caesia Mature Size Up to 33 feet tall Flower Colour Red, Pink, White Special Features Brown bark peels

Sources: 1. https://www.softschools.com/facts/plants/eucalyptus_facts/542/#:~:text=Eucalyptus%20tree%20is%20 known%20as,of%20eucalyptus%20develop%20 as%20shrubs.

2. https://www.ambientbp.com/blog/7-facts-eucalyptus-trees 3. https://medium.com/treecoin/9-things-youprobably-didnt-know-about-eucalyptus-treesd59935ee5cc Details of eucalyptus sourced from: 4. https://www.trees.com/eucalyptus-trees 5. https://www.gardenia.net/plant/eucalyptus-citriodora 6. https://www.bhg.com/gardening/plant-dictionary/ tree/eucalyptus/ Facts about Eucalyptus: https://www.bhg.com/gardening/ plant-dictionary/tree/eucalyptus/

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https://realworldgardener.podbean.com/e/ real-world-gardener-eucalyptus-silverprincess-in-plant-of-the-week/

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Tasmanian Blue Gum Scientific Name Eucalyptus globulus Mature Size Up to 300 feet tall Flower Colour White Special Features Rapid growth and adaptibility

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https://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/ commons/4/42/Eucalyptus_globulus_ subsp._maidenii.jpg

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Argyle Apple Scientific Name Eucalyptus cinerea Mature Size Up to 50 feet tall Flower Colour White Special Features Drought tolerant

https://www.pinterest.it/ pin/490892428118787989/

Candlebark Scientific Name Eucalyptus rubida Mature Size Up to 100 feet tall Flower Colour White Special Features Bark peels off in ribbons

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https://twitter.com/Wenbo77/status/1213955927247745024/photo/4

https://www.trees.com/eucalyptus-trees

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Spotted Gum Scientific Name Corymbia maculata Mature Size Up to 60 feet tall Flower Colour White Special Features Irregular coloured bark

https://www.pinterest.com.au/ pin/290200769722116795/?autologin=true

Red ironbark Scientific Name Eucalyptus sideroxylon Mature Size Up to 80 feet tall Flower Colour White,pink, Red Special Features Deeply furrowed reddish-brown bark

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Snow Gum Scientific Name Eucalyptus pauciflora Mature Size Up to 50 feet tall Flower Colour White Special Features Multi-colored Twisting branches

https://www.trees.com/eucalyptus-trees

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Melbourne’s Natural Environment

Celebrating green spaces and sustainability Words, Design and Photography by Hannah Phemister

Melbourne is a natural hub for culture, arts, great coffee and music, but it is also a city whose citizens care for their environment.

According to the ‘Future Melbourne 2026 Plan’, environmental sustainability is the basis for all Future Melbourne goals (City of Melbourne, n.d.). The importance of lowering the city’s environmental impact is a significant focus within the plan, with several priorities laid out regarding how to achieve this. These goals outline some CBD based initiatives, such as the utilisation of vertical and rooftop gardens to minimise the impact of the urban heat island effect. However, many of the goals are applicable on a broader scale and relate to the reduction in greenhouse

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gas emissions, the switch towards renewable energy alternatives, and the efficient use of resources.

Touted as one of the world’s most liveable cities, Melbourne ranked as the second most liveable city in The Global Liveability Index 2019 by The Economist Intelligence Unit. Aiding in this ranking was Melbourne’s Culture and Environment rating, scoring 98.6 out of 100. Parks and green spaces have long been viewed as important factors of a city’s liveability and now The World Health Organisation has discovered that such areas can promote improvements to mental and physical wellbeing within a community (Foreground, 2017).

With approximately

nineteen percent of metropolitan Melbourne dedicated to green space, it is easy to see why Melbourne is such an appealing capital (Living Melbourne: Greenprinting a Metropolis, 2019).

Not only does access to green space provide a reprieve from the mundane concrete jungle of a typical city, but it also provides a space for people to interact with flora and fauna and helps to create a healthier environment for inhabitants. Melbourne is one of the first major cities in the world to develop a “greenprinting” strategy. It will work to document the economic, social and environmental benefits that green spaces provide to communities (Living Melbourne: Greenprinting a Metropolis, 2019). In

creating a blueprint to nature, this strategy will effectively assist in the planning for a sustainable city and serve as an example of how to work towards a more sustainable future.

Living in south-east Melbourne, we are fortunate to have amazing nature walks, parks and green spaces in close proximity to our homes. Unfortunately, it doesn’t look like extensive travelling will be possible for the next little while, so why not take this as a blessing in disguise to get more familiar with the beautiful natural locations in your community and explore what Melbourne’s parks have to offer?

Visit Edithvale Wetlands and see if you can spy the birds and wildlife!

Meander through Braeside Park – take a trek through the Red Gum Woodlands or picnic on the green.

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Explore Frankston Beach, search for sea glass along the shore, brave the wind to discover the pier or take the beachside path – bush on one side and beach on the other.

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Enjoy a game at Cheltenham Park while getting some Vitamin D and fresh air.

Head to Karkarook Park for a lap around the lake and a barbeque lunch.

Although it might feel overwhelming to make a difference to the environmental situation in Melbourne, small steps can be taken. These will help to maintain the sustainability of our environment and ensure that it continues to receive the attention it deserves. Some easy actions include: - Composting your food and green waste to save it from going into landfill: this also creates the best garden fertiliser!

- Ensure that you are disposing of waste correctly: recycle your soft plastics at the local supermarket, compost food waste, and make sure recycling is going in the correct bin.

- Planting a vegetable garden: growing herbs, fruits and vegetables is a great achievement and it feels amazing to be able to eat what you have grown yourself. There are also a range of other benefits to gardening, including having to purchase less items at the supermarket, and having a garden space is a nice plus which promotes your local ecosystem by encouraging insects in the area. You are also consuming food with zero food miles as it only has to travel from your garden to your kitchen – this reduces CO2 emissions associated with the transportation of food.

Little steps do add up and with all of our efforts combined we can create a great result for our environment.

REFERENCES City of Melbourne, n.d., ‘Future Melbourne Goal 1 - A city that cares for its environment’ City of Melbourne, viewed February 15 2021 <https://www.melbourne.vic.gov.au/about-melbourne/future-melbourne/future-melbourne-2026-plan/Pages/goal-1-a-citythat-cares-for-its-environment.aspx>.

Economist Intelligence Unit, 2019, ‘The Global Liveability Index 2019’, The Economist Intelligence Unit, viewed 15 February 2021 <https://www.cbeinternational.ca/pdf/Liveability-Free-report-2019.pdf>.

Foreground, 2017, ‘Garden Cities no more: Australia’s leafy urban centres are under pressure’, Foreground, viewed 15 February 2021 <https://www.foreground.com.au/parks-places/garden-cities-no-australias-leafy-urban-centres-pressure/>.

‘Living Melbourne: Greenprinting a Metropolis’, 2019, The Nature Conservancy Australia, viewed 15 February 2021 <https://www. natureaustralia.org.au/what-we-do/our-insights/perspectives/living-melbourne-greenprinting-a-metropolis/>.

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