Yak Magazine - April 2017 Issue

SUSTAINABILITY

Issue 40 // April 2017

By Students, for Students

Beneath the crown of thorns // Gravity: Under attack! // Make change your way // UON’s green commitment // Who makes my clothes? //

Yak Magazine // April 2017

Yak Magazine The Sustainability Issue Issue 40 // April 2017

We are Yak Media: the University of Newcastle’s student media channel, run by UON students. Our three platforms: Yak Magazine, Yak Online, and Yak TV – are run by dedicated teams of students.

Yak works hard to bring you stories covering all aspects of student life, from health and wellbeing, to travel and entertainment, to politics and study tips.

Let us know if you like what we do, have any suggestions for story ideas, or if you would like to get involved.

EDITORIAL

Managing Editor // Sarah Webb Managing Digital Editor // Jack Moran Promotions Coordinator // Nadene Budden Editor // Sophie Austin Editor // Angelique Carr Editor // Chris Daniel Editor // Bridget Gunn Editor // Nikola Jokanovic Editor // Kieran Resevsky

DESIGN

Lead Graphic Designer // Jackie Brock

SUBMISSIONS 1

The Yak editorial team is always on the look out for passionate student writers and graphic designers to contribute to Yak Online and Yak Magazine. If you would like to take the opportunity to get your work published, please send a sample of your writing or graphic design work to: yakmedia@newcastle.edu.au

Stay connected www.yakatuon.com facebook.com/YakMedia

CONTRIBUTORS

Writer // Sally Barker Writer // Amy Mckenna Writer // Nick Smit Writer // Monique Smith Illustrator // Ella Brack Fragale Illustrator // Reid McManus Illustrator // Steffi Michalski Illustrator // Richard O’Regan

Cover art

Cover illustration // Emma Dawes Cover design // Jackie Brock

twitter.com/YakMedia instagram.com/YakMedia yakmedia@newcastle.edu.au

Yak Magazine is a free publication supported by Student Central at the University of Newcastle © 2017. www.newcastle.edu.au Check out Yak Online!

Scan here.

Printed by PrintCentre on Callaghan Campus.

Yak Magazine // April 2017

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contents 03 // Editor’s Letter 04 // Have Your Yak: Editorial 05 // Have Your Yak: Students 07 // Who makes my clothes?

09 // Mass Debate: Are organic foods living up to the cost?

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10 // Organic farming and sustainability 11 // Biomimicry: The future of engineering 13 // What do you do to be more environmentally sustainable?

15 // Liftango: UON’s growing carpool community 19 // Clubs and Societies: Environment club 20 // Five Tips: To live greener 21 // Creative Writing: Gravity under attack!

23 // Beneath the crown of thorns

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24 // Study Snapshot: Beyond fossil fuels 25 // UON’s green commitment 29 // Make change your way 31 // Health: Healthy garden, healthy you 32 // A Day in the Life: Eco-warrior 33 // What’s On

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Yak Magazine // April 2017

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Image courtesy of Unsplash // Benjamin Combs

Editor’s Letter To me, the word ‘sustainability’ means so much more than just taking care of the Earth. Sustainability is everything that is good: body, heart, and soul.

This issue, I couldn’t be more excited about having an opportunity to showcase some of the efforts of individuals and groups who work towards building a sustainable future, and who strive to live an eco-conscious life.

If you’d like to read about the sustainability initiatives that are happening at UON, we got it. Or, if you’d like to read about what other students are doing to be environmentally sustainable, we’ve got that covered too.

We also look forward to sharing other topics such as the phenomenon of biomimicry, sustainable fashion, and making political change as a student.Yak also had our very own op-shop challenge. How did we go? Watch the video on Yak’s YouTube channel to find out.

Instead of proposing grand ways of living sustainably, I believe that every small effort we make adds up and its power is immeasurable. Some of us can’t afford solar panels or hybrid cars, but doing something as simple as properly disposing of waste or picking up litter can definitely help.

‘Sustainable’ is a choice we make every single day. It’s a maintenance plan where we constantly make little and big decisions that allow us to exist in productive harmony with nature.

Good planets are hard to come by these days, so we should properly acknowledge the impact that the built environment has on our access to finite resources, conscientiously.

While working on this issue, the Yak team and I have really enjoyed getting to know the people, materials, concepts and practices that make living consciously possible. I, together with my amazing team, am happy to share our findings with readers!

It’s no longer about who is going green, but who’s doing it best.

Sarah and the Yak team!

Yak Magazine // April 2017

HAVE YOUR YAK // Editorial Team “What is a recycling crime that you’ve committed?”

Sarah Webb Managing Editor

Jack Moran Managing Digital Editor

“I’m constantly buying “Hoarding Chinese takeaway containers, never reusing them.” journals and notebooks that I think look nice, even though I barely use them.”

Nadene Budden Promotions Coordinator

Sophie Austin Editor

“Constantly buying and drinking bottles of water.

Every time I try to use my proper water bottle, it gets left in some obscure spot.”

“I blow my nose with five tissues.... so much waste!”

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Angelique Carr Editor

Chris Daniel Editor

Bridget Gunn Editor

Nikola Jokanovic Editor

“Not taking the labels off or removing the lids from bottles.”

“Not recycling at all and just chucking everything in the black bin.”

“Used tissues can be recycled, right?”

“Have accidentally put an apple core in the yellow recycling bins at uni a few times now.”

Kieran Resevsky Editor

Jackie Brock Lead Graphic Designer

“I put recyclables in plastic bags.” “I accidentally put food in the paper only bin at the Design building once and it went over all of the paper.”

Yak Magazine // April 2017

HAVE YOUR YAK // VOX POPS What do you think is an important issue facing the environment today?

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John Kwong Bachelor of Civil Engineering

Lucinda Regan Bachelor of Arts

Jessica Rouse Bachelor of Communication

“Overuse of fossil fuels.”

“Animal Agriculture! (Go vegan, save the planet, save the animals, save yourself).”

“Coal-mining. Taking up valuable, natural environment, and gases/ smoke emissions being released into the environment.”

Michael Almond Bachelor of Engineering (Mechatronics) / Bachelor of Mathematics

Waleeja Zahoor Bachelor of Civil Engineering

Katie Maclean Bachelor of Visual Communication Design

“People not ‘believing’ climate change is happening.”

“Natural resource depletion and overuse of fossil fuels, leading to global warming.”

“Humans and their idiocy.”

Yak Magazine // April 2017

Christopher Palmer Bachelor of Civil Engineering

Samantha Holland Bachelor of Social Science

Jack Morgan Bachelor of Mathematics

“Governments neglecting to move forward on issues brought about by global warming.”

“Global warming. It’s important because it effects the whole of the Earth with complicated ways to solve it.”

“Rising sea levels due to melting ice caps threatening coastal towns, almost 80% of Australia’s population.”

Alex Coburn Bachelor of Law / Arts

Mic Easdown Bachelor of Engineering (Mechatronics) / Bachelor of Business

Brianna Henderson Bachelor of Secondary Teaching Education

“Developing renewable technologies and slowing global warming.”

“Cleaning up plastic from oceans and waterways.”

“The misuse of non-recycable materials and lack of sustainable resources.”

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Yak Magazine // April 2017

Who Makes My Clothes?

Sophie Austin is here to tell you why fashion bargains may be costing the Earth more than a few bucks.

Shopping for clothes has become all too easy these days. If we like something, we buy it, we wear it. However, the crowd favourite white tee has more consequences than consumers might think.

In 2013, 1134 workers were killed when a factory collapsed in Rana Plaza, Bangladesh. A year earlier, a company fire claimed the lives of 112 employees in the same country. In 2015, another fire killed 72 people in a footwear factory in the Philippines.

What all these companies have in common is their function as ‘sweatshops’.

Manufacturing in sweatshop conditions is still a trend for big name companies across Australia. These supply chains often operate in poor conditions and pay low wages for long days of labour. This means mass production at the expense of the workers’ health and safety. And it all happens behind closed doors, masked by five dollar bargains and flash sales.

Enter Fashion Revolution, a not-for-profit organisation advocating a sustainable future for fashion. The people at Fashion Revolution encourage consumers to ask, “who made my clothes?” and believe that “fashion can be made in a safe, clean and beautiful way… where creativity, quality, environment and people are valued equally”.

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Founder and Global Operations Director at Fashion Revolution, Carry Somers, said her organisation believes 1134 is too many people to lose from the planet in one factory. “The Rana Plaza was a metaphorical call to arms,” she said. “That’s when Fashion Revolution was born.”

“There have been many improvements in the fashion supply chain since the dust had settled on the Rana Plaza disaster. The Bangladesh Accord is a significant milestone towards better working conditions in Bangladesh, and hopefully throughout the industry.

“What will really keep factories compliant is when all workers have a voice and they can speak out when something is wrong.

Fashion Revolution is working to re-connect the supply chain, showing the faces and giving a voice to the makers of our clothes, highlighting their stories, and showing where change still needs to happen.”

“We want people around the world to show their label and ask #whomademyclothes.”

Fashion Revolution hosts an annual Fashion Revolution Week, which prompts numerous businesses and individuals to support sustainable fashion.

“As in previous years, brands and retailers will be challenged to take responsibility for the individuals and communities on which their business depends,” Somers said.

“We want people around the world to show their label and ask #whomademyclothes. We want every stakeholder in the fashion supply chain – retailers, brands, factories, private label manufacturers – to demonstrate transparency and show us the people who make our clothes, answering with the hashtag #imadeyourclothes.”

Yak Magazine // April 2017

Owner of eco-fashion brand Santa Fe Gypsy, Rose Martinelli, is a local leader in self-sustainable business. Her fabrics have traveled far and wide to make it to her sewing station.

“Most of [my] fabrics are from smaller villages… hill tribe women… Shipibo women; networks and communities that process on a very small level,” Martinelli said.

Everything is handmade, hand-dyed and hand-cured. Some things, for example a blanket or a scarf, would take up to anywhere between three to four weeks to complete and sometimes go through five different hands.

“Nothing’s wasted as well,” Martinelli said. “When something is cut, something else will be made from the offcut pieces like a belt, a leg cuff, or put back on other fabrics.”

Being a nomadic spirit, Martinelli has taken part in the birthing of these fabrics and said the conditions differ greatly from her knowledge of sweatshop factories.

“There is no manager, there is no middle person,” she said.

“I spent some time with them and I’m spending time in their home setting, as well as their work setting. Women are sitting around, integrating with nature and laughing.

“I’ve never been into a workshop factory, but there is a major difference. People are segregated and there is a big mass production of ‘one after the other’. There’s no real sense of connection between what the material is.”

“Keep swapping, keep changing, buy used instead of brand new, invest in small, quality hand pieces here and there. Just enjoy that process of recyclable fashion.”

Yet, even Martinelli admits that breaking the habit of unsustainable shopping is hard. “We are living in a world where there’s big industries providing us with very cheap alternatives that are tempting at times,” she said. “The mind does go there in the sense of habit.”

Her advice is to “keep swapping, keep changing, buy used instead of brand new, invest in small, quality hand pieces here and there. Just enjoy that process of recyclable fashion”.

Somers echoes the advice, suggesting that millennials will drive the change needed. “[They are] a generation who have been exposed to new and powerful stories about their clothes and are asking new and powerful questions,” she said.

“Who made them? Where? What are their pay and conditions like? What quality of life can garment workers have? What are the environmental consequences of clothing’s manufacture?”

Fashion Revolution Week will commence on the Monday, April 24. Martinelli will also be showcasing her designs in RAW Newcastle on Thursday, May 25.

Photos courtesy of Rose Martinelli

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Yak Magazine // October 2016

Mass Debate // Are organic foods living up to the cost?

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Amy Mckenna // Yes

Sally Barker // No

There are many reasons why the Australian Organics Industry is worth almost one billion dollars, with organic consumption at a record high. Most Australians, under the age of 35, spend an average of $104 per week on food. Even if you are a student on a budget, the ethical benefits of organic food outweigh the increased cost, and here’s why.

Organic foods are produced by farming methods that do not incorporate the use of synthetic chemicals or genetically modified components. They are portrayed by some to be a healthier option to foods produced via conventional farming techniques. However, studies have shown there is no nutritional benefit of eating organically, and pesticides are still able to be used in organic farming techniques.

The main reason for the extra cost of organic foods is the stringent process and high standards in earning organic certification.

A farm must operate under strict organic principles for three years before it can earn certification. The rigorous standards ensure organic foods are at the highest quality, free from toxic pesticides, hormones and genetic modification (GMO), as well as guaranteeing animal welfare and environmental sustainability.

“Organic food has a multitude of benefits and is definitely worth the few extra dollars added to your weekly shop.”

Although the strenuous farming procedures involved are reason enough for the increased price, many Australians buy organic food because it has increased health benefits. The Victorian Government states that organic food has lower nitrate levels, higher vitamin C and higher levels of selenium because it is non-GMO, and less chemicals are used within its production.

With the known benefits of vitamin C in increasing the immune system, a couple of extra dollars spent on organic food could save hundreds spent on fighting the common cold each year.

Buying organic food also supports smaller farms who frequently produce organic food and can’t compete with bigger companies in terms of cost.

Organically farmed animals are also treated with respect.

Chickens are free range, cows are not kept in feed lots, electric cattle prods are banned, and animals are kept free of disease and health issues with the use of cleaner farming practices.

Organic food has a multitude of benefits and is definitely worth the few extra dollars added to your weekly shop. If you enjoy your meat tenderised by electrocution and pumped-up with antibiotics, then by all means, buy non-organic. For me, I think I’ll fork out the extra few bucks.

“In Australia, naturally occurring pesticides are approved for use in organic farming.”

Researchers from Stanford University conducted a systematic review and meta-analysis of 237 articles in 2012, centred around comparing nutrient and/or contamination levels of various food products (both organically and conventionally grown). They concluded that there was no significant difference in health benefits found between organically and conventionally grown foods, as the vitamin and nutrient content were the same.

In Australia, naturally occurring pesticide substances are approved for use in organic farming techniques. These include biological substances, pyrethrins, light oils and copper.

Organic foods are not necessarily pesticide-free which is a misconception that has been broadcasted time and time again by those advocating purchasing organically.

Food Standards Australia and New Zealand is the food industry watchdog. They have very specific limits on pesticide use in both conventional and organic farming methods. These levels are closely monitored and enforced by State government bodies – in NSW, it’s the NSW Food Authority. Then there’s the Department of Agriculture who undertake the annual National Residue Survey to manage the risk of chemical residues and environmental contaminants in the food supply.

It’s more important to strive for the recommended two fruit and five vegetable servings each day, which only 5.1 percent of Australian adults are doing today. Regardless of whether those servings are organically or conventionally farmed, better health is going to be achieved. Why make it cost any more than it should?

Yak Magazine // October 2016

Organic farming and sustainability Is organic farming really the most sustainable way to produce food? Jack Moran investigates.

Organic farming can be defined as agriculture that rejects the use of pesticides, fertilisers, genetically modified organisms and growth hormones.

Organic proponents, however, would argue that this is too simple a definition and that the organic farming movement is a more holistic system of farming that seeks to produce food in a way that is both environmentally and socially conscious.

Either way, when we see and buy organically farmed products, we are often sold on the idea that they are better for the environment and humanity than conventionally produced items. We can see this in the packaging and the way such products are marketed.

But is organic really the most sustainable choice?

Some scientists would answer that question with a ‘no’, depending on what aspect of sustainability you are looking at.

According to a 2012 study by Verena Seufert, published in international science journal Nature, organic farming yields do not match those of conventional farming.

“Organic yields are typically lower than conventional yields,” Seufert said in her analysis of 66 studies comparing the yields of different crops grown on organic and conventional farms.

Her research found that organic crops yield 34 percent lower produce than conventionally grown crops, possibly due to nitrogen soil deficiencies that organic farming systems would not rectify with chemical fertilisers.

Crop yield, however, is only one of the metrics that farming sustainability can be judged by.

In a 2016 article he wrote for The Guardian, John Reganold – a professor of soil science and agroecology – said that a study he conducted analysed organic farming’s sustainability from the four-metrics set out by the US Academy of Science: productivity (as in yields), profit, environmental soundness and social justice.

He found that while organic farms have lower yields, they are also more profitable because consumers are willing to pay more. They are also more environmentally viable because they reduce the amount of chemicals affecting wider ecosystem around the farms.

The fertilisers needed to help plants overcome nitrogen deficiencies, for instance, usually result in nitrogen running off into waterways and oceans, which can have severe impacts on the ecology and health of areas both near to and far from farms.

Of course, that is not to say that all the farming practices eschewed by organic agriculture are inherently bad for the environment, or cannot contribute to more sustainable farming practices.

Take genetically modified (GM) organisms, for example, one of the most controversial elements of conventional farming biotechnology. While there are issues with GM crops – such as a lack of research into health effects, crop contamination and control by powerful companies – they can also positively impact sustainability.

From an environmental standpoint, GM crops can reduce the need for harmful pesticides by making plants more resistant to local pests.

This occurred when eggplant crops in Bangladesh were genetically modified to include a gene from bacteria that allowed crops to produce a natural compound that kills several pests, including the parasitic fruit and shoot borer that was devastating crops, but is harmless to other animals and humans. This means the crops could rely less on the pesticides that were polluting soil and water in rural areas.

Ultimately, there are some elements of conventional farming that are not sustainable and have a massive impact on the environment. Conversely, organic farming does not always produce the kinds of yields needed to support our world’s growing population.

The answer might lie, then, in rejecting the strident dichotomy between organic and conventional, which dominate the conversation around sustainable agriculture.

Reganold, in his article for The Guardian, recognises that there are other options for sustainable farming, including integrated farming systems that combine the most environmentally friendly and yield-producing aspects of both organic and conventional farming.

Illustration by Ella Brack Fragale

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Yak Magazine // April 2017

Biomimicry: The Future of Engineering Chris Daniel takes us through some technological breakthroughs inspired by Mother Nature.

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Through millions of years of successive improvement through natural selection, nature seems to have a solution for everything.

So how can we benefit in drawing from its influence?

similar properties to that of gecko feet, scientists conceptualised gloves with tiny hair like pillars to allow military personnel to stick and detach from sheer surfaces.

In the famous words of David Attenborough, “An understanding of the natural world and what’s in it is a source of not only great curiosity, but great fulfilment”.

The Fly A multifaceted camera consisting of 180 lenses, each connected to an individual photo detector was developed – an idea based on the common housefly that have 28,000 individual eye facets, each with their own lens and light sensing nerve.

“An understanding of the natural world and what’s in it is a source of not only great curiosity, but great fulfilment.”

Into the Deep Sharkskin-inspired swimsuits consist of countless overlapping scales that disrupt the formation of swirling water, allowing swimmers to move quickly in water.

You could spend your entire life devoted to natural sciences, yet still only discover a fraction of the things that the living world has to offer. Biomimicry is an approach to human innovation that has not only been inspired by these natural creations, but aims to enhance the human experience in the form of such advancements as regenerative medicine, tissue engineering and drug delivery.

Bulletproof Spider silk, one of natures toughest known natural fibres, has the potential to be stronger and more effective than high-grade steel. The potential behind its unique structure could find various uses, from surgical sutures, to protective military wear.

Known as ‘copying Mother Nature’, it takes the best ideas found in nature, analyses their uses and then imitates these designs to solve common problems we face in day-to-day life, through scientific methods and exploration.

Technological breakthroughs that take this inspiration from the natural world not only highlight the importance of ecological research, but also strive towards environmental conservation by strengthening our relationship with nature. It has the potential to change the way we grow food, make new materials, harness energy and heal ourselves.

Mission Impossible Much like Tom Cruise or even Spider Man, climbing walls was not far off from reality. By constructing a synthetic material using

Yak Magazine // April 2017

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Illustrations by Ella Brack Fragale

Yak Magazine // April 2017

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Yak Magazine // April 2017

What do you do to be more environmentally sustainable?

Kieran Resevsky asks students of UON what they do to be green.

Being environmentally sustainable is super important for the wellbeing of the planet and ourselves. There are plenty of small actions we can take to be environmentally sustainable.

We spoke with a few students to find out some of the things they do in their day-to-day life to contribute to the sustainability and long term health of our dear planet. So, what do you do to be environmentally sustainable?

...As an environmentalist?

“I’m environmentally sustainable through simple things around the home, such as turning off lights when I’m out of the room, using energy-saving globes, recycling anything recyclable and growing a herb and veggie garden using organic methods. I also cut showers short and use environmentally-safe, biodegradable cleaning products.”

- Ayrton James Donegan, Bachelor of Environmental Science.

..As a business woman?

“In most things I do, I try to be as sustainable as I can, as its important for all of our futures. I regularly swap to a vegetarian option when I can, which is a really easy way to be sustainable, as I’m avoiding high methane production industries. Buying local is another simple way to love the planet, as the shorter transport time for the produce or goods causes a huge reduction in that products negative footprint; the closer to home, the less C02 released on its way to you. Plus, it’s also great to support your local community at the same time. Finally, I try an opt for public transport over the car, when I can. That bus is running with or without you.”

...As a media worker?

- Alison Walsh, Bachelor of Business / Bachelor of Commerce.

- Jarrod Epere, Bachelor of Communication.

“I always take my own reusable bags to the shops to avoid plastics when I can, as well as using my own Pyrex containers for lunches, to save on waste. I only use natural cleaning products and body products where possible too. I’ve decided not to buy a car, and continue using public transport, as this is a great yet simple way to help the environment. There are some small things I do as well, such as turning off the tap between brushing teeth and only watering my lawn in the evenings to avoid instant evaporation.”

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Yak Magazine // April 2017

Liftango: UON’s growing carpool community Kieran Resevsky learns that the ride sharing app not only makes parking easier, but reduces the amount of transport emissions.

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Yak Magazine // April 2017

One of the most commonly overlooked ways to make a positive impact on the environment, is carpooling. However, once one understands how easy it is, along with the benefits it has on our environment, we might be calling ourselves a little ‘crazy’ if we don’t start to join the ride sharing crew!

Let us introduce Liftango, a new ride sharing app created through a collaboration of entrepreneurial Novocastrian’s and the University of Newcastle – all to help the environment and to take away the pressures of parking on campus.

Liftango is free to download on mobile devices and allows UON staff and students to offer their driving services, or request a ride with a driver offering a lift. Once the app has been downloaded, register with your UON email address and use it when you need to.

Alternatively, if you’re already driving to uni, login to the app to let others know, then pick up some passengers along the way.

The interface is super smooth and easy to understand, much like Uber. However, Liftango is free and you also get rewarded for using it. Plus, you don’t get matched with random strangers, but rather people who work and study at UON, with your safety in mind.

UON has previously had its own carpool system, though it had an average of 70 registered users each year. With Liftango’s fresh appeal, UON has had over 250 new users sign up within the first week of its launch. And with more people signing up today, you’ll be sure to find yourself a hassle-free ride.

Not only is using the app beneficial to the environment, but you also get the opportunity to make new friends and bond with people you may not have met under different circumstances.

And if that hasn’t piqued your interest, other incentives include a guaranteed parking space (do we need to go on?), as well as selected vouchers and rewards.

Since its launch, many students and staff have taken advantage of Liftango’s benefits and have given positive reviews. We also found it to be super easy to use (and trust us, we’re not tech geniuses). A free ride to uni, a handsomely positioned parking space designated just for us, new friends, and a chance to help the environment… what’s not to love?

Do yourself and the environment a favour this semester.

Download Liftango and join UON’s growing carpool community.

Not only will you know you’re doing something good for the planet through reduced transport emissions, but you’ll score yourself a great parking spot and some other awesome rewards.

What are you waiting for?

To download the app, search for ‘Liftango’ in the App Store on your mobile device.

Illustration by Richard O’Regan

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Illustration by Ella Brack Fragale

Yak Magazine // April 2017

Clubs & Societies // Environment Club Do you feel strongly about the environment and wish to make a positive impact?

If yes, then Sarah Webb might just have the club for you.

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If you’re passionate about the environment and looking to get involved with clean-ups, campaigning and conservation projects, then the Environment Club (NUSEC) could be what you’re looking to join on campus.

As humas, we’re completely reliant on the systems of the natural world. Sure, it’s an overwhelming concept, but we only have fresh water, clean air and food growing because of the world around us.

NUSEC helps clean up our rivers and beaches, assisting with bush regeneration and spreading the word about sustainability, making them one of the most environmentally conscious groups at UON.

Ultimately, our behaviours and the ideologies of big business and current politics continue to inflict damage upon the environment, which disrupts the natural systems we rely upon and undermines our own livelihood.

NUSEC Convenor, Scott Monro, said NUSEC aims to raise awareness and spread messages of sustainability as well as connect people with nature.

“We want all UON students to be aware of how the world functions and to be conscious of our environmental impact,” Scott said. “That understanding then naturally leads people to adopt sustainable behaviours and participate in environmental actions.”

“At the heart of it all, environmental issues affect everyone; every person of any background, nationality, race, religion, age, gender identity and orientation.”

“The Club is an avenue to educate everyone about sustainability and encourage them to get involved with environmental activities, from planting trees and pollution clean-ups, to campaigning for action on climate change,” he said.

Already the Club have done landcare and clean-up activities off campus, visiting national parks, beaches, the Jenolan Caves, and have a regular mid-semester getaway to South West Rocks.

“We’re just doing our bit for nature,” Scott said. “We feel an obligation to protect it for future generations because it’s going to be our kids struggling with a degraded environment, polluted oceans and a dangerous climate.”

And the action starts with you. To reduce the amount of waste we generate, don’t use disposable coffee cups and cutlery, say “no” to plastic bags, bring your own water bottle to class or work, and take your reusable green bags wherever you go. Or take it a step further and encourage your friends and family to do the same.

At the heart of it all, environmental issues affect everyone; every person of any background, nationality, race, religion, age, gender identity and orientation. Every conscious effort, no matter how small or large, is one step further to a sustainable future.

To join NUSEC, email them at nusec.uon@gmail.com. There are many more student clubs and societies at UON. Head to newcastle.edu.au/current-students/campus-environment/ campus-life/clubs-and-societies/find-a-club.

Yak Magazine // April 2017

Five Tips // To live greener Sarah Webb shares her five tips to go greener... besides just recycling.

The annual Earth Day is fast approaching on Saturday, April 22, and what better way to celebrate than by greening it up at home? Being intentionally eco-wise is about celebrating and appreciating what we’ve been given in this world and passing on those values to the next generation. It’s just good economics – in our home and budget, and with the Earth.

3. Start a compost pile in your yard If you try to buy local, organic and farm-fresh foods, it can be hard with budgets tightening and food costs increasing.

However, compost gardening allows you to compost your leftover foods and produce scraps, then grow your own garden.

After all, what’s more organic and local than that?

There are heaps of little things we can do to play a small part in reducing waste, cleaning the air, and preserving the natural landscape. If we make the following, inexpensive tips a habit, they’ll likely become second nature.

4. Have a yard sale One person’s trash can be someone else’s treasure. Why not host a yard sale instead of throwing old things away? Or better yet, regularly visit yard sales before you head to the shops to buy something new. This could save you money as well, as most yard sales sell things for a smaller price.

1. Take your mug to the coffee shop We all know how much the average uni student loves their coffee, right? By taking your own mug, some shops will even give you a discount. You’ll not only be helping the environment, but save some ‘biccies’ too.

2. Get planting It’s good to have a reminder around of where our food originates, and this one is super easy. Alternatively, you can buy a new houseplant for a greener home, if you’re not the ‘outdoorsy’ type. It’s also said that having a houseplant improves one’s health and indoor air quality.

5. Turn off your computer and mobile You may be sleeping, but is your computer? Even when in sleep mode, laptops, computers and mobile devices are still sucking up energy. Turn them all off at the end of the day to save some power. You’ll thank us later when you forget to charge your device for that 9am lecture, only to realise you saved power by turning it off the night before.

Artwork by Jackie Brock // Modified from original photo by Neslihan Gunaydin

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Yak Magazine // April 2017

Gravity: Under Attack!

In an alternate universe where people are inexplicably floating away, investigative reporter, Nick Smit, seeks the truth.

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Gravity: one of our fundamental understandings of the universe.

Indeed, ever since Isaac Newton discovered the phenomenon – and as some might argue, slightly before – gravity has played a significant role in human society and existence.

Now, even this foundational concept of our world is under attack.

But is this attack of a literal or merely metaphorical variety?

To unearth the answer to this burning question, your humble investigative journalist, Nick Smit, looks to deep-dive into this contentious and highly-contested issue.

“The polls claimed that a staggering 92 percent agreed in the reduced gravity theory, but this is not the end of the story.”

I started my investigation by considering the official polls regarding whether the public really do believe that calamity has resulted in the lessening of the Earth’s gravitational field.

The polls claimed that a staggering 92 percent agreed in the reduced gravity theory, but this is not the end of the story. In the interest of providing a fair and balanced debate, I sought out an alternative poll published in the March issue of Heavy Earth Society Monthly, and discovered a conflicting statistic.

Just three percent of the readership of Heavy Earth Society Monthly said that they believed in the existence of gravitational lessening, which might leave one struggling with who to believe.

After uncovering this detail, I wanted to dig deeper. I reached out to Heavy Earth Society directly. I met with the Editor, one Harold Green, to discuss the possible reasons behind these discrepancies.

“If you ask me, I think it’s some kind of hoax by our governments to distract us from the real issues,” Green said. “And if you’re about to ask about the weightlessness, I’ll have you know I’ve been on a damn good diet lately.”

Green described to me how he feels beset on all sides; by the media, the public, government officials and most notably, the scientific community.

Heavy Earth Society has come under harsh criticism by several teams of physicists claiming that they can prove the publication false through measurable evidence. But talkback radio host turned Editor, Green, remains adamant about telling the truth as he sees it.

“You know, I’ve talked to everyone I know – in my street, here at Heavy Earth Society – and none of them have floated away,” Green said. “It’s a hoax, I tell you. And let me ask you this: have

Yak Magazine // April 2017

22 Illustration by Reid McManus

you seen a photo of those people, pets and houses up in space that wasn’t published by NASA? I think not.”

Indeed, organisations such as NASA as well as the aforementioned elements of the scientific community, have come out in solid support of the gravitational lessening theory. But one scientist and reader of Heavy Earth Society, Dr Jeremy Faulkner, is determined to prove his peers wrong.

“There is absolutely no solid evidence to indicate the presence of a gravitational shift,” Faulkner said.

Unfortunately, the rest of his interview was rendered unintelligible as he had drifted away into the sky for a hitherto unexplained reason.

A flash issue article from Heavy Earth Society said that the phenomenon is, instead, the result of a series of abductions via Unidentified Flying Objects (UFOs) in the ownership of an alien cabal, or otherwise malignant extra-terrestrial force.

However, upon contacting the Xagnog Collective, I was informed by their telepathic interpreter that “it wasn’t [us], mate”.

Arguing that the shift in the positioning of the world’s water is merely the result of temperature, local politician and advocate for Heavy Earth Society, Wendy Saints, said “rising sea levels

are a well-documented consequence of climate change”.

While the spokesperson for lobbying group Make the Earth Gravitational Again refused to disagree with the statement by Saints and her team, they stated that “they might be missing the point”.

“The rest of his interview was rendered unintelligible as he had drifted away into the sky for a hitherto unexplained reason.”

Therefore, what can we take away from all of this? Inexplicable changes in human experience, the sudden and widespread disappearance and damage to people, pets and property, an almost unanimous scientific agreement, and shifts in weather and environmental patterns are the likes of which we’ve never seen.

What’s the verdict? In this humble journalist’s opinion, it’s still anyone’s game. The divide in opinion appears too great to decide either way. And so, I implore readers to keep the discussion going.

Yak Magazine // April 2017

Beneath the crown of thorns Amy Mckenna explores the dangers facing our beloved reefs and how we can save them.

The Earth’s marine ecosystems are under constant threat from climate change, pollution and overfishing. Given that 71 percent of the Earth’s surface is water, it is easy to understand why marine conservation is so important to the health of the world.

Unfortunately, much of the world’s marines are drastically declining, being left in a state of catastrophic environmental degradation.

Executive Director of the Central Coast Marine Discovery Centre (CCMDC), Jane Smith, said the protection of marine ecosystems is vital, with scientists estimating that 90 percent of the world’s coral reefs will disappear within the next 35 years.

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“Marine environments are incredibly important to us,” Jane said.

“It is estimated that marine algae produce over 50 percent of the oxygen in the atmosphere and coral reefs are biodiverse ecosystems. Many communities around the world rely on marine animals as a food source. Disrupting the balance in these ecosystems, due to human behaviours, could have significant consequences that are not yet fully understood.”

“Recent evidence indicates that we could lose about 90 percent of the world’s coral reefs in the next 35 years.

That means that the Great Barrier Reef could die within my lifetime.”

Australia is home to one of the most impressive marine ecosystems in the world, the Great Barrier Reef. It’s comprised of over 3000 individual reef systems and is larger than the Great Wall of China. Sadly, it has lost over half of its coral in the last 40 years, because of coral bleaching caused by human-induced climate change.

“The coral has a symbiotic relationship with zooxanthellae,” Jane said. “When the coral gets stressed, they expel the zooxanthellae, which results in the bleaching. Although some corals recover, it appears that recovery is becoming even more difficult.”

Jane also said the Australian government needs to do more to save the Reef. “There are some efforts to reduce runoff pollution around the Great Barrier Reef; however, the biggest threat to it is climate change. We seem to be going backwards on addressing this,” she said.

Image courtesy of Unsplash // Scott Webb

“Recent evidence indicates that we could lose about 90 percent of the world’s coral reefs in the next 35 years. That means that the Great Barrier Reef could die within my lifetime.”

Jane uses the Hawksbury Shelf Bioregion as another example of where the government is going wrong.

“The NSW Government is also slow to move on a marine protected area for the Hawkesbury Shelf Bioregion. The Hawkesbury Bioregion is the only one along the NSW coast that still doesn’t have a marine protected area declared,” Jane said.

The Bioregion is one of five along the NSW coast and, unlike the rest, still has not been declared a marine protected area.

This means the Hawksbury Shelf Bioregion, which extends from Newcastle to Wollongong, is subject to overfishing, habitat loss and pollution.

Fortunately, Jane said people have the power to make everyday changes to limit their impact on marine environments.

“The number one thing people should be doing is reducing their use of disposable plastic and containers,” she said.

“I am still amazed at how many people still use plastic bags for their shopping. That is one of the things we are trying to educate people about at the CCMDC. We want people to fall in love with our marine and coastal environments, and then take actions that protect and care for those environments.”

Jane explains that it is important for us, as citizens, to voice our concerns about Australia’s marine ecosystems to bring about change.

“We all need to make choices in our daily lives that help us be part of the solution and not part of the problem,” she said. “We need to have a voice. Our democracy relies on each of us being an active and engaged citizen. Write a letter, sign a petition, attend a protest, educate others, talk to a politician – have a voice!”

If you want to find out more about marine sustainability, you can contact the Central Coast Marine Discovery Centre on 4349 4756 (Mon – Thu), or go to their website ccmdc.org.au.

Yak Magazine // April 2017

Study Snapshot // Beyond fossil fuels

Nikola Jokanovic sits down with Professor Christopher Grof to discuss the future of viable, clean energy through sorghum biofuel.

Conversation surrounding the place that fossil fuels have in our ecologically fragile world have been at a hellish pitch for some time now. The hilariously blunt headline ‘Scott Morrison holds a lump of coal in Parliament’, courtesy of the ABC, can attest to this.

“It is a very hearty crop, and unlike sugarcane, the whole of the plant can be broken down for use, rather than only the juice extracted. Farmers around the world already know how to grow it and, since it’s not a human food source, there’s no issue over it competing with our food supply.”

Beyond parliamentary props, researchers are busy developing renewable energy options that may challenge and lessen fossil fuel’s grip on Australia’s energy sector. With ongoing research at UON, Professor Christopher Grof is working on what could viably shake our reliance on non-renewables; biofuel derived from the versatile and little-known plant sorghum.

Grof’s work continues at UON with a $500,000 ARC grant, which a sorghum greenhouse has been built from. Just beyond the Botanical Sciences block, the greenhouse is specifically designed to grow a large variety of sorghum genetic types, some of which can grow to a near-climbable five metres.

“Fossil fuels are on their way out, and crop-derived biofuel has a solid foot in the door as a successor.”

The sorghum plant is widely grown in Australia as livestock feed.

Although it may seem worlds away from the race to viable clean energy, sorghum and similar plants have long been studied and used as a source from which bioethanol is derived and used as a biofuel. Grof said that this has been ongoing, worldwide work.

“Brazil are world leaders in utilising crops and bioethanol for transport fuel,” he said. “Around 30 percent of their transport fuel is derived from sugarcane. A fair proportion of maize grown in the US is used as a biofuel, and that work is endorsed by the US government; they’re looking to reach a target where a third of their fuel is plant-derived.”

Much of this work has focused on sugarcane, a crop Grof himself has worked on for 13 years with the CSIRO. Grof has now turned his attention towards sorghum due to its great untapped potential as a biofuel crop. “Sorghum is able to be grown in arid conditions and with little water, and can therefore occupy unused areas inland,” he said.

“Sorghum is a very genetically diverse crop,” Grof said. “In our research, we’re interested in the plant lines that produce the most sugar for fermentation into bioethanol. If we can understand the genetics, our aim is to identify genetic lines that produce the highest amount of sugar, so that these lines can be sold to farmers for potential use as a biofuel.”

The fact of the modern-day matter is that fossil fuels are on their way out, and crop-derived biofuel has a solid foot in the door as a successor. Brazil demonstrates the economic feasibility of these new fuel possibilities.

“Brazil were very forward thinking and, since they didn’t have easy access to petroleum in the 1970s, they sought selfsufficiency with sugarcane biofuel,” Grof said. “The US too would now like to not be reliant on petroleum. This is the big push for energy self-sufficiency.”

To learn more about Professor Grof’s work, head to newcastle. edu.au/profile/chris-grof.

Image courtesy of Unsplash // Ramus Landgreen

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Yak Magazine // April 2017

UON’s green commitment

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Angelique Carr explores the many sustainability initiatives happening at UON.

Yak Magazine // April 2017

Named one of the ‘Smart Cities’ to look out for in 2017 by National Geographic Traveler, Newcastle is a world leader in innovation. This is due in no small part to the University of Newcastle and the world class research we produce. The University is a leader, in our local community and on a national scale, and it has a responsibility to pave the way for a more sustainable future.

The University has long been ranked as one of the highest in the world when it comes to engineering and STEM research. The Callaghan campus has been the birthplace and testing ground for many new technologies, such as photovoltaic paint and solar cells that can be printed or even painted onto surfaces.

“The University is a leader, in our local community and on a national scale, and it has a responsibility to pave the way for a more sustainable future.”

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Using new polymer technologies, the hope is to create a commercially viable printing machine that can mass-produce large sheets of plastic covered in this paint. A standard roof covered in these sheets could make enough energy for a standard household, and can be installed at a fraction of the cost of traditional solar panels.

This technology was invented by Professor Dastoor in the laboratories of the Newcastle Institute of Energy and Resources (NIER). Many different projects, from fields such as biofuel, geology and solar energy, are run by NIER. Their research and innovations are created with a focus on expanding the renewable energies used in Australia and reducing the carbon imprint of current mining technologies.

We spoke with the Director of NIER, Alan Broadfoot, who told me about their sustainability work on campus. “We’re using the University as a testbed for some of our equipment and technologies,” he said. à

Yak Magazine // October April 2017 2016

While there are some NIER-produced technologies on campus, such as the polymer solar surge outputs on top of the medical science building, ultimately the University is looking to redesign the whole campus to achieve a sustainability accreditation.

“Most of our inefficiencies are in the design of our buildings, which are over 50 years old… It’s very expensive to retrofit when you know that you’re going to replace a lot of the space on campus,” Broadfoot said. “I think the objective of the University is; how do we transform the University as we reinvest into the infrastructure? The NIER Building – we made sure it was at the highest environmental, energy sustainable levels, and we ended up securing several awards for it.”

UON is a main backer in the Newcastle Riparian Connections project managed by Wetland Care Australia. This project aims to re-establish the health of the wetlands surrounding the Callaghan campus, including reducing the breeding grounds of mosquitos, which have been known to carry the virus for Ross River Fever.

The new City campus has been designed to achieve a Five Star Green Star Certification rating, while older buildings have been refurbished to achieve a four-star rating.

equivalent greenhouse gas emissions produced by the

We cannot ignore Newcastle’s history and status as mining town, which is a major source for our economy. NIER works with companies both locally and on a national scale that mine for and process fossil fuels.

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wildlife. The UON Community Garden, for example, tends to the garden beds on Callaghan campus. Their members also help environmental projects in the wider community, such as assisting the local landcare group in Wangi tackle the harmful asparagus fern on the Wangi Peninsula, in February this year.

“If we’re involved in coal processing, it’s more about looking at industries that use a lot of energy,” Broadfoot said. “We’re reducing energy use and water use of industries across Australia that have a significant impact. And reducing energy use is also reducing carbon emissions.”

Much of the research done is aimed at reducing the amount of greenhouse gases released, water used, and increasing efficiency of the energy produced by mining.

“Ultimately, we have to create an alternative baseload and restructure our grid structures, and that’s what we’re involved with. I think the question is, no one believes we’ll be burning coal in however many years to come, but how we’ll be using it. So, for example, we’re doing research into direct carbon fuel cells. We’re looking at carbon in solar cells, so it’s a case of what we’ll be using our resources for.”

In 2015, the University launched its three-year Environmental Sustainability Plan, set to finish this year. The ultimate goal is to reduce the CO2 and equivalent greenhouse gas emissions produced by the University by 20 percent, by the year 2020.

This will be done by making each campus more sustainable and energy efficient. The plan finishes this year and will be improved upon after review.

On campus, there are many student-run groups that work to make our environment more sustainable and friendly to native

“The ultimate goal is to reduce the CO2 and University by 20 percent, by the year 2020. This will be done by making each campus more sustainable and energy efficient.”

The University has also driven sustainable transport initiatives since 2014. UON claims that the two bike hubs on Callaghan campus, each with 52 bike rakes and 42 lockers, is consistently at capacity and encourages more people to ride to the campus.

There are also many free workshops throughout the year that teach skills such as bike maintenance and road safety for cyclists.

This year has seen the development of the Liftango ridesharing app, a free service designed to match up students looking to carpool. You may have seen the parking spaces reserved for this type of ridesharing. There are 39 on Callaghan campus and eight at the Ourimbah campus.

The University has too maintained and supported groups such as Champions4Change. The program supports and recognizes everyday environmental ‘champions’. This can be either students or staff, who make sure their work and study environment is the most efficient and environment-friendly it can be, by reducing water usage, conserving electricity and making sure as much waste as possible is recycled.

If you want to get involved in sustainability on campus, you can get in contact with UON Volunteers through the University website. Students can participate in bushland projects by contacting the University Student Landcare Group via Facebook at facebook.com/groups/uni.callaghan.landcare/.

Yak Magazine // April 2017

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Illustration by Steffi Michalski

Yak Magazine // April 2017

Make change your way You can make positive, political change in your community, but how?

Monique Smith chats with some UON political club members to find out.

As students, we can make great change, but how does one go about it?

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For some, politics is something far away and unreachable; something they aspire to get involved in one day, but don’t see any way to do so now. However, at UON, there are students who are determined not to make this the case, who have now formed clubs and societies to make a difference right here, right now.

“To create a desire for change, it is essential to raise awareness of the issue to be fixed.”

These clubs are open to all students and are an excellent starting point for anyone with an interest in politics and making a difference. We spoke with members of the Environment Club (NUSEC), The United Nations Society (UNS) and the Labor Club to find out how you can make positive change in your community and on campus.

Each club and society offers different advice for those wishing to get started in politics and create political change, but they have one thing in common: encouraging students to explore their political interests.

If you have an interest in exploring politics through the sustainability of the environment, NUSEC focuses on raising environmental consciousness and spreading the message of sustainability. The Club also aims to connect people with nature and make them aware of how their actions impact the environment. NUSEC Convenor, Scott Monro, said “many people, unfortunately, do not realise that [we] are completely reliant on the systems of the natural world”.

To create a desire for change, it’s essential to raise awareness of the issue to be fixed. Therefore, NUSEC holds workshops and film-nights that address key environmental issues like plastic pollution, land clearing and climate change.

“Our own behaviours and the ideologies of politicians continue to inflict damage upon the environment, which disrupts the natural systems that determine our livelihood,” Scott said.

Joining NUSEC gives students an opportunity to be involved in making a difference within the local community; however, their activities also allow for change on a much bigger scale.

NUSEC activities include planting trees, pollution clean-ups, campaigning and meeting with members of parliament to discuss environmental concerns.

There are a lot of opportunities for students to network and express their beliefs, while working towards their ambitions for the environment.

“This engagement with representatives, and others with a passion for social justice and strong economic policy, is important for young people.”

Did you know that Newcastle is a United Nations City? Well it is, and the United Nations Society founded by Albina Gayoso, the Club President, is a response. The purpose of UNS is to provide a platform for young leaders to make their first steps in their diplomatic career.

“Our Society can be described as a trampoline for those who would like to get involved and change the world,” Albina said.

Yak Magazine // April 2017

Photo courtesy of Tim Mouton

Change can occur in many ways and it doesn’t always need to make a massive impact to count. UNS offers students an opportunity to start small and, over time, develop the confidence to start making bigger changes. This occurs through experience, as well as a certainty in one’s beliefs and their ability to make a difference.

Joining UNS offers students the chance to practice their negotiating and public speaking skills, listen to the experiences of United Nations professionals, and build positive relations with international stakeholders during networking events.

Students will essentially receive the necessary skills to become a successful public servant.

The Labor Club aims to provide students a platform they can use to engage in progressive politics at UON. With its strong focus on social democracy, it uses its core values and policies to engage with the student population. It also offers students a place to explore their own political views and the opportunity to engage with other like-minded students.

President of the Labor Club, Giacomo Arnott, said “the inclusivity of those with different views is central to our engagement with students”. There are also opportunities to engage with local members of parliament and senators, as well as people in the Australian Labor Party. This allows students to begin to make change, as it allows their voices to be heard by those who are influential in the world of politics.

“This engagement with representatives, and others with a passion for social justice and strong economic policy, is important for young people,” Giacomo said.

The Labor Club actively involves itself in a large variety of issues such as penalty rates, the cost of university degrees, the

environment, marriage equality and women’s support services.

These issues are engaged through debates, meetings, social gatherings and through social media.

“This engagement is central to what we do, and these issues impact the lives of young people in our region and who attend the University,” Giacomo said.

The Labor Club hosts a variety of social and policy events.

Networking is an essential skill and these events allow students to develop connections with people who can help them kickstart their careers in the local community.

If this has piqued your interest in politics and make positive change, or meet students with like-minded interests, join one of UON’s political clubs this year.

To see more political clubs that you can join, head to newcastle. edu.au/current-students/campus-environment/campus-life/ clubs-and-societies/find-a-club.

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Yak Magazine // April 2017

Health // Healthy garden, healthy you Jack Moran looks at how to get into gardening and how it might be able to help you lead a healthier, happier life.

If you want to eat more fresh food, or even just want to have a bit of mindfulness in your day, then gardening might be the hobby and pastime for you. Of course, like with any hobby, gardening might seem a bit daunting to get into.

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Keeping something alive and having to worry about how to look after another living thing can be a little overwhelming at first, even if it’s a living thing of the flora variety. However, there are some ways to make your first forays into the not-so fast pace world of gardening a little easier.

Fiona Mundie, who helps manage the UON Community Garden as part of her work with the Student Engagement Team, has a few tips for beginner gardeners looking to get their hands dirty.

“The biggest tip is to work out where your sun is, what you can grow according to your shade and your sun, and whether you’re going to remember to water it,” Fiona said.

Something to watch out for are also plants that are little easier for novices, depending on what you’re looking for and where you’re thinking of planting them.

“If you want something just to produce oxygen for you in your house, I’d go with succulents every time,” Fiona said. “They’re really easy and they’re quite robust.”

If you are thinking of growing some succulents indoors though, make sure to put them in the brightest spot possible. Also, make sure not to overwater your succulents, with most species needing the soil they’re in to dry out completely before they’re watered again.

If you’re looking for something easy to plant that’s edible, there are some unexpectedly easy options.

“There are things that are easy to grow that are surprising like tomatoes,” Fiona said. “Even if you have a tomato in the fridge that’s gone a bit soft, you can shove that in a pot and odds are you’ll get seedlings out of it.”

You can also grow plenty of plants from things you might normally throw away. The head of a pineapple can be used to grow a whole new pineapple plant in the right conditions. The same is true for avocadoes and celery. Using the scraps from your groceries to grow new plants can be an easy way to make gardening cheaper.

“The biggest tip is to work out where you sun is, what you can grow according to your shade and your sun, and whether you’re going to remember to water it.”

With fruits and vegetables, however, it’s key to make sure that the soil has the right nutritional quality for your plants. And if you’re growing in a pot, make sure it has proper drainage so the roots don’t rot.

Even if you don’t have a yard to work with and you’re living in a flat or apartment, there are still ways to exercise that green thumb.

“Even if you’re in a flat, there are things you can grow on a balcony,” Fiona said. “You could even get a polystyrene box and grow in that so, when you move, you can take it with you.”

Gardening is a hobby with plenty of health benefits. Beyond the possibility of eating home-grown fresh food, gardening can also be good for your mental health and mindfulness “It’s a very meditative kind of process. I don’t think a lot of gardeners are hugely stressed people,” Fiona said. “They’re used to things taking their own pace to grow.”

If you’re looking to getting into gardening, stop by your local community garden. There are plenty around the Newcastle area, including the Community Gardens at Ourimbah and Callaghan campuses, full of people willing to help with advice and resources, such as free cuttings and plant swaps.

Yak Magazine // April 2017

James, Jen, Francis and Dave inspect this seasons lettuce crop. Photo: Kieran Resevsky

Day in the Life of an Eco Warrior Kieran Resevsky meets Newcastle’s most passionate urban farmer, Dave Sivyer, to find out how you can bring farming to your own home.

Over the past few months, something unique has been sprouting up in suburban Newcastle. Urban farming, the practice of cultivating, processing and distributing food in a city, has begun to transform the way Novocastrian’s view and buy their fresh produce.

Dave Sivyer, a fifth-generation farmer, has been working tirelessly to bring produce-growing back into the hearts of the community.

The results of his hard work and dedication are proving to be a success.

Growing up in a farming family, Dave knew he would always return to his parent’s rural property to run the farm. Though he loved it, the isolation made it difficult and he spent some time brainstorming ideas to get back into the city he loves, while doing what he loves.

With a history working in the hospitality industry, and a solid knowledge of farming practices, he came up with an idea of creating an organic fertiliser from Newcastle’s food waste.

“I had a lightbulb moment to use composted waste from restaurants around Newcastle and to grow fresh produce on empty plots around the city, which I could then sell back to the restaurants I was collecting the waste from,” Dave said.

and a local school where he teaches primary students how to successfully grow their own food.

The plot in Cardiff currently has about 60 garden beds, where Dave focuses on 10 to 15 crops, from lettuce greens and kale, to radishes and carrots.

Watching the growing divide between people and the source of their food, Dave felt he needed to help people reconnect over growing food. “There is such a disconnect,” he said. “We expect whatever we want to just show up in Woolworths.”

Dave works alongside his business partner James, though they encourage members of the public to visit the farm and get an idea of urban farming life.

“We run a program called the One Hour Farmer,” he said. “It’s a free program where we encourage people to come onsite, ask any questions they may have, and learn how to grow fresh produce.”

The idea behind the program is to make people feel confident growing their own food and to show them how enjoyable it is to reconnect with people while doing it.

“There’s nothing better than seeing the produce you’ve grown on the plate of your favourite restaurant.”

The next step for Dave is to secure more plots of land throughout the city, which he can do due to the generosity of land owners who receive a regular supply of fresh produce from the land.

With the help of the Hunter Research Foundation, Dave could begin his first urban farm in an empty carpark in Maryville. Since then, he has expanded to a much larger plot of land in Cardiff

You can find out more about Dave’s business, as well as information on how to become a One Hour Farmer at feedbackorganic.com.au.

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Yak Magazine // April 2017

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What ’s on?

APRIL

Yak Magazine // April 2017

MON

TUES

WED

THURS

FRI

SAT

SUN

1.

Olive Tree Markets, Civic Park The Entrance Markets

2.

Newcastle Farmers Market, Newcastle Showground

A Day On The Green, Bimbadgen Estate Client Liaison, The Cambridge Jets V Wanderers, Hunter Stadium

3. Giggle Games, 11:30am, Health Bar, Central Coast

4.

Monday Movie Guardians of the Galaxy, 6pm, Derkenne Courtyard

Free BBQ and live music, 11:30am, Central Coast

10.

Giggle Games, 11:30am, Health Bar, Central Coast Trimester 1 exams begin, Singapore

17. Easter Monday public holiday

24.

Semester resumes Giggle Games, 11:30am, Health Bar, Central Coast Fashion Revolution Week

Giggle Games, 11:30am, Health Bar, Central Coast

11.

Giggle Games, 11:30am, Health Bar, Central Coast Free Lunch time BBQ, 12pm, Auchmuty Courtyard

18. Giggle

Games, 11:30am, Health Bar, Central Coast

25.

ANZAC Day public holiday

5.

Giggle 6. Lunch time Games, 11:30am, Music AKOVA, Health Bar, Derkanenne Central Coast Courtyard The Millery, 2pm3pm happy hour, Central Coast

7. Toga Party, 7pm, Bar On The Hill, Newcastle Writers Festival

12. Giggle 13. Free Games, 11:30am, BBQ, live Health Bar, music, Easter Central Coast Egg Hunt, 11:30am, The Millery, 2pmCentral Coast 3pm happy hour, Central Coast Philosophy @ the Pub, SRC Meeting, 5-7pm, the 12pm, CafĂŠ Bar, Clubhouse, Central Coast Callaghan

14.

19. Giggle 20. Callaghan Games, 11:30am, graduation Health Bar, Central Coast

21. Callaghan

The Millery, 2pm3pm happy hour, Central Coast

26. Giggle 27. Mental Games, 11:30am, Health Day Health Bar, Free BBQ and Central Coast live music, The Millery, 2pm- Central Coast 3pm happy hour, Philosophy, Central Coast 5-7pm, the Clubhouse, Callaghan

8.

The Entrance Markets, Memorial Park Newcastle Writers Festival

Mid15. Easter semester break Saturday public begins holiday

9. Trimester 1 Ends Newcastle Writers Festival Newcastle Farmers Market, Newcastle Showground

16. Easter Sunday public holiday

The Entrance Markets, Memorial Park

graduation

Trimester 1 exams conclude and last day of term, Singapore

28.

Trimester 1 concludes Callaghan graduation

22.

Earth Day

Callaghan graduation The Entrance Markets, Memorial Park

29. The

Entrance Markets, Memorial Park

23.

Newcastle Farmers Market, Newcastle Showground

30. Newcastle Farmers Market, Newcastle Showground

Designed by: Jackie Brock

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Issue 40 // April 2017