Verse Magazine Edition 39 - The Environmental Edition by Verse Magazine

Taboo: Climate Anxiety

Eyes of the Innocent

Vegan Recipes

Retrospective: Okja

The Signs as Thrifted Finds

The Last Galaxy Tree

Edition 39 Free

VERSE

USASA Academic Advocacy Free, confidential & independent advice. The USASA Advocates are experts in academic policies and procedures. They can help you understand what’s happening and what you need to do if you are facing academic issues. Common issues Advocates assist with: •

Requests for remarking and resubmissions

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Appeals against allegations of academic misconduct (including plagiarism)

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Appeals against final grades

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Appeals against intention to preclude

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Issues with lecturers

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Advice regarding University policy

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Referral to other services inside and outside of the University

If your issue is not listed here, an Advocate may still be able to assist you. Advocates are located at the City West Campus but are available to attend meetings at metropolitan campuses if required. They can also remotely support students at regional campuses and, in certain circumstances, in-person support can be arranged.

To book an appointment visit USASA.sa.edu.au/Advocacy

Verse Magazine acknowledges the Kaurna, Boandik and Barngarla First Nations People as the tradition custodians of the unceded lands that are now home to the University of South Australia’s campuses in Adelaide, Mount Gambier and Whyalla. Verse Magazine respectfully acknowledges their Ancestors and Elders, past, present and emerging. Verse Magazine also acknowledges the Traditional Custodians and their Ancestors of the lands and nwaters across Australia. It was and always will be Aboriginal land.

Contents Cover Image Nature Will Prevail by Lauren Kathleen

Editor’s Letter

Verse Spotify Presents... Eat the Rich and End Global Warming

Eyes of the Innocent Chapter Two: Fissures

Humans of UniSA Presented by On The Record

Things the Trees Told Me

38 Retrospective: Okja

Green

Imag[in]e with Asha Southcombe

42 In[ter]view

Seasons & City Lights

The Great UniSA 30th Anniversary Countdown

The Last Galaxy Tree

Review: What is the Perfect Ghibli Critter to Cuddle?

The Cycle of Life

26 Tidal 28

Somewhere... Over the Rainbow

Taboo: Climate Anxiety

World on Fire

The Green Thumb Approach with Hayley Brand

A Day in the Life of a Sustainable Uni Student

50 Recipes 54

The Signs as Thrifted Finds

Looks of UniSA: I’m Gonna Pop Some Tags

USASA Club: The Outdoor Club

President’s Letter

Edition 39 | 2021

Verse Spotify Presents...

Eat the Rich and End Global Warming Some songs that remind us to love Mother Earth, and others that make us want to destroy the patriarchy and strike for climate change. Both are equally good options. Follow us @versemag on Spotify or scan our QR code to listen.

Photo Nahum Gale Artwork Nikki Sztolc Playlist Nikki Sztolc

Playlist

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Green Words Annabelle Tang Artwork Alexandrina Seager

What is the colour green if not described as the luscious leafy trees dotting the earth like sprinkles on a kiss biscuit? Green is the colour of the tall grass swaying in the warm summer breeze, hiding its secrets below, its mysterious wildlife relying on it to survive. Green is the colour of ferns growing in the dark damp shadows of the undergrowth. The blankets of moss covering the logs of trees spotted with mushrooms and fungi. Green is the colour of four-leaf clovers scattered in fields where children play. Their playful shrieks as one of them finds that lucky charm. Green is the colour of grasshoppers and stick insects. Little creatures living in their own little world left alone until a little person comes across them. Green is the colour of budding flowers right before they bloom. Right before they peel away into the beautiful colours of spring. Green is the colour of 30% of the Earth. How will you explain to your children what green is when there’s no green left?

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Imag[in]e Asha Southcombe Photo (Right) Asha Southcombe Interview Miriam Sims

Asha Southcombe is an emerging artist and Honours student studying Contemporary Art at UniSA. Her work revolves around environmental themes and she uses a range of media to convey the significance of interconnected systems that hold our planet together. I was able to hear more about her captivating works featuring mushrooms which was highlighted in the Helpmann Academy 2021 Graduate Exhibition at ACE Open, earlier this year. Asha’s practice is ever expanding, and her delicate pencil strokes draw you in, you stay for the work’s intricacies in meaning and the subjects they depict.

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While dealing with concepts that take up a lot of mental space for so many of us, like climate change and environmental fragility, what led you to focus on “small” subject matter? I have always been drawn to detail and intricacies, so I think that is why I am drawn to using small natural objects as my subject. I love the intimacy it creates by having to look really closely at the object and for me at least, it makes me appropriate it more. I try to create this similar sense with my own work to bring the viewer in closer to more clearly see the fine detail that goes into each piece. I would love to know more about the process you use, it has strong meditative qualities to it; how do you prefer to work on your drawings? It is a very meditative process for me. When I do it, I like to dedicate a large amount of time where I know I won’t be distracted and can just draw for as long as I want. Sometimes it’s for one hour and others it’s up to ten, but I often find, once I get into the rhythm, it’s hard to stop.

I THINK THE ARTS COMMUNITY PLAYS A HUGE ROLE IN ACTIVISM AND CAN CONTINUE TO DO SO IN SO MANY DIFFERENT WAYS. How is your practice impacted by the environment in which you work? Do you surround yourself with your subject matter? I do! I like to think of anytime I am in nature as working, mostly as an excuse to get out more. I love to go hiking and foraging and find that a lot of my inspiration will come to me when I am walking. I do like to also bring nature into my studio and have a bit of an addiction to house plants which are starting to take over my studio, but similar to my drawing process I find it super relaxing to take care of them. What are you planning to expand upon in your Honours study at UniSA? Do you hope to expand your Mycology series or are you heading in a different direction? I am continuing to explore the world of mycology. I find it so fascinating and there is still so much in this field that I want to learn. I think it will definitely be a main theme in my practice for a long time. I am particularly interested in the relation of fungi to other organisms so I will definitely be exploring flora and fauna also more in my work.

Imag[in]e

Your work focuses on concepts of fragility, beautifully conveyed in your drawings; what do you believe the significance of embracing softness is when it comes to heavy themes? Thank you! For me, this is a really important part of my practice. I find that people are often extremely careful around my work because it is so subtle and delicate, which is something we need to be more aware of when we are around nature. The environment is extremely fragile and I think we often forget that, so I hope my work can remind the viewer of this and also make them take a minute to appreciate the beauty and details within it.

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What do you wish the arts community could do to foster environmental protection and climate activism? I think the arts community plays a huge role in activism and can continue to do so in so many different ways. If artists can communicate issues, promote awareness and call out things that need to change, then this can reach an even further audience then the media alone and often be a more engaging form. Even if a creative’s work does not revolve around environmental awareness, activism can still be present through the promotion of sustainability. This could be through the use of recyclable packaging or using more ecofriendly materials for your process and communicating why you are using these materials to your audience. Any small effort that is accessible to you and your practice can make a difference and encourage others to also do so. ▪︎

IF ARTISTS CAN COMMUNICATE ISSUES, PROMOTE AWARENESS AND CALL OUT THINGS THAT NEED TO CHANGE, THEN THIS CAN REACH AN EVEN FURTHER AUDIENCE THAN THE MEDIA ALONE AND OFTEN BE A MORE ENGAGING FORM. 16

Poetry

Seasons & City Lights Words A.G. Travers Artwork Sonia Zanatta

I’d like to see the city lights shining in your almond eyes on one balmy summer night – I’d love to see what it’d be like. I’d like to walk beneath the trees over crunching maple leaves orange footpaths and yellow streets – would you like to walk with me? I’d like to kiss you in the rain on one crisp, wintry day I’d lean in close and say your name and you’d whisper mine just the same. I’d like to pick flowers in spring and fashion them into rings and nuzzle into your white wing and listen as the swallows sing.

Edition 39 | 2021

Great UniSA 30th Anniversary Countdown The

Volume Two (25 – 21)

30 years. 30 Degrees. 30 students. 30 accomplishments. And here we are, back at it again for Volume Two of our countdown to celebrate the University of South Australia’s 30th Anniversary! To catch you all up, we are going from 30 to 1 to explore UniSA’s most compelling degrees through the eyes of some its most excellent students! This time around we have reached out to contemporary artists, journalists and physiotherapists amongst others to shed light on their degrees and, most importantly, their biggest accomplishments during their time studying. This countdown is only getting started, so make sure to keep your eyes peeled for Volume Three in Verse’s next edition, coming soon! Photo + Poster Ella Maude Wilson

Photo H

Ella-Maude Wilson - Bachelor of Contemporary Art (Honours) & Graduate Certificate of Marketing

My biggest achievement while studying my undergraduate was having a piece exhibited in the South Australian Museum as a Waterhouse Natural Science Art Prize Finalist, having another piece in a folio compilation acquired by the Art Gallery of South Australia, and travelling to Toronto for a semester exchange – all in the same year! I have loved all the opportunities that have come my way throughout my academic journey and cannot wait to find out where it will take me next. [For further features of Ella’s work in Edition 39, check out Tidal on pages 26-27 and Looks of UniSA on pages 56-59]

30th Anniversary

Nate Drewett - Bachelor of Communications and Media

My biggest accomplishment whilst studying at UniSA has been evolving my ability to learn. University can be so fast paced and overwhelming when it comes to the amount of knowledge you are expected to consume on a weekly basis. There is also then your ability to understand that knowledge efficiently which is vital to you never falling behind or feeling overwhelmed. Improving the way and the speed in which I learn is vital to not only university but will benefit me throughout my future career. For example, this has come in handy when I recently became a Trainee Producer for She Digital as a result of completing an internship.

Photo She Digital

[For further features of Nate’s work in Edition 39, check out Looks of UniSA on page 59]

Helen Karakulak - Bachelor of Journalism and Professional Writing & Bachelor of Arts (Creative Writing and Literature) I have had a number of opportunities that contributed to building my confidence along with my portfolio. I have met some incredible people through my degree: likeminded students, supportive tutors, industry connections and interesting talent. Networking, podcasting, pitching and being published in different publications, like Adelaide Theatre Guide, Verse, On the Record and various community newsletters and websites, has been super valuable. A standout accomplishment is being appointed editor of On the Record this year. One of the highlights, so far, has been coordinating our team to become media accredited reviewers of the Adelaide Fringe. This allowed me to give journalism students, who had never reviewed before, a new opportunity and put them in touch with other established journalists with a background in arts and culture. I am looking forward to pursuing more opportunities like this across different news rounds for On the Record and seeing where the year takes us. [For further features of Helen’s work in Edition 39, check out her team On the Record’s work for Humans of UniSA on pages 34-37] Photo Helen Karakulak

Liam Mathew - Bachelor of Physiotherapy (Honours)

To me there has not been a single event which I would count as my biggest accomplishment but rather my biggest accomplishment is the feeling of how far I have come. I sometimes find myself laughing at the thought of how difficult simple techniques seemed when I was starting out and how much I have learnt since. Similarly, it blows me away how much more difficult the theory has become whilst still being manageable. It is honestly still surreal to now be interacting with real patients and making a difference in people’s lives, which is something I am especially proud of.

Hayley Brand - Bachelor of Environmental Science & Bachelor of Science (Honours)

My biggest accomplishment while studying at UniSA is knowing that I am making an impact and a change. Even if it is small, I know that I am having a positive effect. By being exposed to a variety of professionals in the environmental field, I am always assured that what I am doing is making a big difference. Over the years I have been at UniSA, I have had interviews and chats with many like-minded people. It fills me with so much joy that we can make such a connection talking about the environment which is something that we all bring so much new and inspiring knowledge to; this fuels our passion for conservation. [For further features of Hayley’s work in Edition 39, check out In[ter]view: The Green Thumb Approach on pages 42-46]

Edition 39 | 2021

Review What is the Perfect Ghibli Critter to Cuddle? Illustrations Xanthe Midwinter Words Nahum Gale

Hey all you weebs, I know you have all thought about this at one point in your life... Hayao Miyazaki and his anime team, Studio Ghibli, are responsible for crafting some of the cutest nature-based creatures in popular culture, whether from the realms of Japanese folklore or from the depths of Miyazaki’s own imagination. These nature spirits were born to capture your attention, celebrate Folk Shintoism and maybe, just maybe, be there to give you one big ass hug... but who hugs the best? Well, let us see.

Soot Sprites Appearing in My Neighbour Totoro (1988) and Spirited Away (2001) Who knew dust could be so cute? These fuzzy round balls accumulate and come to life in the corners of your uncleaned house. These little spirits, known specifically as Susuwatari, may be adorable to look at, but hey, at the end of the day, you would be cuddling a ball of ash... so... Cuddle Rating: ★ ★ ★

Totoro Appearing in My Neighbour Totoro (1988) Big, cuddly, fluffy and absolutely loveable, Miyazaki’s Totoro may be the ultimate snuggle buddy! The living and breathing plush bear is the PERFECT mix of an owl, a cat and a raccoon dog, but magnified to just the right size. There is no doubt this spiritual guardian of the forest is the one and only critter you want as your personal pillow. Cuddle Rating: ★ ★ ★ ★ ★

Review

Catbus Appearing in My Neighbour Totoro (1988) Maybe the most obscure of the creatures that inhabit the Ghibli pantheon, the Catbus is so bizarre to look at with its hollow body and headlight eyes. Although, tell me you would not fall asleep sitting inside the Catbus as it rumbles and runs you on a long journey home late at night. Tell me that would not comfortably put you to sleep! Cuddle Rating: ★ ★ ★ ★

Tanuki

Appearing in Pom Poko (1994) The Tanuki, or the raccoon dog, is a shapeshifting ecowarrior that stands for the protection of various ecosystems... but we only ask the important questions here, like how cuddly is it? Considering the creature can shapeshift into the best hugger ever, we would say its cuddles are pretty good! But why would the Tanuki want to give us dumb polluting humans a hug? I certainly would not if I was them. Cuddle Rating: ★ ★ ★

The Radish Spirit Appearing in Spirited Away (2001) If you are looking for some serious cuddles after a bad day, the Radish Spirit may just be your keno choice. I mean, this guy is basically one big old marshmallow! But just because he may look like it, I would advise against biting into him mid-hug... I mean unless you like the taste of a humanoid radish. Cuddle Rating: ★ ★ ★ ★

Kodama

Appearing in Princess Mononoke (1997) The Kodama are fascinating little critters. They exist as a sign that a forest is healthy and, if you find them giving you a miniature cuddle, then surely you know you are in healthy hands. Then again, these little brats can be bastards, so in many ways I also would not trust them in my hands as far as I could throw them... which, now that I think about it, is pretty far. Cuddle Rating: ★ ★ ★

No Face Appearing in Spirited Away (2001) Look... it literally has no face and its whole personality is in its literal consumption of humans and animals. Nope, no good hug here. Cuddle Rating: ★

Edition 39 | 2021

The Cycle of Life - Native Botanical Structure Words + Artwork Maria Ppiros Photography Gerry Canatselis

Our fast-paced modern life often results in environmental degradation and a disconnect from the natural world around us. Concurrently, the ancient practice of botanical illustration is largely unknown to the general public, resulting in its under-utilisation as an educational resource. My piece, The Cycle of Life – Native Botanical Sculpture, is unique in its approach to botanical illustration, utilising a different presentation to the norm. Wanting to merge two worlds together, a juxtaposition of the traditional method of botanical illustration fuses with an unorthodox representation of the subject matter. The piece is open, spacious and free, holding a sense of magic and wonder as the specimen almost floats in mid-air. I wanted to use this piece to captivate people, drawing them into the world of nature and flora while also educating and teaching them about the segmentation of plants. This sculpture shows how a single leaf or a single gumnut can play such a vital role in forming the whole specimen. I would like my audience to visualise the dissections of this gumtree and see how every part is individual yet everything is one. The “cycle of life” narrative is strongly evident as the piece depicts the plant’s life stages: from life to death and from beauty to decay.

Being an interactive piece, I hope that people can engage with my work. Physically moving around the piece reveals different perspectives and I encourage people to take time to really see what they are looking at. If they try hard, they can find the “sweet spot” where all the layers line up perfectly into the full composition. I hope that my piece inspires a sense of connection with nature and appreciation of its beauty and encourage viewers to find pleasure and beauty in the simplicity of the complex world we live in. ▪︎

The Cycle of Life – Native Botanical Sculpture Approx. 650mm x 600mm x 750mm Traditional illustration: watercolour and gouache on 100% cotton paper. Unorthodox approach: illustrations printed onto transparent plastic and attached to a frame made of wood, with LED lighting to highlight the piece. The whole sculpture was then lit and photographed.

Photography Ella-Maude Wilson

Tidal There is a brutal irony in taking oceanic pictures on celluloid. These tidal scenes will gradually degrade while my plastic film shall continue to immortalise this ecosystem and the moments captured within it. The sea knows no difference between the materials of my camera and the debris that collects on ocean floors or embeds itself in shorelines and stomachs. My body will breakdown long before my Nikonos V and the plastic film within it. Beneath the waves it seems I share more with the coral than the camera in my hands. Ella-Maude Wilson is an emerging photographer, part-time seal, and full-time art student.

Words Nahum Gale

Somewhere... Over the Rainbow

y Jeffrey

ile Photos Ba

29 Artwork Nina Canala

Edition 39 | 2021

Taboo

Taboo Climate Anxiety Words Ayla Liebenberg Artwork Isabelle Raven

Trigger Warning: Suicide, ED, Mental Illness It is the curse of our generation. The Thing that keeps us up at night. It is the pressure on our chest, the fear flowing through our blood. The never-ending existential dread. Climate anxiety is an almost inescapable by-product of being alive in 2021, and if you were born after 1990 its practically our birth right. Climate anxiety is like a macabre inheritance we received from a past generation, gone and unfortunately never forgotten, that fucked the planet so fast and so hard we barely had time to figure out what was going on before it was too late. Most people would argue that it is too late. I mean sealevels are rising, animals are dying, and the air we breathe is becoming more deathly than life saving. It is fucked. My high school years were branded by teenage angst, queer-questioning, and climate anxiety. The perpetual fear and debilitating doom engulfed my life. A lot of the time I felt like I was drowning as if the impending disaster of climate change was just seconds away and at any moment we would all burst into flames and die a terrible fiery death. I was a very dramatic teenager. Although the reality of the situation is sometimes scarier than just bursting into flames. So scary it keeps me up at night, and has for seven years. From when I understood what climate change was, I was in disbelief that nothing was being done to fix it. I mean, besides the water efficiency sticker on my washing machine and the litter picking initiative at my school, there was nothing in my world about it. So, in my mind, we were pretty much passing the time before the earth just… ended. Hopelessness was a pretty defining characteristic of my adolescence. I would spend countless nights staring into the dark, thinking of all the ways I could kill myself before climate change killed me first. I made suicide pacts with myself and promises that I would not make it past thirty. I thought it was reasonable, because in a world of chaos and destruction anything is reasonable to a scared and lonely teenager. I did not kill myself, obviously, and I am grateful to myself every day. There are a lot of times where I thought I would

not make it, and that the fear and the doom and the hopelessness would catch me again, holding me tighter and tighter until I could not breathe. Until I started to drown again. Climate anxiety may be our inheritance, but it does not have to be our doom. I learnt that when I realised that in chaos all people want is control. All I had to do was find what I could control. That took a few times to get right and, along the way, I made some pretty crucial errors, but with practise came perfect(ish). Climate anxiety may be a by-product of our generation, but I do not let it control me anymore. Instead, I try and control it. Doing what I can, changing my ways, making decisions in the interest of the planet rather than the interest of capitalistic corporations that thrive off the destruction of our environment and home. Swapping meat for veg; fast fashion for slow; Tupperware instead of takeaway; love instead of fear. I try love our planet as hard as I can. Harder than the mining companies are drilling its soil, more than the factories are pouring into its oceans, and as relentlessly as fossil fuels are being pumped into the atmosphere. There is hope in the individual, there is enough love for the planet in us all. We cannot save ourselves, each other or our home without trying. We cannot battle the hopelessness with action. Take control, even if it is the small things, and stay alive for all the good that there is to come. Hold on. ▪︎

CLIMATE ANXIETY MAY BE OUR INHERITANCE, BUT IT DOES NOT HAVE TO BE OUR DOOM. 31

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Absurdist Histories

Edition 39 | 2021

Humans of UniSA Presented by On The Record

Everyone has a story... On the Record are back for Edition 39 of Verse with their continued insights into the humans that make up our diverse and insightful cohort. This time around OTR’s reporters have gotten to the bottom of how a few individual students view climate change and incorporate sustainability into their lifestyle and career paths!

Want more? Scan the QR code to visit OTR’s website!

Humans of UniSA

Interview by Bec Gaitaneris

Sheli Sverdlov

Photo Sheli Sverdlov

Master of Architecture

Why did you decide to study architecture, and what do you enjoy most about your degree? I chose to study architecture as I have always been interested in the arts and STEM, especially in secondary school where I found myself being more attentive in computer-aided design (CAD) classes. I enjoy the process of designing something new and not having a direct yes or no answer.

gave me the opportunity to explore various ways of designing a space used for informing, teaching and communicating about the human curiosity with the unknown depths of our universe. What architects and/or designers do you follow and admire for their architectural ability and why? I am a huge fan of Harry Seidler! Not only did he introduce Modernism in the Australian built environment, but his three key principles of what architecture should be: social use, technology, and aesthetic, enforce the idea of not being set on a singular aesthetic or style, but an ever evolving one that is developed through the current needs of social use and technological advancements. His ideals and design concepts particularly resonate with me and I often find myself referring to his work when I am working on my own projects.

Tell me about your creative process. When you are given a project, where do you start? Typically, I start with the most crucial step…understanding the design brief. From there, the design process allows me to use my creativity in various ways. I begin the ideation stage by hand drawing and researching concepts that fit within the constraints of the brief. This can be either a literal or abstract response of what the space can feel, look and be like. The last step is all about refining the design to fit both the brief and the visual aesthetic I want the design to achieve.

Do you think enough is being done within your degree in promoting and exploring ecology, sustainability and green design? Yes, the UniSA architecture program does promote various concepts of ecologically sustainable developments through a number of set courses throughout each year of our degree structure. We are taught about the ethical roles of sustainability, cultural and climatic differences and health and wellbeing. Also, within each of our studio courses, we are strongly encouraged to integrate the ideals of green design while also considering ways of generating designs that are both environmentally positive and ecologically conscious.

Climate change is currently one of the most interesting and pressing challenges for society, how does this influence your designs and/ or projects? In today’s current climate, sustainability is definitely something we all need to be aware of. When starting a new project, I always consider various creative ways of integrating more sustainable alternatives. Sometimes I do this by incorporating greenery into the design, enforcing passive cooling strategies, or researching sustainable and recycled materials that are more beneficial for the occupant’s health and wellbeing. Throughout your studies, which project has given you the most satisfaction thus far? My favourite studio project by far would be my Absence and Presence project for the Adelaide Space Agency, located on Lot 14. We had the opportunity to experiment with different forms and volumes of space that were required to become private laboratories, public exhibition zones for NASA artefacts. Having a more exciting brief

As you look to the future, what is your ultimate goal? What do you want to be remembered for? My ultimate goal is to be remembered for designing buildings that make people curious within the space they occupy and to make them feel like they are in paradise, a world away from the hustle and bustle of everyday life!

Edition 39 | 2021

Interview by Ashleigh Buck

Joshua Button

Photo Joshua Button

Bachelor of Journalism and Professional Writing Why did you choose to study your degree? I chose journalism and professional writing after having several jobs that did not quite scratch the creative itch in my brain, and a careers counsellor suggested it might be a good path for me as I quite enjoy “stirring the pot”, so to speak. I hope to write satire, although I’m not sure which format yet.

managed to get around 130 of these batteries which only cost me around $50. What project are you currently working on? My current project is a DIY Powerwall. A Powerwall is a way to store power in the event of a blackout, or to store power from solar panels or other sustainable methods. A Youtuber by the name of ‘KBPowerwall’ uses solar panels to charge his batteries, then using an inverter, powers his entire house, shed and outdoor lighting. While it’s not in use for the house or other areas of his property, he tests the battery pack by running a Bitcoin mining operation, which is powered purely by sustainable power.

Do you implement sustainability within your own life? What are some sustainable alternatives you use? Sustainability to me means getting the most out of every product. Mid last year, my landlord at the time gifted me his old broken electric scooter. I managed to hack together a shoddy control unit and got it running, but the batteries kept running out as they were decrepit lead acid (think of a car battery) type battery. Realizing that the bike needed somewhat of a refresh in the battery department, I realized I could use two of my Ryobi Power tool batteries in series to make the 36v required. While this worked well… the batteries kept dying as they did not have much capacity.

Do you create anything else from recycling or are you looking to broaden your skills and try something new? Once I have gained more experience with these batteries and associated technologies, I would really like to start putting together a DIY electric car, using a 1986 Holden VL Commodore as the basis, and recycling as many components as I can. Recycling batteries is a great way to better the environment, do you think this could be an element of future sustainability? One issue with these batteries is the environmental cost that is involved in creating them. Lithium mining chews through water and can cause environmental havoc if improperly mined, which has happened in Chile. Cobalt and nickel are two other metals used in the creation of these batteries, mined largely in central Africa, which is another issue due to worker exploitation in these countries. These batteries are so prevalent in modern day devices. Modems, hospital backup power circuits, power walls, laptops and most battery powered tools all use 18650 batteries in one way or another. Reusing what we have and cutting down on waste is, in my opinion, a fantastic way to help the environment.

What inspired you to start recycling batteries? Most power tool batteries, laptop batteries, and even electric cars such as Tesla use lithium ion or lithium polymer batteries. Most people in the battery scene refer to these batteries as 18650’s, which refer to the dimensions…18mm wide and 650mm long, which is a bit bigger than your average double A battery. The Tesla Model S battery pack is just 7,104 batteries arranged in a way that provides 375 volts, with a huge amount of storage for range. These batteries are great, as they can discharge quickly and be arranged in various configurations. The main issue with these batteries is cost. Each individual battery can cost anywhere from $8-25, but when you are trying to arrange 100 of them for a decent battery pack, it is not viable. I found a Dyson vacuum repairman selling packs no longer suitable for the vacuum cleaners and

Humans of UniSA

Interview by Alexandra Bull

Giorgia De Chellis

Photo Giorgia De Chellis

Bachelor of Business (Marketing)

Tell me a bit about your degree and why you chose to study it? I am studying a Bachelor of Business (Marketing) at UniSA. Choosing this degree was easy as I have always been quite creative yet analytical, and this course is the perfect combination of the two.

What is one sustainable rule that you would encourage students to incorporate into their lives? One rule that I live by is to bring a reusable bottle from home, so you don’t have to buy single-use plastic bottles on campus! It is amazing how much plastic you can save by bringing your own bottle every day.

What has been the highlight of your degree/career so far? It would definitely have to be learning how important distinctive assets are in branding, and the extent to which they assist in brand memory recall. Also meeting all the incredible people, not just in marketing, but within the business school.

Where do you see yourself in five years? I hope that I will be working within the sporting industry, mainly being involved in the marketing and sponsorship department, as it is something I have been extremely passionate about for a long time. What more do you think state and national governments can do to combat climate change? I would love to eventually see local and national governments introduce grants for business and individuals to be able to use reusable sources of energy.

How do you see climate change affecting your chosen career path? Climate change and the movement surrounding it has caused a huge increase in green consumerism, meaning consumers are more aware of products and their impact on the earth. This means that the way a marketer positions a brand, not just the product itself, but packaging and advertising measures, must consider the impact it has, which will definitely play a large role in my future career choices.

If you had to offer one piece of advice to first-year students studying your degree, what would it be and why? I think the main piece of advice that I would have to offer would be seriously think about doing a combined degree, it will give you an extra edge once you have graduated. And take every opportunity that is given to you. What is something you would love to achieve in your future career and why? I would love to eventually travel lots for my job and see just how far my career will be able to take me.

“

Climate change and the movement surrounding it has caused a huge increase in green consumerism.

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Edition 39 | 2021

Retrospective Okja

Words Nahum Gale Artwork Nina Canala

Of all the phrases that have been accumulated over the history of language, none have remained quite as relevant as ‘you are what you eat’. A poignant statement to say the least; one that has not only remained in the cultural zeitgeist, but has equally evolved to suit our modernity. Though, I have yet to find a better embodiment of the age-old phrase than in the 2017 film, helmed by the compelling Bong Joon-ho, Okja. The film in question offers a fable on the warring factions of activism against corporate commercialisation, the force-fed rules of modern consumption and the radical attempts to liberate the innocent. Though, at the centre of Okja, resides a human tale of friendship and loyalty between compassionate, savvy child, Mija, and her “pet” super pig, Okja. Yet, how does the film ultimately tie back to my original thought patterns on ‘you are what you eat’ theory? The answer is actually simple.

Director of the project, Bong, is a man whose filmography precedes him in terms of sticking it to “The Man”. From the deconstruction of class systems in Snowpiercer to the juxtaposition of wealth between modern families in Parasite, Bong’s work continues to lead back to commentating on the capitalist machine. It stands to reason why Okja adheres to similar themes as Bong’s previous work, but from a completely new perspective. Whereas Snowpiercer lightly brushes on viewpoints of climate, Okja battles the capitalist beast with the full force of environmentalism, staging scenarios ripe to comment on the unethical treatment of animals. Although, what Okja does to argue its point is not to force feed the philosophies of veganism, but rather take an enlightened stance on consumerism. Instead of villainising the concept of meat eating, the film alternatively turns fault to the source of meat production; shining a light on how a once common human practise has become tainted by capitalist ideals.

A tutor of mine once told me that to make sense of the fantasy storytelling we consume, we must first remove all its fantasy elements. Once all the make-believe is gone, only then are we able to see the story for what it is truly trying to say to us. So, I guess my real question for you is, when you take Okja out of Okja, what exactly is left? A gritty reboot of Babe? Yeah, kind of, but I guess, more specifically, what is left in Okja are themes stemming from consumption of animals under a numbing capitalist banner. Front and centre of the film is our society’s abuse of the environment and our care-free assault on nature for a whiff of corporate success.

Never does Okja really portray carnivorous practises as outdated or savage. Rather, the film understands meat eating as a natural way of life for humans. Take one of the film’s earliest sequences which sees Mija, the young protagonist living off the land with Okja, fishing and later eating her catch. Here, Okja portrays the classic Circle of Life; people engrained in nature, living with the land and taking from it as much as they give. Rather than this action of carnivory being frowned upon by this environmentally concerned film, it is instead basically considered unimportant in the larger narrative form. And although this

Retrospective

scene may mean nothing to the plot, it means everything to the theme as the scene basically okays the act of carnivory. However, it is here Okja manages to draw an ethical line; there is a difference between meat eating and meat consumption. A rather big difference.

capitalism in their own right. Lucy Mirando, the CEO and synecdoche of the Mirando Corporation, is established as only enacting these devious plans in an attempt to gain genuine success. Although, capitalism will have people like Lucy believe that true success is a product of gaining appreciation from a company and consumers; appreciation from those who do not really matter. Alternatively, though, the environmentalism approach, represented by Mija, observes success as a by-product of naturalism which is basically genuine and traditional human intimacy and connectedness. Mija saves Okja by the end of the film because there is still hope for this outlook; there is still hope for humans to find success beyond preconceived capitalist goals. A quick Google search will tell you Okja means “Finest Friend” and basically, yeah, success outside of capitalism is finding these natural connections; finding these friendships in a damaged world.

As the film progresses and Mija is thrusted into the concrete American jungle; naturalism fades, trees become plastic, people become devious and meat is tainted. The carnivory no longer becomes a way of life, but a way of business. The commercialisation, breeding, torture, death and eventual consumption of animals is normalised because capitalism says so. No longer is eating meat a by-product of living off the land and entertaining the Circle of Life, but rather another swipe at gaining success amidst a landscape of capitalism. Here we find consumption to have two meanings: the physical consumption of meat and the metaphysical consumption of unhealthy philosophies. Capitalism does what capitalism does best; it takes a natural human practise, unethically rewires it and resells it to us as a piece of consumerism. Capitalism attempts to stamp out any non-westernised culture’s attempts at living simultaneously with nature, like Mija’s, to instead sell the idea that we own nature. And capitalism is perfectly embodied in the fictional company of the Mirando Corporation that sells people a white lie to continue this cycle of consumption.

So, continue blindly consuming the mutated, fake plastic products capitalism desperately suggests we purchase... but, you are what you eat. The people in Okja consumed mutated, capitalism built super pigs, so what does that tell you? Who is the real super pig in this scenario? Although, there is an alternative that everyone can adopt: eat what is ethically accessible to you. Eat as we humans were intended to, as part of the Circle of Life. Eat like you belong to the world and not like the world belongs to you. But most importantly, eat the rich. Eat the system that made us this way. Eat it all. Only then can we rejoin the Circle of Life. Eat the rich, because you are what you eat. And true richness – true success – is an endless friendship with those around you and the natural world that holds you. ▪︎

In the film, the villainous Mirando Corporation (spoiler alert) genetically creates mutated super pigs, promotes them as a miracle source of meat and proceeds to sell them within the fib. And despite the horrific acts of the company over the course of the film, the powerful Okja still attempts to humanise them as victims of

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Poetry

World on Fire Words Alexandrina Seager Artwork Sonia Zanatta

The smoke, It’s billowing above me. My world on fire. The heat singing my soul; Choking the tears I cry. The flames consume and destroy, Leaving only death and decay. But somehow there is hope, And as time passes life will regrow. It will be okay… …Hopefully.

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In[ter]view

The Green Thumb Approach with Hayley Brand Photography Hayley Brand Interviewer Nahum Gale

The life of the modern warrior is hardly donning a cape, cowl and choice of heroic bladed weapon. The modern warrior does not save the world in one punch, nor do they celebrate themselves in movies and comic books. Rather, the modern warrior dons their raincoats, wide-brimmed hats and choice of heroic delicate digging utensil. The modern warrior saves the world in their small steps and discoveries and, eventually, they are celebrated in science textbooks and documentaries. Also, they prefer the title “eco”-warrior. In this edition of Verse, we caught up with one of these down-to-earth green thumb individuals, Hayley Brand, a student having studied a Bachelor of Environmental Science and now a Bachelor of Science (Honours). She spoke on her specialties including conservation and biodiversity, the impacts of climate change and how we all can take steps to saving the planet, like the eco-warriors we truly can be.

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Have you always been curious in exploring environmental science, prior to your degree? I would say yes. It was not specifically my dream job when I was younger, I always wanted to be a zookeeper which led to wanting to be a wildlife rehabilitator. In high school, I always tried to be environmentally conscious which led to my love of improving the world around us. I think that being able to study environmental science aids people with so many skills and knowledge that is beneficial in day-to-day life. Being very exposed to the environment from a young age did build my love for it. My family and I use to go on a holiday every year around new years for a week or two, always at a different location. It allowed me to see parts of beautiful Australia that you would not normally see on an ordinary road-trip. Being exposed to various people, who all have different views on the environment around us, really helped shape me as a person and made me want to have my part in ensuring that future generation can experience what I did. During your study, you have specialised in earth systems and biodiversity; what draws you to these specific subjects? Biodiversity had the element of animal behaviour and ecosystem health that really intrigued me and I would love to get into that field once I have completed my Honours. The earth system side of my degree was completely chosen as I just loved the subjects. I love getting my hands dirty in the field doing soil samples and it was always so interesting learning new terminology that I had never heard before. UniSA offered so many opportunities to get out in the field to do this work, from day trips to 8-day camps. Earth systems related to why the world is what it is today; tectonic plates, coastal environments, soil contamination, soil remediation, and much more. By having knowledge in both these areas, it really opens your mind up to just how many connections there are to every environmental issue. For example, soil contamination is linked to the animals and plants that are in the area, the human activity, the minerals in the ground and the weather patterns. You have mentioned how your study has taken you to the Flinders Ranges, Robe and Kangaroo Island; what were the individual reasonings for these three expeditions? Flinders Ranges was done in my third year for a course called Landscape Evolution. We completed 8 days of soil sampling and testing around on an abandoned mine site in Warrawenna. Although, this expedition was so enjoyable, it was the most tiring out of all the field work that was completed in my whole degree. We would wake up as the sun was rising and work until after the sun set. It was so rewarding doing the whole project ourselves though, from creating the structure of how to go about the project to gathering the samples to testing and analysing the samples and to finalising the report. Robe was for ecology camp in second year; this was an interesting camp. We completed around 6 mini research experiments and then got assigned teams after the camp to create presentations and reports explaining the experiments in detail. We learnt how to correctly trap and handle wild mice; measuring, weighing and identifying what sex the animals were. We worked in both the forest and also the beach areas during this camp, the variety of environments push you physically and also assist in improving your knowledge constantly. Kangaroo Island was for my Field Project class that was in the last semester of third year. This class really set up a lot of us students for Honours this year. I was put into a group with three other students and we had to create a video for Cleland Wildlife Park about the “golden children” who are the selected koalas that were saved from the Kangaroo Island bushfire at the start of 2020. When we were in Kangaroo Island, we visited most places that had been dramatically affected by the bushfire. We went to Hanson Bay Wildlife Park where I interviewed the owner, Jim Gedds. Hanson Bay had been completely wiped out after the fire. There was nothing left apart from disaster. Are there specific ecosystems you prefer to focus your attentions on (i.e., forests, reefs, etc.)? Personally, I have only really worked in and around grasslands and semi-arid ecosystems. I would love to expand on going to a tropical forest or more coastal areas though. I am just appreciative that I can even travel to go see these places during the current COVID pandemic. In my future studies I would love to work with either seagrass or mangrove areas as they are so rich in biodiversity and have such an impact on a larger system. Have you found there are certain ecosystems that are more at risk than others? With climate change playing such a large role in every ecosystem, it is hard to narrow it down to a certain one. Though speaking about climate change, a lot of coastal systems like wetlands are experiencing a lack of sediment for replenishment. Sea level and temperature rise make coastal environments very high risk. The constant change impacts species as they have to relocate or adapt.

In[ter]view

Climate change is a massive dilemma that our society faces; over the course of your degree, how frequently is climate referred to or based around in terms of course content? In every single class I have had over my three years of university, climate change has always been brought up. It may not always be brought up as a contributing factor, but my lecturers always want to make us aware of it. Climate change is very real and is increasingly getting worse, but there is only so much that people will listen to.

What are some effective ways you would suggest to the average person on how to conserve the environment? It all starts with the small steps. Firstly, educate yourself on the simple things that can help; reduce, reuse and recycle. I know everyone has heard this a million times but it really does help. Stop the use of single use plastics. Carpool with multiple people to avoid four cars going to the same place. Plant native plants in your backyard to encourage wildlife to flourish.

“

In my future studies I would love to work with either seagrass or mangrove areas as they are so rich in biodiversity and have such an impact on a larger system.

What is next for you in terms of Honours and postuniversity plans? My Honours project is based around the importance of human and wildlife connection with the intention of wildlife conservation. There is a lot of arguments around wildlife interactions and backlash given to these wildlife parks that encourage this behaviour. To use a little example: when Australian bushfires occur, all people care about are the animals that have been injured, which I agree is horrible. As humans we do not like to see animals in pain and we do what we can to help... though, there is always a cap to this

What are the biggest factors in human nature that you have found impacts the environment most? The biggest factor is ignorance. Ignorance of not educating yourself about what is happening; ignorance of not making small changes to help out; ignorance of not taking responsibility. If everyone changed small aspects of their day-to-day life, big improvements could be made. Although, this will never happen until people fully understand why we need to take charge, why we need to help and why everyone needs to play a part.

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willingness to help. Plants and ecosystems cannot show pain like animals can. They do not have a voice and it is up to people’s willingness to push for the improvement of ecosystem health that will fix the burnt vegetation. A question that I will pose in my Honours is: ‘if you were given a heap of money to put towards one conservation effort, what would you put it towards? Saving a species, an area or educating people?’ Our theme for this edition is Environmentalism, so how does the environment inspire you to continue exploring the natural world and conserving its general beauty? The most magical thing about the environment is that it is ever growing. Even through all the despair of climate change there are still amazing things to see daily. After studying small aspects of so many areas when I am out and about, I would see something outside and be like ‘oh I know what that species is called’ or ‘that water run off could be solved if this was done…’. Since being to places like Kangaroo Island and the Flinders Ranges, out in the field, there is always a moment of complete silence where there is no human disturbance. It is beautiful. I think by knowing that there is such beauty in every ecosystem makes me want to ensure I save as much as I can so other people can experience the relationship with nature that I have. Listening and understanding why others love the environment so much really does inspire me. My fellow students are constantly talking to me about new papers that explore the most interesting of topics. I also love how much the environment inspires others... others that have a voice. David Attenborough in his film, A Life on Our Planet, really got a lot of people reconnected with nature. It gave us all an ‘oh shit this is happening and it’s real’ moment. It gave 2020 a real kick up the butt, a reality check that a lot of people needed. ▪︎

THE MOST MAGICAL THING ABOUT THE ENVIRONMENT IS THAT IT IS EVER GROWING. 46

Review

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A Day in the Life of a Sustainable Uni Student

Illustrations Nikki Sztolc Photos Nicole Miller Words The Student Sustainability Collective

Ever wondered how you can bring a little bit of sustainability into your busy daily life of being a uni student? Don’t worry, we have some great tips for you to try! No pressure if some of these don’t work for you - sustainability means different things to different people. At its core, sustainability is about being conscious of our everyday actions and how they impact the environment. There is no expectation to perfectly practice sustainability all the time, what matters is that the more of us who make small changes in our lives will collectively make a tangible difference.

7am

Rise and Shine

7:30am Breakfast

8am Getting Ready

Wake up and have a quick shower to reduce personal and household water usage. Also think about the products you are using in the shower, there are some simple swaps you can make to avoid products packaged in plastic. You can use a bar of soap as well as shampoo and conditioner bars, these are available in eco and health stores and are becoming more widely available in supermarkets. You can also make your own shower products at home from simple ingredients and store them in leftover plastic bottles. We have a video of how to do this on our Facebook page and there are lots of recipes online. Try to avoid dairy, there are many milk alternatives which have a low impact on the environment whilst also being nutritious, such as soy, rice and hemp milks. If you are lucky to have some chickens in the backyard, boil or scramble some eggs over toast. Don’t have a garden? That’s okay! Try to buy locally grown fruits and veggies (or aim to buy what is in season to reduce the need for produce that has travelled long distances). Brush your teeth with a bamboo toothbrush. Pack a bag with reusable fishnet or canvas bags for any shopping or other items you might pick up while you are out. Don’t forget to bring a container with your pre-prepared packed lunch, and a keep cup. If makeup is your thing, there are many brands who produce ethical and sustainable cosmetics (some of them right here in Adelaide). Try to avoid products that have been made overseas and shipped here.

9am

Ride a bike or catch public transport to uni. If public transport is not available in your area or lacks safe cycling infrastructure, an alternative is carpooling with friends and family (fun fact: most cars on the road only have one occupant in the vehicle!).

10am

Use less paper by avoiding printing study materials. Purchase and re-sell textbooks second hand or use online textbooks and readings. Try to write notes on a device. Also study in a room with natural light (or outdoors, if it is a sunny day). This way you can save electricity and get some Vitamin D.

Time for Uni

Study Session

StudentSustainability Sustainability Collective TheThe Student Collective

1pm Lunch Time

5pm Home Time

7pm Dinner

9pm

Planning for Tomorrow

9:30pm Winding Down

Take a break outside to enjoy the fresh air and plant life (weather permitting). Minimise food wastage by disposing of leftovers and compostables in the organics bins located in the cafeteria areas at uni. When food is put into the regular rubbish bin and taken to landfill, it does not have the right conditions and it can form methane (a greenhouse gas) as it breaks down. Collect your bike from the safe bike lockers on campus, or walk to a stop to catch public transport home. Alternatively, grab a lift home with a mate, keeping in mind that emissions from cars accounts for a significant proportion of air pollution. Try and eat less meat by substituting with mushrooms or tofu for that umami taste. You could start by trying out ‘meat free Mondays’! Grab a few herbs and veggies from your garden or pot plants. Put any food scraps into an organics bin or compost (your garden will love it) or save them to use later. By the way, onion, carrot and celery scraps can be frozen to be later made into vegetable stock. Some scraps such as the root end of celery can even be planted and regrown! One of the best ways to be more sustainable is to be organised! Pack lunch for tomorrow using dinner leftovers. This will save you money and avoid food waste. Bonus points for picking out an outfit in advance to wear the next day. Op shops are a great source of clothes that are not contributing to fast fashion and they are an absolute bargain! Like with all clothes, give them a wash before wearing them; soap nuts are a natural and reusable alternative to detergents and laundry powders (you can find these at your local eco shop). Make a face mask and put it on while relaxing. We suggest making a turmeric banana mask. So, for this recipe, if you have long hair, tie it back. Mash two bananas (it is ok if there are some chunks), then add a spoon of honey and bit of water. Mix it well. Add few pinches of turmeric and stir. You can also add few drops of rose water and some chopped basil leaves (both optional). Apply the mask to your face for glowing skin. Leave it on for 5-10 mins before rinsing it off. And, most importantly, enjoy your day! Want to be more sustainable in your everyday? Find out more or join The Student Sustainability Collective at USASA.sa.edu.au/Clubs/Sustainability

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Recipe: Indian Vegan Samosas Words + Photos Indian Students Assembly of South Australia

Make the perfect flaky and crispy samosa at home! We have included all the tips and tricks to make the perfect spicy potato filled, vegan samosas every time! Samosas, do they need any introduction? Definitely not! The triangular shaped flaky pastry is a popular snack, not only in India, but in several countries over the world. Because samosa is so so common in India (you literally get samosa and chai at every other street corner), I always considered it to be a quintessential Indian delicacy. But, only later, I read that it has its origin in the Middle East, and it was introduced to India during the Delhi Sultanate rule. It was later adapted as a vegetarian snack with spicy potato filling in India (which is what is most popular in northern India). Anyway, whatever the origin was, I can confidently say that samosa, especially Aloo Samosa, is the most popular snack back in India.

You Will Need:

Method: 1. In a medium bowl, whisk together flour, nigella seeds, and salt. Add 2 tablespoons of oil and, using fingertips, blend until mixture resembles fine breadcrumbs. Add ¾ cup warm water and mix with fork until dough just comes together. Transfer to lightly floured surface and knead until smooth and elastic, about 10 minutes. Lightly oil medium bowl, form dough into ball, and place in bowl. Cover with towel and set aside to rest for 30 to 40 minutes. 2. In a large pot, cover potatoes with cold water. Bring ti boil, then reduce heat and simmer, covered, until tender, about 20 minutes. Drain and, when cool enough to handle, finely dice. 3. In a large bowl, combine diced potatoes, green onions, chiles (if using), cilantro, cumin seeds, ground cumin, chile powder, and salt. Mix with fork, mashing potatoes slightly to incorporate al ingredients. 4. Divide dough into 12 equal portions. Roll portions into balls. On floured surface using floured rolling pin, roll out 1 ball into 6-inch circle. Cut circle in half. Fold 1 corner of semicircle up and over middle. Fold second corner over to make triangle, and pinch corners of triangle to seal (leave rounded side open). Hold triangle in your hand with open rounded side facing up and let dough fall open to make one. Fill cone with approximately 2 tablespoons potato mixture, then pinch along rounded side to seal. Repeat with remaining dough and filling. 5. In heavy, deep skillet over moderate heat, heat 2 inches oil until thermometer registers 360°F. working in batches (return oil to 360°F between batches), fry samosas until golden brown, 1 to 2 minutes per side. Drain on paper towels. Serve warm with yoghurt.

2 cups all-purpose flour ½ teaspoons nigella seeds (also called kalonji or black onion seeds) ½ teaspoon salt 2 tablespoons vegetable oil, plus 3 to 4 cups for frying 3 medium potatoes (about 2 pounds), peeled 1 bunch green onions (white and green parts), chopped 2 fresh green chiles, such as jalapenos, seeded and minced (optional) ½ cup fresh cilantro, chopped 1 teaspoon whole cumin seeds ½ teaspoon ground cumin ½ teaspoon chile powder ½ teaspoon salt Plain yogurt for serving

Recipe

Recipe: Indian Tea/Chai Words + Photos Indian Students Assembly of South Australia

Indian tea, also known as chai, is rich and milky, deeply coloured, steaming hot, and boldly flavourful with a definite need for sugar to offset the toasty bitterness. (The word chai actually means tea.)

You Will Need:

Method: 1. Gather all ingredients. 2. With a mortar pestle, crack the cardamom pods and discard the pod. Grind the cardamom into fine powder. If you use ginger, cut it into one thin slice. 3. In a small saucepan, pour the water from the cups. 4. Add cardamom, sugar, and ginger if you like, and bring it to a boil. 5. When boiling, add tea leaves. 6. Simmer for 2-3 minutes. 7. Add milk and bring it to boil again. 8. When boiling again, reduce heat and keep simmering for another 2 minutes. 9. Remove from heat and strain tea with a strainer. Serve with the Indian Samosa we already prepared.

2 teacups water 4 pods green cardamom 2 tsp sugar 1 slice ginger (optional) 3 tsp loose black tea (Red Label Orange Peko, Taj Mahal, Darjeeling, etc.) 4-6 tbsp milk (can use whole milk)

Want to celebrate and gain knowledge of the rich culture of India? Find out more or join the Indian Students Assembly of SA at USASA.sa.edu.au/Clubs/indianstudents

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Recipe: Banana Bread Words Nicole Bergs

This recipe is a handy one to use when bananas are in season and super cheap, or if you have some frozen bananas ready. There is lots of room to adjust this recipe to your liking! Perhaps you want to use wholemeal flour if you would like a healthier alternative or are keen to make it into a fun treat by adding some dark chocolate chips. Either way this recipe is a crowd pleaser and will have everyone smiling once they have a slice!

You Will Need:

Method: 1. Pre-heat the oven to 170 degrees Celsius (if fan-forced, preheat to 150 degrees Celsius). 2. Line a loaf tin with compostable baking paper (or grease with butter or butter alternative). 3. In a large bowl, whisk together the melted Nuttelex, white sugar and brown sugar. 4. Whisk in the eggs one at a time, then add the vanilla essence, whisking until smooth. 5. Sift the flour, baking soda and salt into the bowl with the wet ingredients and stir until just combined. 6. Peel and mash 3 of the bananas in a separate bowl. 7. Fold the mashed bananas and sour cream/ yoghurt into your mix. 8. Pour batter into the prepared loaf tin. 9. Cut 1 banana in half (length-wise) and place on top of the mix, pressing it down so that it lies flat in the batter. 10. Place into the oven and bake for 60 minutes or until crust is golden brown and a toothpick inserted into the centre is clean when removed (no crumbs). 11. Cool for 10 minutes before serving.

½ cup melted Nuttelex 1/3 cup white sugar 1/3 cup brown sugar 2 eggs (or vegan alternative such as apple sauce) 2 teaspoons vanilla essence 1½ cups wholemeal plain flour (can also use standard plain flour) 2 teaspoons baking soda ½ teaspoon salt ½ cup of sour cream, Greek yoghurt or Coconut yogurt 4 ripe medium-sized bananas (3 mashed and 1 halved lengthways for decoration)

Notes: If using coconut yoghurt, consider using less white and brown sugar to balance the sweetness. When I can, I like to source my ingredients from bulk stores as it often ends up cheaper and is a bit more of an adventure. This banana bread freezes well and makes for an excellent snack during long Uni days. The riper the bananas, the sweeter the banana bread! Do NOT be afraid to let them ripen for an extra day or two before using.

A free wellbeing event for all students.

11 am - 2 pm City West // Wed 5 May Mawson Lakes // Thurs 6 May Magill // Wed 12 May City East // Thurs 13 May

USASA.sa.edu.au/UniTopia

Edition 39 | 2021

Aries

21 Mar - 19 Apr Some dad’s old sweatpants We all know you could run faster in them anyway… even if it is just during a Netflix marathon.

Taurus

20 Apr - 20 May Some vintage Levi’s I see you searching for any and every brand name you can find and I honestly applaud the persistence.

Gemini

21 May - 20 June A corny graphic Tee I just KNOW you’re going to spend 20 minutes laughing while sorting through these in the mens section only to take one home to wear unironically and that’s what I love about you.

Cancer

21 June - 22 Jul A pre-engagement wedding dress You put it on and had your “the one” moment before actually meeting the one and honestly I get it - dresses are way less disappointing than men.

Leo

23 Jul - 22 Aug Something, anything, shiny and colourful You look good in anything, but you’re absolutely hunting for pieces that show the world you ARE the main character.

Virgo

23 Aug - 22 Sept An old granny’s cardigan Let’s face it, granny’s got taste and so do you. Go out and show the world that you are the ultimate softgirl.

The Signs as T 54

Horoscopes

Libra

23 Sept - 22 Oct A silky af button up Classy, just like you. Extra points for tying it up and pairing it with flares + heels.

Scorpio

23 Oct - 21 Nov A leather trench coat You personally fought off every Depop seller to secure this find and now plan to epitomise the saying ‘if looks could kill’.

Sagittarius

22 Nov - 21 Dec A baguette bag Just another trendy piece to add to your collection (but make it vintage).

Capricorn

22 Dec - 19 Jan A fancy blazer Duh… now go back to getting that bag. You’re the boss of the zodiacs and you know it.

Aquarius

20 Jan - 18 Feb One of funkiest jackets ever The more cord, fake fur AND colour, the better! These pieces are one in a million, just like you.

Pisces

19 Feb - 20 Mar A pretty sundress The kind of dress you could romanticise wearing while writing poetry next to a lake.

Thrifted Finds

Photos Nikki Sztolc Words Stephanie Montatore

Edition 39 | 2021

I’m Gonna Pop Some Tags Picture this: you’re seventeen, don’t have much of a sense of style and have a whole wardrobe of pieces your mum bought you from the mall. Then you sit down one day, open up Netflix and start watching a documentary about fast fashion. You become obsessed with learning about where your clothes are made, the working conditions and environmental impacts. You know you can never shop the same way ever again. This was my exact journey to slow fashion. I want to start by saying that no one is perfect, and I am certainly far from it. I still find myself overconsuming clothes, buying unsustainably and messing up all the time. Many even argue that there is no ethical consumption within the framework of capitalism, but I think we owe it to ourselves and to the world to do our best. That it is far better to try than to do nothing at all.

Why I Choose to Thrift Words Stephanie Montatore

After finding out the harsh realities of the fashion industry I realised I had three options: 1. Magically become rich so I could afford sustainable brands 2. Never buy anything ever again 3. Start to take op shopping seriously (clearly, I chose the latter) I became pretty obsessed with op shopping very quickly; scouring the racks across Adelaide to find the best pieces out there as often as I could. For the first time ever, I started to find joy in fashion. There was no one telling me what was trendy or worth my money, that was up to me. I began to appreciate clothing for the quality of its make and what fabrics it was made from, and finally developed an eye for my own style. All of which I did not feel as inclined to do when shopping fast fashion.

Now, just about every outfit I wear contains a second-hand piece, whether in the form of clothing, accessories or shoes. Some of my finest finds include those pictured on this very page!

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One of my favourite things about thrifting continues to be that you, as the shopper, are in control. Gendered sections are irrelevant, because you realise fabric is just that, and the way a garment makes you feel becomes most important over any social construct. I know it probably sounds so dramatic, but thrifting has really empowered me, and to know my choices are working toward a cleaner and more ethical future is SO cool.

S K O

Steph’s Top Thrift Tips

New to thrifting? Want some guidance? Here’s my best tips to get you closer to the finds of your dreams! 1. Go where the gold is Eat the rich, then buy their clothes (basically). It’s worth driving a little longer to good neighbourhoods for high value pieces – like the snazzy Tommy Hilfiger sweater you can see me wearing here. 2. Focus on fabrics Trade in all that polyester for some quality cotton, corduroy, silk and cashmere. Fabrics like these make for quality clothing but can be hard to come by at affordable prices. Check the tags of the clothing you pick to see if you have snagged a good one. 3. Keep an open mind No gendered section or style is off limits. Thrifting is about working out your own style – there is no mannequins to do that for you. Keep an open mind and see what wonderful pieces you can find.

Lucy Addabbo

Montatore

4. Take your time You never know what could be hiding on a stray hanger. I really recommend taking the time to delve through as much of your chosen thrift shops as you possibly can. 5. Give and you shall receive Karma is real, right? Donate your used clothes to local thrift shops, sell pieces online or swap with friends. Do the right thing by the planet and the thrift Gods will thank you.

Photo Stephan ie

Looks of UniSA

Bachelor of Communication and Media

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Ever since I was in my early teens, my mum would take my little sisters and I out on what we called “op-shop tours”. We would go around to as many thrift shops as we could in a day to find the best bargains we could. After many trips, we built up knowledge of the best ones around Adelaide. We always considered the best thrift shops to be inexpensive and crowded with goodies. A thrift shop that tricks both those boxes is Save the Children in St. Agnes. It is a small thrift shop, down the road from Tea Tree Place, with amazing prices and staff that hype you up as you come out the dressing room. My favourite find from there is a bowl from Urban Cow Studio which says, ‘Hey Good Looking’; it now holds my keys and loose change and a heap of books, which now make up most of my 2021 TBR list. I also found a really cute shirt that has now become a stable in my closet.

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While I still have quite a long way to go on my sustainability journey, sustainability means to me finding ways of repurposing and reusing things I already have. Sustainability makes me more conscientious of what I purchase; it makes me consider if I need it and how will I be able to use it. Thrifting is one of the main ways I try to be more sustainable. It helps cut down on waste that would otherwise be put into landfill. Thrifting helps me bond with the people I love and also discover items I would not have known existed otherwise. It is a fun way to keep waste out of the bin, keeping money out of fast fashion and getting cute clothes into your closet.

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Olivia Rose

Bachelor of Communication Design

Although I have no favourite op shop in particular, Savers at Tea Tree Plaza is usually my go to. Also, Salvos always has great tops and formal wear, whilst Fox on the Run Vintage has great casual wear. As for some cool pieces I have accumulated from op shopping, I have a patterned brown dress I bought at Savers. I know it’s a keeper since I have worn it to the past couple formal birthdays I have attended and my friends have also borrowed it. I have a pair of denim shorts that I bought from Fox on the Run, back in 2017, and have worn them to death since. One of my favourites is an oversized blazer I found at Salvos down Magill Road, which is the best for winter, and a mesh floral top. Although, my favourite accessory I have found is this patch work suede backpack from an op shop somewhere up in the hills. I don’t wear it enough, but it is probably one of the coolest things I own.

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Sustainability is very important. Not only is shopping second hand a fun experience (like a little treasure hunt) it’s better for the environment. We all know that fast fashion is bad but, reading up on it, I learnt that globally 87% of clothing that is not bought is sent to landfill. Thrifting is a great way to get into sustainable fashion. With trends from the 70’s, 90’s and 00’s coming back it’s easy to create outfits that look like something you could find in Cotton On or General Pants. When I first started thrifting, I found myself just buying whatever I liked, but hardly ended up wearing most of it. Then a couple years later, I donated it all back. My mentality thrifting now is, ‘how much wear can I get out of this and is it something that will last me a long time?’. This way I end up saving money and not hoarding heaps of clothing.

Ella-Maude Wilson

Bachelor of Contemporary Art (Honours) & Graduate Certificate of Marketing I love thrifting because every experience is unique. You never know what you will find and sometimes the sketchiest shops pull the best finds. My absolute favourite op shop would have to be Black Market Vintage in Toronto, Canada. The basement floor shop is barely furnished. It has concrete walls and flooring with the occasional flickering fluro overhead. Although, looking past that... wow. With an “everything for $10.99CAD” sign and hundreds of vintage pieces literally everywhere, it is the store that fuels the grunge aesthetic of the city. There is an obscene amount of jackets, denim, vintage snow gear and t-shirts with even a barbershop hidden away down there! It’s where I bought my 80s windbreaker which is honestly my most beloved clothing item. It was a bit beat up when I first got it (a couple of stitches were coming undone) but, after I fixed it up, it has come pretty much everywhere with me.

The state of the environmental world is overwhelming and I feel we are constantly bombarded with our necessity to live sustainably. You want to do the right thing but sometimes you have no idea where to begin. Though thrifting is such a great way to start and many op shops support charities, so it is doubly great for the environment and also for helping out people in need too!

Photo Ella-Maude Wilson 58

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Looks of UniSA

If you take a trip down Hindley Street and descend down a staircase to shop 34B, you will be lucky to find the Sustainable Clothing Co., company that celebrates sustainable clothing. Thanks to Communications and Media student, Nate Drewett, Verse was able to secure an interview with the owner of Sustainable Clothing Co., Laura Vogt. Together, Nate and Laura sat down and discussed sustainability and fast fashion amongst other subjects.

You have said that one of your aims is to teach people about the value of consignment and the harms of fast fashion; do people have a hard time understanding the benefits of slow fashion or do you ever have trouble convincing them of the pros and cons of slow versus fast? Everyone is sort of used to the $5 t-shirts and the $10 shorts and they are so used to buying and discarding, instead of recycling. So, it can be a little challenging sometimes for people to understand the prices because it might have been worn or it might have been owned What is the one thing you would preach to people about by someone else previously. But, we have a lot of really where to start with slow fashion and ethical clothing? high-quality brands here and the benefits of you buying When you wear any vintage or pre-loved garment more something second hand obviously reduces your impact, than 30 times, then you are actually making up for its but you can also invest in brands that you would have environmental impact. Every single piece of clothing ever normally paid normal price for. So, say you go into Myers created has had some sort of and there is a $150 Ralph impact on the environment and Lauren polo or something like getting just 30 wears out of that that, you can come here will help to reduce the impact. and get it for $50 even So, you can start by even though it may have just re-wearing stuff that you only been worn already have in your wardrobe once. It might and, if you get 30 wears out not have been of it on average, then you are worn at all, but doing a great job! you can still get those really What is ethical clothing and why good brands and is it important to the world? with Laura Vogt of you are able to Sustainable Clothing Co. Ethical clothing means a incorporate them in few various things. From my your wardrobe. perspective, ethical clothing is focused on recycling the You are at the forefront of clothing that has already been ethical clothing movements in made. So, when you buy anything that is vintage or Adelaide; what about your job puts a smile on your face pre-loved, you are extending its life on average by 2.2 the most though? years which means you are keeping it out of landfill. It’s I love when people come down here and they just want not producing any greenhouse gases and then if you to play dress ups and really experiment and dress to their are really into sustainability you can swap it with your style [...] I really love that interaction and being able to friends, give it to your family or upcycle it and so all style someone and have them walk away with a smile on of those things are also incorporated into sustainable their face feeling good about the money they spent and fashion. [Ethical clothing] also means sustainable fabrics the time they have been there. A lot of people do come like hemp, bamboo, organic cotton, silk [or] anything here and feel it is a safe space as well. They feel very that is biodegradable and has a positive impact on the comfortable being here, because we do not have any environment throughout the growing manufacturing gender categorisation either. So, whatever you identify as, process and towards the end of its life. you are welcome here, there is no specific sections where you have to shop or you cannot shop – it is just open. I feel that has really helped the community and also really the sustainability side of things as well. ▪︎

The Benefits of Ethical Clothing

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Words Laura Vogt Interviewer Nate Drewett

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USASA Club: The Outdoor Club Interviewee Kelly H Interview Nahum Gale

What is the Outdoor Club? The Outdoor Club is a club at the university where we go and do different outdoor activities such as camping, hiking, exploring and cultural events. We are a group that loves the outdoors and trying new things and just being out and about exploring what South Australia has to offer. There is talk of us even trying to do interstate camps if we can. We also try to work with fees that our students can afford because we all know what it’s like to be a poor student. So, we try and make our activities affordable, unique, fun and outdoorsy. We try to find something that everyone will like, that is both exciting and a great way for people to meet others and make friends. Can you tell us a bit about the activities that you do and what exactly is the process when you do that? So, sadly, we have had to cancel a lot of our events due to COVID, but the first event we did was a walk around Glenelg and got some food, pre-COVID times. We also

joined our sister club, Flinders Outdoor Club, for a camp at Onkaparinga National Park. The process, basically, is that we will find a whole lot of activities that we think is affordable and then we put them up on a poll on our social media, generally on Facebook, and we will let people know and say, ‘vote for one that you want’ and the one with the highest votes will be the one that goes ahead. So, we get ideas, we say ‘look at these’ and we ask the members what they want to do Do you have any upcoming events over the year that you want to share with us? Definitely. There are certainly some events that we are really keen to do. We want to ride from Adelaide to Glenelg on bikes. Bike renting can go through Bikes SA which is completely free and all that they expect is just you give them some form of ID and then when you return the bike they give you back the ID. We are also definitely looking at doing some hikes in the coming year and some camps. Camping is like a

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really big thing for us. We are so lucky here in SA; we have so many camping spots and we are talking about doing one in the Flinders Ranges later on in the year, hopefully more in the winter, just because that is the best time of year for it. Another of the ideas we are definitely interested in is doing a Popeye boat trip down the River Torrens. We want to walk Mount Lofty and might even camp or stay in a cottage in the area [...]. We are thinking of going to Adelaide Zoo and then, on the same day, going to where the bats are in the area which is really close. An idea that one of our members gave us, and we were really keen on actually having it, a night picnic where we do star gazing. One place was the Stirling Oval in the Adelaide Hills and, that’s the thing, we also try to make our activities easy for students to get to. So, even students who rely on public transport can still access the activities. We are planning to go on the Cockle Train, the one in the Fleurieu Peninsula. There are also dolphin tours in Port Adelaide. Cleland National Park. Monarto Zoo. Belair National Park and Hallett Cove Boardwalk. A treasure hunt type trip where people get directions from an APP and a message to find certain objects in certain places around Adelaide and it takes you all over the city. What is the main point of the Outdoor Club? What are you trying to deliver for students? A chance to explore SA; a chance to be active; to get outside; doing activities outdoors and having fresh air. As you would know, as uni students, we spend a lot of our time inside on our laptops and doing our study. Our aim is to be outside, get some fresh air and also give members a break from study. That has actually been proven, that being outdoors can actually help people’s mental health and being out and about and doing physical activities is also good for physical health.

Also, being outside, I think a lot of people are really keen, thanks to COVID last year where going outside was a nogo. Now we appreciate it so much more. We appreciate being like, ‘oh, we can go outside’ or ‘oh, we can go camping’ and we just want to encourage students to be able to go outside, have a break from study and have fun. We also just try our best to make it affordable as we understand that uni students have tight budgets as well. How can students support and get involved in The Outdoor Club? Well, coming to events. Voting is definitely a big thing. We actually have an online chat which anyone is welcome to join on Discord. We also have Facebook and Instagram. We are also planning on getting merchandise so hopefully, in coming months, once we get that all sorted, people will be able to actually get merchandise [for example] a hat was one of the things that we were thinking of getting because, being outdoors, you need a hat for sun safety. Merchandise can be a great form of advertisement. So, being engaging and letting people know about activities and, also, being outdoors, you generally know it’s going to be exciting, because you are outside and you are exploring and that is definitely a big part that people like us for. We make sure our members have a constant say and we listen to them. ▪︎

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USASA are here to help you through the good times and the bad. We are a non-profit, student-owned organisation focused on providing services and a voice for all UniSA students. USASA empower’s you through: · Verse Magazine · Student Representation · Academic Advocacy · Student Clubs · Social Events · Club & Leadership Grants · Financial Counselling · USASA Student Spaces · UniSA Merchandise Want to keep updated on events, freebies, support & more? Facebook

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USASA Financial Counselling Need help putting the pieces together?

Are you in financial difficulty? Want to manage your money better or improve your financial literacy? A Financial Counsellor may be able to assist you. Financial counselling is a free, confidential and nonjudgmental service available to all UniSA students. Financial counselling provides information, guidance and advocacy to people in financial difficulty who want to gain insights about money management. A USASA Financial Counsellor can: • Assist you to develop a budget to better manage your finances • Assess your financial situation and understand which debts are a priority • Advocate and negotiate on your behalf to reduce/ defer/waive payments with creditors, • Assist you to deal with bad financial standing with the University • Access emergency food support and refer you to other emergency services • Apply for an emergency support grant • Point you in the right direction to access other financial support, grants and assistance. • Financial literacy education Make an appointment and explore your options to get in control of your money.

USASA.sa.edu.au/FinancialCounselling

Contributors Adam Von-Zieden A.G. Travers Alexandra Bull Annabelle Tang Asha Southcombe Ashleigh Buck Ayla Liebenberg Bailey Jeffrey Bec Gaitaneris Ella-Maude Wilson Gerry Canatselis Giorgia De Chellis Hayley Brand Helen Karakulak Indian Students Assembly of South Australia (ISASA) Isabelle Raven Joshua Button Kelly H Laura Vogt Lauren Kathleen Liam Mathew Lucy Addabbo Maria Ppiros Miriam Sims Nahum Gale Nate Drewett Nicole Bergs Nicole Miller Nikki Sztolc Nina Canala Noah Beckmann Olivia Rose On The Record Rylee Cooper Sheli Sverdlov Sonia Zanatta Stephanie Montatore Sustainable Clothing Co. The Outdoor Club The Student Sustainability Collective Xanthe Midwinter

@vonzieden_art @agtavers @ally_bull19 @annabelle.tang @ashasouthcombe @ashkbuck @aylanotalaya @bai__j.studio @becgaitaneris @ella_maude_ @gcanatselisphotography @giorgiadechellis @hayleybrand_ @helen_karakulak_ @_isasa_ @nevari.indd @roadkillgrills @laurenkathleen_ @l_mathew5 @lucyaddabbo @maria_ppiros @tenacit.y @nahumphotos @natedrewett_ @annabergss @arkadiavisuals @outgrown @noahbeckmann @livroseart @ontherecordunisa @cooper.rylee @sheli_designz @sonny.and.co @stephanie_montatore_ @sco_lookbook @unisaoutdoorclub @unisastudentsustainability @xanthemidwinter

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