Eco online: environmental news, features and opinion from the Sunshine Coast, Queensland, Australia
Environmental news from Eco online, Sunshine Coast and Queensland environmental news, with indepth sections including interviews, sustainable business, eco adventures, green living and wildlife
Last Sunday I was relaxing at home when a neighbour dropped in for coffee. Our discussions usually cover a broad range of subjects and this time we ventured from politics, tsunamis, nuclear power and finally to our topic de jour -- climate change. I’m sure you would agree that good discussions are stimulating, perhaps even as stimulating as … [Read more...]
When faced with tragedy, atrocities or grief we humans, it appears, have a wonderful way of dealing with it. Denial. In his book States of Denial, Knowing About Atrocities and Suffering, sociologist Stanley Cohen writes: “One common thread runs through many different stories of denial: people, organisations, governments or whole societies are … [Read more...]
The climate was on everybody's mind as low clouds created hot and humid conditions on the Sunshine Coast today. But it wasn't only local weather patterns being discussed. As the Copenhagen climate conference enters its second week, thousands of Australians took to the streets around the country for the 5th annual walk against warming. On the … [Read more...]
Paul and Sally Johnson have both had a long experience with nature through their personal and professional lives. Along with their two daughters, Elly and Jessie, they have been quietly and modestly working towards a sustainable existence. In this edition we take an Up Close look at their lifestyle and why they decided to home-school their … [Read more...]
Water shortages, along with climate change, are perhaps the best and most topical examples for describing the complex affects of population and consumption. Our solutions to water shortages and climate change have, to date, focused upon consuming less. Reduce water consumption during long dry periods and use less carbon-based energy … [Read more...]
The former Midnight Oil front-man moved to his own unique, pulsating dance style while singing words a generation would remember. The emotions his songs could invoke were strong enough for me that while watching a live performance I decided there and then to pack my bags and return home after living in Europe for several years. Standing in ankle … [Read more...]
Despite the constant high ratings awarded to the Noosa River's water quality in the Healthy Waterways Reports, fish kills and deformities have brought the spotlight firmly upon local macadamia farmers. In particular, the fungicides and pesticides used on their crops. After the release of an interim report into fish kills and deformities at the … [Read more...]
As the Australia Institute rightly points out: “ If a clock can't keep accurate time, it is pointless describing how its cog wheels mesh together”. That’s their way of describing the complex structure created around the Mandatory Renewable Energy Target (MRET) and its inability to measure the amount of renewable energy being produced … [Read more...]
As Americans began their Thanksgiving celebrations across the Pacific, the Sunshine Coast was giving thanks to local environmentalists, schools and businesses. No turkeys were involved though, instead, ‘froggies’ were being handed out for the hard work many Coast residents are doing to protect the local environment. One person in particular … [Read more...]
The smell of good coffee, locally produced food in the fridge, friendly conversation and a steady stream of customers walking through the door. Sounds like one of the many local cafes, found anywhere from the coast to the range? But it's not. This is a local service station, and what's more, it supports a local permaculture project through a … [Read more...]
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