If you are reading the Australian newspaper today, page 22 features an article with me and my son. It’s part of a larger article focused mostly on people downsizing their lives in some way.

You can check it out online too. The photo isn’t included in the online version but I can say it involved throwing a lot of my pumpkins around, and trying to encourage my son not to look at the camera ;-).

Although it’s in the UK, I just love this site. Such a great idea and many of the ideas in this online animation are similar to what is being, and can be, done in Australia.

Check out Greenpeace UK’s EfficienCity - an example of how towns and cities across the UK are using cleaner energy to fight climate change.

Know someone, a business or organisation that has been working hard to help the environment? Then why not nominate them for the United Nations Association of Australia World Environment Day Awards 2008.

This is a national awards program that recognises businesses, local governments, organisations, community groups, individuals, schools and the media whose work serves to protect, manage or restore the environment.

Anyone can submit a nomination. Nominations close 2 May 2008.

Interesting article in the Sydney Morning Herald saying that for the cost of a local phone call Australians could cut their greenhouse gas emissions to the same ambitious levels now being considered by the most advanced European countries.

The Australian Rainwater Industry Development group (ARID) has released its 2008 Rainwater guide. It provides information and tips about rainwater products, government rebates and regulations for new homes.

You can buy the guide in selected news agencies around Australia or download it from ARID’s website. It will also be available in the March issue of Better Homes and Gardens magazine.

I’m back from a great trip to New Zealand. Besides seeing some amazing places, I also managed to catch up with some very good friends that I haven’t seen for a while.

While in the nation’s capital, Wellington, I stayed with a friend who is working for a design company called Moxie. However, Moxie is no ordinary design company because it also advises companies on how to improve their sustainability through their practices and products. Such a great idea and good to hear this company is flourishing in NZ.

On another note, the one thing that did take my notice in a big way was the fleet of Green Cabs driving around Auckland. These cabs are all hybrid Toyota Prius and the company claims to help the environment by being carbon neutral and cheaper for its passengers. The cars are also available in Wellington (although I didn’t notice any while I was there) and the fleets are growing.

Apparently, such an initiative has been approved for Sydney (and is already underway in Perth) but I haven’t seen any such cabs in my traffic choked city. Has anyone in Australia seen a green cab in their city or town?