I’ve been reflecting a lot lately on what helps me get away from my work and daily chores to make space specifically to do something for the environment. Sometimes it is really difficult, even though my life is no more busy than it was a decade ago.
So what was it that motivated me so much then? 🤔🤔🤔❓❓❓
💡It was the fun we had💡 (… and ok, let’s be honest, maybe because I was ten years younger too…!)
Some of my best times as an environmental activist happened when we lived in a mining town in the desert. As much as we loved the endless waves of yellow spinifex coating the rolling hills, we just longed for some green. Nurtured with a bit of enthusiasm from locals, green shoots soon started sprouting in Karratha’s brand new community garden.
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Being an activist isn’t just about protesting things; it’s also about building the world we want to live in. Whether you're 🌱planting veggies in a community garden🌱, collecting data as a citizen scientist on the 🪸Great Barrier Reef🪸, or speaking truth to power at a 🪧 rally 🪧, climate action comes in many flavours.
It can even involve the odd ironing board…
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When I think back, those really special moments for me were when I felt that camaraderie with others - knowing that we were trying to improve the world, doing things with purpose and meaning, and just having a lot of fun. 😁😁😁
Not only was it fun, but climate activism also led me to unexpected places and introduced me to remarkable people. When we did weeding trips to inland Pilbara I met people from around the world doing amazing things. I felt so motivated that I made a little movie about it!
So next time you're feeling disheartened by the climate crisis, remember: taking action isn't just about fighting against something. It’s about mucking in, getting wet, pulling weeds, growing plants, signing petitions, taking to the streets and… having a wonderful lunch with new friends. 😎
Check out the actions below and join the fun today!
What can you do today?
🐝 If you have 5 minutes:
Want to get stuck in? Hands in the ground, weeds coming up and veggies going down? Take a look at the Community Gardens Australia map to find if there’s a local garden near you. Being part of a community garden has been one of the most enjoyable, fun and rewarding activities I’ve ever done.
Action: Search Community Gardens Australia website to find your local community garden. Don’t have one near you? Check out their resources and start your own!
It’s NAIDOC week! This week is all about celebrating and recognising the history, cultures, resilience and achievements of First Nations people. (And if anyone knows how to care for Country, it’s these people - doing it for thousands of years!) With celebrations across the country from 7-14th July, this year’s National NAIDOC theme is Keep the Fire Burning! Blak, Loud and Proud: take a few minutes to find an event to join near you. I have found out that taking part is the best way to learn.
Action: Check out the NAIDOC week website and find an event near you. .
If you really want to have some fun…. sign up for updates on this year’s Rising Tide blockade of Newcastle Coal Port. They are aiming to have 10,000 people attend over 10 days - lend your support by signing up!
Action: Sign up for Rising Tide updates, and check out their People’s Blockade Guide here.
🐇 If you have 15 minutes:
The national environmental law reform bills will be going through Federal Parliament between now and September, and these laws must include a climate trigger. A climate trigger that would ensure coal and gas projects are assessed for the climate damage they cause. But it’s not going to happen without pressure! You can do a submission (see the 30 minute actions below, or sign up to the Tanya Pilbersek Call-a-thon.
Action: Move Beyond Coal is aiming for a call to Minister Plibersek every 30 minutes for the month of July! Get more info here and choose your time slot here - lots of vacant slots, so your call is needed!
Don’t forget the oceans! Greenpeace Aotearoa is campaigning for a vast network of global marine sanctuaries to reach the international goal of 30% of the world’s oceans protected by 2030. To spread the world they have created a beautiful video, a map, a report, a petition. It’s a fiesta of ocean activities!
Action: Watch the Greenpeace ocean video, check out their beautiful map, read their report, sign their petition…. ah oops I think this one might be more than 15 minutes :):)
💃🏽 If you have 30 minutes or more:
Regular readers will know we’ve often mentioned our broken environmental laws. After years of inaction, we have a small window to make a change now. Environmental Justice Australia is calling for your help to take part in our once-in-a-generation opportunity to reform our environment laws. Right now, a Senate Inquiry wants to hear from you about some changes to our nature laws. The changes have already been passed through the lower house – meaning the Senate is our best chance to see them strengthened and expanded.
Action: Check out Environmental Justice Australia’s submission guide and have your say by Monday, 15 July. You can get extra inspiration on the Lock the Gate guide as well.
In Brisbane in August? Why not have a chat with Minister Plibersek about our nature laws then? Come along to the ‘Strengthening Our Nature Laws Webinar’ hosted by the State and Territory Conservation Councils of Australia, representing numerous local environmental organisations and thousands of members. They want a big turnout to send a big message to the Minister; sign up to help out!
Action: RSVP to the 2024 National Evening with the Minister - Strengthening Our Nature Laws Webinar on Thursday, August 15th from 6:30 to 7:30 pm.
As I looked back on my activism journey I realised that some of the stuff I loved the most was about starting, not stopping. Creating a better version of our world, something more connected to nature, fairer, more equal.
My efforts may have only made a modest impact. I am also inspired by people who have gone bigger and created whole groups dedicated to the purpose of building this new world. One of these is the New Economy Network Australia. They have hubs in Brisbane and North Queensland and over 28 issue hubs including Women in the New Economy, First Nations Economics and Democracy and Governance. What’s not to love?
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That’s all for today, folks 👋🏽 Thanks for taking action.
See you in two weeks
Robyn, plus Malcolm, Ron and Jan - The Climate Club Qld team
We live, work and play on the lands of the Yuggara and Turrbal people in and around Meanjin - Brisbane. We pay respect to their Elders, past and present, and acknowledge that sovereignty was never ceded - always was, always will be Aboriginal land.
To help keep these newsletters useful, we’d love your feedback and you can always get in touch by email climateclubqld@gmail.com or check out the simple info on our About page.
Love your message this week, not just fighting but building something better! Hear hear!
Totally agree Gillian. And it’s probably the building part that nurtures us and keeps us going.