Did you know that orangutans share 97% of our DNA? Pretty amazing, huh? Also, Orangutan means "Man Of The Jungle" in Indonesian and the have the intelligence of a 5 or 6 year old human!
Unfortunately though, these amazing creatures, along with many other species, are in grave danger of extinction, habitat loss and some are even made to be pets, all because of the palm oil trade. Now, if you haven't heard of palm oil I think you must have been living under a rock for the past few years. There have been numerous ad campaigns and petitions to try to stop this from happening but the sad truth is that 6 to 12 orangutans are killed every day while their habitat is being cleared for palm oil plantations. On top of this, mothers with baby orangutans will be separated from their child to become a prostitute while their baby is taken to be sold as a pet!
All because of palm oil....
Annually, over 50 million tons of palm oil is produced. It's not sustainable and replaces 12 million hectares of rainforest a year. That's the size of North Korea!
50% of all prepackaged products on supermarket shelves contain palm oil and the average person consumes 10kg of palm oil a year. Palm oil is pretty bad for you though as it has a high saturated fat content which promotes heart disease, increases cholesterol levels, raises blood pressure and contributes to obesity. These all combine together to make one deadly disease: cardiovascular disease. This disease takes the life of one person every two seconds.
However, here in Australia we don't have a mandatory labeling law which means palm oil can hide under the label of "Vegetable Oil" and over 25 other false names. There are other alternatives to palm oil too: canola oil, peanut oil, sunflower oil and coconut oil but no are as cheap or efficient meaning large companies are hesitant to make the switch. We can't tell which products have palm oil in them and which don't.
Check out my friends website http://www.saynotopalmoil.com/and find out more about everything you want to know about palm oil and how to avoid buying it.
Orangutans are our closest primates-why should they suffer?
Wednesday, 10 August 2011
Friday, 5 August 2011
Poverty and Sweatshops
Poverty is a major problem in the world. It’s not something that is necessarily always in the news and sometimes it is a bit of “Out of sight, out of mind”.
1.7 billion people in the world live in poverty. Poverty is defined as living on under $1 a day. That is over all their expenses: food, shelter, hygiene, ect.
People in situations like this are often desperate for work and will do anything. They find employment making things like clothes and sports balls in places known as “Sweatshops”. Sweatshops are often over crowded and have poor conditions. The people who work there are paid very poor wages for a lot of work. Sweatshops also use child labour to make products.
All over the world, some of the biggest companies use items made in sweat shops for their products. Some of the companies include Nike, Adidas, Disney and Tesco.
(Nike Sweatshop)
So what can we do?
There are alternative options for most things:
Do a bit of research into the clothing brands you like and see whether they use sweatshops.
Look for the Fair Trade symbol on Coffees, chocolates, teas and cafes.
Also, you can use http://www.jintasport.com.au/ for sports balls and goods or http://www.etiko.com.au/ for clothing. These sites have great prices and great goods-trust me, it's my favourite place to get netballs :)
It is such a big issue, we all need to be aware of it.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=xVuScVCF1Ws check this out. It's the truth :(
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=xVuScVCF1Ws check this out. It's the truth :(
Monday, 1 August 2011
Make Love, Not War
I've surprised even myself. Looking back at my blogs I realized that I haven't done a single one about the Norway massacre. To many, I don't think it's very controversial in terms of it's horrible and evil, and there's no doubting that. What I mean to say is that there is an underlying issue to why this has happened.
Anders Behring Breivik has fast become a household name for terrible reasons. He has been named as the "attacker" that is responsible for the bomb blast in Oslo and the massacre of young members of Norway's Labour Party. He is not an "attacker" in my eyes. No, he is much worse than that. He is a murderer, a terrorist, a killer. Nothing more and nothing less.
From what I have read, Anders was an attention seeker who was opposed to Islamic immigration. In that sentence, so many things are wrong.
1. I hate attention seekers. They are annoying, frustrating and a general nuisance.
2. The fact he is opposed to Islams is racist and horrible. I'm a proud Christian but I believe that everyone has their own individual beliefs in terms of spirituality, even if you belong to a church, and that's OK because it is a free world. No one should ever try to enforce their beliefs on anyone else and that is what, in affect, he has done.
Religion is unfortunately, seemingly a cause of many wars around the world and a constant fuel for violence and controversy around the world.
The way I see it, the people opposed to differences and religions are scared that these differences will threaten them. It's is the same with everyone and every difference. People get scared and go defensive.
We need to accept differences and be able to move on. After all, it's a free world and we are all different, we are all beautiful.
Anders Behring Breivik has fast become a household name for terrible reasons. He has been named as the "attacker" that is responsible for the bomb blast in Oslo and the massacre of young members of Norway's Labour Party. He is not an "attacker" in my eyes. No, he is much worse than that. He is a murderer, a terrorist, a killer. Nothing more and nothing less.
From what I have read, Anders was an attention seeker who was opposed to Islamic immigration. In that sentence, so many things are wrong.
1. I hate attention seekers. They are annoying, frustrating and a general nuisance.
2. The fact he is opposed to Islams is racist and horrible. I'm a proud Christian but I believe that everyone has their own individual beliefs in terms of spirituality, even if you belong to a church, and that's OK because it is a free world. No one should ever try to enforce their beliefs on anyone else and that is what, in affect, he has done.
Religion is unfortunately, seemingly a cause of many wars around the world and a constant fuel for violence and controversy around the world.
The way I see it, the people opposed to differences and religions are scared that these differences will threaten them. It's is the same with everyone and every difference. People get scared and go defensive.
We need to accept differences and be able to move on. After all, it's a free world and we are all different, we are all beautiful.
Sunday, 31 July 2011
Our Police :)
Our police do an incredible job and are some of the most important members of our society. They are the ones that protect us and make us safe. Ultimately, we would struggle to function without them.
Our police are so badly underpaid it's ridiculous. We need our police force badly, that, I think, is quite obvious.
The government has offered the Victorian Police force a pay rise of 2.5% but that is still 2% less than they are asking for. I'm struggling to understand why the government don't look after our police more. They are so important, yet they are not treated the way they probably should.
This is going to take a toll on everyday people as well. Bendigo officers are refusing to use email, compile statistical information of the government or keep records of traffic accidents. Some other officers are refusing to attend Supreme or County courts as witnesses unless they are subpoenaed.
The point to what I'm say is, that we really need to be on the police force's side. They are unbelievably important and often put their lives on the line. Why shouldn't they get paid properly? It's only fair.
Our police are so badly underpaid it's ridiculous. We need our police force badly, that, I think, is quite obvious.
The government has offered the Victorian Police force a pay rise of 2.5% but that is still 2% less than they are asking for. I'm struggling to understand why the government don't look after our police more. They are so important, yet they are not treated the way they probably should.
This is going to take a toll on everyday people as well. Bendigo officers are refusing to use email, compile statistical information of the government or keep records of traffic accidents. Some other officers are refusing to attend Supreme or County courts as witnesses unless they are subpoenaed.
The point to what I'm say is, that we really need to be on the police force's side. They are unbelievably important and often put their lives on the line. Why shouldn't they get paid properly? It's only fair.
Wednesday, 27 July 2011
A Somber Time On Planet Earth
Don't get me wrong, I would never wish death upon anyone, but the recent passing of Amy Winehouse is something I really don't care much about.
There's no denying her situation was very unfortunate and addictions are addictions, meaning she probably didn't have a lot of control over it. It is partly her fault though, because as far as I know, the drugs and booze were not forced on her when she first started. If she hadn't said "No, No, No" to Rehab, she might still be here though.
If anything, I hope that this will send a message to people. I hope that, in the circumstances, something good comes out of it and it will make an impact on at least one person who will say no to drugs. I think that would be a good result.
I feel sorry for Amy, I think we all do in a way. The fame got to her head and where has it left her? In the 27 club (the famous celebrities that have died at the age of 27). The voice is gone but I'm not particularly mourning, her music was good but she had done nothing in the last 5 years. The people I REALLY feel sorry for is her family and friends who have lost a loved one through no fault of their own. They are the ones that I really feel for in this.
What annoys me about this though is that it is know competing with the devastating massacre in Norway. More than 70 lives vs 1 and the contest is really even. The situation in Norway is so horrible and its one of those things that I can't even imagine. All my love goes out to the whole nation of Norway and everyone who has been affected in anyway.
People in this world do the most terrible things to each other.... and yet manage to do terrible things to themselves too (in Amy's case). There's no doubt that it's all messed up.
There's no denying her situation was very unfortunate and addictions are addictions, meaning she probably didn't have a lot of control over it. It is partly her fault though, because as far as I know, the drugs and booze were not forced on her when she first started. If she hadn't said "No, No, No" to Rehab, she might still be here though.
If anything, I hope that this will send a message to people. I hope that, in the circumstances, something good comes out of it and it will make an impact on at least one person who will say no to drugs. I think that would be a good result.
I feel sorry for Amy, I think we all do in a way. The fame got to her head and where has it left her? In the 27 club (the famous celebrities that have died at the age of 27). The voice is gone but I'm not particularly mourning, her music was good but she had done nothing in the last 5 years. The people I REALLY feel sorry for is her family and friends who have lost a loved one through no fault of their own. They are the ones that I really feel for in this.
What annoys me about this though is that it is know competing with the devastating massacre in Norway. More than 70 lives vs 1 and the contest is really even. The situation in Norway is so horrible and its one of those things that I can't even imagine. All my love goes out to the whole nation of Norway and everyone who has been affected in anyway.
People in this world do the most terrible things to each other.... and yet manage to do terrible things to themselves too (in Amy's case). There's no doubt that it's all messed up.
Friday, 8 July 2011
(Mini) Pageant Princesses
So, this blog has been pretty much about things that I don't like and think could be improved, and my views on current things in the media. If you've made reading this far, well done!! I wouldn't have thought anyone would be able to stand my ramblings for more than a couple of blogs so you are doing REALLY well.
After this one, my blogs will probably become (at least) less frequent. I know that you are either deeply saddened or extremely happy with this news (although, if you don't like this blog, why are you still reading it???). But please don't leave right now! I'd love you to keep reading anything I write and to finish reading this blog! :) OK, so, onto the good stuff :)
They other day, my friend told me about an American program called Toddlers & Tiaras. I don't think it takes to much of a genius to work out what the program might be about. I looked it up on YouTube and watched a couple of episodes. The program usually follows 3 American girls aged between about 4 and 10 in the lead up to their pageants. (Pageant: a beauty contest)
It is extremely funny as well as being a bit sad and ridiculous at the same time.
I found it quiet funny, seeing the dotting mothers (and the occasional "Pageant Dad") stressing over thousand dollar dresses, make up and..... fake tan. There was even one mother who was shaving her 7 year old's legs!! Also, some of the little girls were just ridiculous. Seeing it from the outside, it was easy for me to see the funny side.
I also see the sad side. Girls as young as 1 and a half were being dressed up and paraded. Being taught that beauty is what will get them ahead in life. Mothers were telling there girls things like "It hurts to be beautiful".
I think this is utterly ridiculous and it's a terrible message to be sending to young girls. Especially because to be able to "compete" in the pageant, they need to have the tan, make up, hair, flipper (fake teeth) and expensive clothes. I really don't think that this is a great thing to do to a girl who should really be outside playing Barbies in the sand pit or something.
I'm really glad that we don't really see things like this in Australia. It's not very appropriate for young girls and it could dent the self-esteem of many girls. The show mostly focused on successful girls but there would be many girls out there who would've given up with low self confidence as a result of never being "good enough" or "rich enough" to win anything.
When I was young, I never worried about make up or hair styles and I'd never heard of fake tan. Why should anyone else's childhood be any different?
After this one, my blogs will probably become (at least) less frequent. I know that you are either deeply saddened or extremely happy with this news (although, if you don't like this blog, why are you still reading it???). But please don't leave right now! I'd love you to keep reading anything I write and to finish reading this blog! :) OK, so, onto the good stuff :)
They other day, my friend told me about an American program called Toddlers & Tiaras. I don't think it takes to much of a genius to work out what the program might be about. I looked it up on YouTube and watched a couple of episodes. The program usually follows 3 American girls aged between about 4 and 10 in the lead up to their pageants. (Pageant: a beauty contest)
It is extremely funny as well as being a bit sad and ridiculous at the same time.
I found it quiet funny, seeing the dotting mothers (and the occasional "Pageant Dad") stressing over thousand dollar dresses, make up and..... fake tan. There was even one mother who was shaving her 7 year old's legs!! Also, some of the little girls were just ridiculous. Seeing it from the outside, it was easy for me to see the funny side.
I also see the sad side. Girls as young as 1 and a half were being dressed up and paraded. Being taught that beauty is what will get them ahead in life. Mothers were telling there girls things like "It hurts to be beautiful".
I think this is utterly ridiculous and it's a terrible message to be sending to young girls. Especially because to be able to "compete" in the pageant, they need to have the tan, make up, hair, flipper (fake teeth) and expensive clothes. I really don't think that this is a great thing to do to a girl who should really be outside playing Barbies in the sand pit or something.
I'm really glad that we don't really see things like this in Australia. It's not very appropriate for young girls and it could dent the self-esteem of many girls. The show mostly focused on successful girls but there would be many girls out there who would've given up with low self confidence as a result of never being "good enough" or "rich enough" to win anything.
When I was young, I never worried about make up or hair styles and I'd never heard of fake tan. Why should anyone else's childhood be any different?
Wednesday, 6 July 2011
Successful, Yet Underpaid.. Why Is This So?
Last night the Australian women's soccer team, the Matildas, won 2-1 over Norway at the Women's World Cup. At the same time, Australia's netball Diamonds won 97-20 over Sri Lanka. These are just a couple of the women teams and athletes that are finding success.
The Matildas have taken over as Australia's better soccer team. They won the Asian Cup and are now into the Quarter-finals in the world cup. The equivalent mens team lost the Asian Cup final to Japan 1-0 and didn't make it past the group stage of the World Cup.
And yet Matildas captain Melissa Barbieri doesn't earn enough to pay a mortgage. She works part time as a nurse in a primary school. Barbieri gets paid around $32,000 a year to play for the Matildas. Despite leading one of the more successful sporting teams in Australia, she does not enjoy the luxury of the payment that many of Australia's elite athletes enjoy.
This is the same with many other female athletes. If you compared what the captain of the (consistently successful) Australian Netball Diamond and the captain of the (recently unsuccessful) Australian Mens Cricket Team, the difference would definitely favour cricket. This isn't even taking into account the Womens Cricket Team or the Mens Netball Team (which is one of the few mens teams that has lower funding than their women counterparts).
It's a tad disappointing that some of Australia's best athletes are underpaid and forced to work second jobs to pay the bills. At the same time as their male equivalents are overpaid and under-performing. In my eyes, this hardly seems fair.
Mostly, I'd put it down to the fact that all through history, men have been the ones doing the sport. If we look back, there aren't a whole lot of female gladiators. Nor were there a lot of female jousters or nights. It got to the point, when sport became popular, it was the men that mostly played.
I have hope though. It wasn't that long ago that male athletes worked normal jobs like everyone else and they trained/played in their spare time.
One day women will earn the same as men. Not just on the sporting field but in all fields. That day will be a great day.
The Matildas have taken over as Australia's better soccer team. They won the Asian Cup and are now into the Quarter-finals in the world cup. The equivalent mens team lost the Asian Cup final to Japan 1-0 and didn't make it past the group stage of the World Cup.
And yet Matildas captain Melissa Barbieri doesn't earn enough to pay a mortgage. She works part time as a nurse in a primary school. Barbieri gets paid around $32,000 a year to play for the Matildas. Despite leading one of the more successful sporting teams in Australia, she does not enjoy the luxury of the payment that many of Australia's elite athletes enjoy.
This is the same with many other female athletes. If you compared what the captain of the (consistently successful) Australian Netball Diamond and the captain of the (recently unsuccessful) Australian Mens Cricket Team, the difference would definitely favour cricket. This isn't even taking into account the Womens Cricket Team or the Mens Netball Team (which is one of the few mens teams that has lower funding than their women counterparts).
It's a tad disappointing that some of Australia's best athletes are underpaid and forced to work second jobs to pay the bills. At the same time as their male equivalents are overpaid and under-performing. In my eyes, this hardly seems fair.
Mostly, I'd put it down to the fact that all through history, men have been the ones doing the sport. If we look back, there aren't a whole lot of female gladiators. Nor were there a lot of female jousters or nights. It got to the point, when sport became popular, it was the men that mostly played.
I have hope though. It wasn't that long ago that male athletes worked normal jobs like everyone else and they trained/played in their spare time.
One day women will earn the same as men. Not just on the sporting field but in all fields. That day will be a great day.
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