Sustainable Thinking

Do you sometimes feel that you had left your brain behind in a decision you had made or your thought process? Do you feel that you do it far too often? Well, I do especially when it comes to living an excess lifestyle. We in Australia are only 3rd behind the United States and Canada in our ‘eco footprint’ – that is the amount of hectares it takes to feed, clothe and provide for each of us. It is about four times the footprint of an average Chinese or Indian citizen. In other words, if everyone on our planet were to live like us, we would need four planets to provide for us.

As engineers we need challenges. So, here’s my challenge to you. Every day, take a minute to think of an idea that (only a minute, and if you cannot come up with an idea go back to what you were doing, and try again tomorrow):

- reduces wastage;
- reduces consumption;
- increases efficiency; and/or
- puts a smile on your face because you have made a positive environmental or social contribution.

I believe in thought-starters, so here are some of mine from the past week that may assist you in dreaming up your own brilliant ideas. During my childhood in Sri Lanka we did not have a waste bin at home. Everything was re-used or recycled. Zero waste is not a new concept, at least not for me. So do stretch yourselves. Dream big – some of your ideas may indeed lead to innovative technologies, and most will save you, or your company money. Here are five to start you in your journey to becoming a sustainable thinker:

- If you’re a frequent traveler, try catching the bus or train to the Airport depending on which city you live in. You will find that it is not only a better environmental outcome, but is safer, cheaper and quicker, especially from the central business district to the airport and back. So why would you not?

- In the office, before you press print, stand up and do a stretch and ask the question of whether you really need to print what you were about to. Often you will find that there are better ways to communicate than to print a document.

- Next time you buy lunch, try buying something that doesn’t come in plastic packaging, or buy a drink that is not bottled (squeezed juice in a glass if you are struggling to think of what that might be, or simply water in a glass). The greenhouse content of food and beverage packaging is often more than the food or drink itself.

- Sign up to electronic bank statements – at least one less envelope to open and store, and you cannot lose it.

- If you have kids, join the local toy and book libraries. You not only will save yourself a fortune, your kids will love the variety.

Once you try these novel ideas, tell your friends and your family. You may just end up saving the planet!

Terence Jeyaretnam is a Director of Net Balance (terence@netbalance.com), based in Melbourne.