Blue Wolf Reviews

Tag: environment

  • Emergent

    Emergent

    Emergent is a refreshing perspective on the world we live in and the on-going consequences of human civilization. Miriam McDonald walks back through the many civilizations that have inhabited this planet, the effect they have had on natural vegetation and wildlife and the still ongoing damage and destruction that is occurring today.

    McDonald puts forward a very strong argument for re-generation of our ecology which while she does not demand instant action, because and let’s face it, thousands of years of changing habitat in all context simply cannot be mended in a few weeks, months or years, but will take generations, she does call for change.

    The central tenant of Emergent is the fact that we are nature, whether we care to admit it or not.  We are an Emergent society that has over the history of Homo Sapiens changed the environment in which we live.

    This change began in the very beginning when early man moved from hunters and gathers to farmers, not just changing the environment but also changing their physical structure, to adapt to this new, abundant lifestyle. This adaptation has continued on through the many anthropological changes, to modern man, the most intelligent of the species to date.

    Humankind is still changing the environment but for vastly differing reasons to past civilizations and it is now time to begin to consider where we as a race are in the broadest contact of ecology.

    Over the past 15 years Miriam McDonald has garnered great experience in ecology, conservation and agriculture, and has realised that we are a part of the great interdependence of the wild. We are integral to the earth. She also visits why we have taken steps to separate ourselves from the earth, the effect this has had on society in general and what we can do to begin to heal both humanity and the earth.

    Regeneration, rewilding, self-sufficiency and much more is discussed in this refreshing look at what next for Humanity, as we charge destructively across the planet. Will we listen, will we understand the need to change our perspective of whom we are as humans, to the understanding that we are part of the life cycle of the ‘animal kingdom’ and as the most intelligent, need to take responsibility for what we have created.

    Emergent: a brilliant reflective and heartening perspective on who we are and what we, with a whole lot of help and understanding, could become.

  • The Road to Gondwana: In search of the lost supercontinent

    The Road to Gondwana: In search of the lost supercontinent

    This superbly written book, The Road To Gondwana seamlessly covers areas of Science, Ecology and Geography. Bill Morris has a fascination for Gondwana Land and explains the latest scientist research about this super continent. He discusses geology, fossils and plant life in a way that makes sense. He uses human interest stories to make a point and explains why the outcome of that story is so significant to us.

    The Road To Gondwana begins by recounting some of the journey of Scott to the Antarctic. Sadly, this brave explorer died on that continent. When he was found, he was clutching some rocks of immense importance. These were a key for scientists to connect the link between these rocks and the same outcrops found elsewhere. The author has studied Gondwana Land that, “No longer exists, and a yet which still connects half the world.”  It is the quest to understand the lost supercontinent that has driven scientists to explore far and wide.

    Scientific stories are matched with fascinating insights into history. The seekers of knowledge in the 1700’s, were mostly religious men who sought to compare the world around them with the texts from the Bible. The problem they couldn’t explain was the age of fossils. Eventually it was thought that sedimentary rock was laid down in horizontal beds. Sometimes, these fossil-bearing beds were deformed and the conclusion was that movement in the earth had tilted them.

    In the author’s homeland of New Zealand, there are many plants and animals which are easily identified as having “Gondwanan Origins.” These are found in Australia, New Guinea and South America.

    Morris then refers to the state of the earth as we struggle to support increasing populations. He mentions the uses of coal as a huge polluter of our world but has a positive view of the future.

    The Road To Gondwana should be in every home. It is written for all to understand, and with so many descriptive stories, from the girls picking out coal with their fingers in India to geologists exploring the sea beds. Immensely relevant today!

  • Flipper and Finnegan – The True Story of How Tiny Jumpers Saved Little Penguins

    Flipper and Finnegan – The True Story of How Tiny Jumpers Saved Little Penguins

    Flipper and Finnegan, what a great introduction to the environment, geography, and history. For younger readers the main characters of penguins will have instant appeal. This is a true story and although the oil spill disaster is not laboured, it is quite plain to see its effects. 

    Facts given make this an interesting read as well as meaningful. Penguins’ blue colours on top blend in with the sea, and their white tummies blend with the sky above.

    In 2001 there was an oil spill that affected the colony of little penguins living off Pt Phillip Island in Victoria. The Rangers in the Wildlife Centre knew they had to clean the many penguins quickly.

    Because of the oil coating their feathers, the birds could not retain heat. The Rangers had the idea of little knitted jumpers. Word went out and thousands of jumpers were knitted to save many lives.

    This very colourful, hard back picture book is well composed. The white text on the coloured pages helps young readers, while the double page spread adds greatly to the text. Anil Tortop’s penguins appear to be cheeky and fun loving.

    The cooperation shown by so many people willing to knit these tiny jumpers, is heart-warming. The penguins are an important part of our echo system and have a place in the heart of most.

    Flipper and Finnegan: the true story of how little jumpers saved tiny penguins is an important reminder on so many levels.

  • Futuresteading

    Futuresteading

    Live like tomorrow matters: Practical skills, recipes and rituals for a simpler life

    As the movement to safeguard the environment for future generations grows, there is a desire in the population to live a simpler life and to minimize the use of limited resources. Jade Miles, who with her husband Charlie Showers run Black Barn Farm, a biodiverse orchard, nursery and workshop space in north east Victoria has produced a valuable volume full of tips, and practical advice to help the reader to take small steps towards a wholesome sustainable life style.

    ‘Future-Steading’ is divided into two sections; ‘The Why’ and The How’.  ‘The Why’ explains the seven pillars on which ‘Future-Steading is based: ‘meet Mother Nature, Celebrate Simple, make your place, seek ritual, creating your clans, salute the seasons, and love local’. The author explains each of these pillars in detail; including how her family has incorporated the concepts on their property. The summary, at the end of each section provides the reader with simple real-world suggestions as to how to embrace the particular pillar being discussed.

    ‘The How’ follows the cycle of the seasons and provides the reader with a wealth of information as to how to maximize benefits from the bountiful gifts of nature. By including recipes, pollination, medicinal plant and crop rotation charts, this is not only an interesting read, it is also a wonderful guide for becoming more self-sufficient. For readers, who wish to further their knowledge and upskill for resilience, the author has included a detailed list of books and magazines.

    If you are looking to become more self- sufficient and don’t know where to start, look no further than this comprehensive guide. Not only is it full of easy to follow ideas, but it is also beautifully illustrated with magnificent photos and eye-catching illustrations.

  • OUR WORLD OUT OF BALANCE:

    OUR WORLD OUT OF BALANCE:

    UNDERSTANDING CLIMATE CHANGE AND WHAT WE CAN DO

    Our World Out of Balance hard backed picture book contains a large amount of information, stated clearly, about our planet. The issues are put forward, (Global warming, rising sea levels, etc) and explanations are given to promote understanding. Double page spreads with clear diagrams and small parcels of text are used. With each problem there is a section which says, “How you can help, and How people are helping.”

    The layout on double pages allows a clear explanation and diagrams to be shown together. With,” Plastic in Our Ocean,” the illustration shows how our oceans were before plastic and how they look now. Then facts are given, such as “Every year nearly 9 million tons of plastic waste are dumped into the sea.

    Under the heading, “How does it happen?” we are told that much of the plastic is dumped directly or indirectly (by storm drains) or is blown by the wind. We can help minimise this by not buying single use plastic and being careful about disposing of it. There are people attempting to remove huge amounts of plastic from the oceans, but this won’t make a difference if we keep purchasing plastic and disposing of it.

    The issues addressed are current and topical. The idea that each of us can help in a small way such as, planting something and caring for our fragile beach environments, or recording weather details and saving water, is positive. For younger readers it is encouraging to think that they can have some control and relevance.

    Andrea Minoglio and Laura Fanelli have covered many topics in the book and given much information for children and adults to consider.

  • Where We Swim

    Where We Swim

    Where We Swim as a title immediately draws in a reader who is interested in swimming and nature, travel, and family; but first, the swimming. Ingrid Horrocks explains feelings about immersing her body in water. Any water: baths, pools, oceans or rivers. She describes the wonderful feelings when a swimmer can sense the “Water of my body contained within the water of the sea.” I get that! Gradually we follow Ingrid’s journey, from childhood to the present day. We see how she swam as a child with her mother and embraces the sensations of immersing her body in water.

    As the story progresses, we discover that Ingrid has a partner and twin nine-year-old daughters. They live in New Zealand. The family visit Ingrid’s parents who live near the sea, and we meet the people who have influenced her life and thoughts in a happy and relaxed way. The story is relayed in chunks of special times in their lives.

    The author’s brother lives in Columbia, hardly a safe tourist destination, but one which she was drawn to because of strong family ties. Some of the tourist activities they embark on are dangerous and frightening. Her brother is confident the family will come to no harm as he takes them on some hair-raising activities which are described in detail, leaving a cautious reader to grip the book tightly.

    Episodes of importance in Ingrid’s life are relayed in this book. Her thoughts and musings on environment and nature are interesting and progressive. Reading this story is almost like being a neighbour of the family, watching as they grow, relate and discover a wider and wider world. Thank you, Ingrid, for including us in your journey and musings. The love of water and immersion is special.

  • Thrifty Household More than 1000 budget-friendly hints and tips for a clean, waste-free, eco-friendly home

    Thrifty Household More than 1000 budget-friendly hints and tips for a clean, waste-free, eco-friendly home

    In a year when many people are changing their lifestyle choices not just because of Covid-19, but the very real concern about climate change, the abuse of the environment and a genuine desire to recycle, upcycle or simply budget and cut back in uncertain times, the CWA and their collective wisdom, harvested from almost 100 years of service to the wider community of Australia, comes into its own in the handy little Thrifty Household book of 1000 budget-friendly hints and tips.

    How to is the catch phrase and they, the women of the CWA, certainly know How To……do most things related to the household; whether it be red wine on the carpet or that lovely white dress, a more environmental friendly as well as cost effect dishwasher ‘tablet’, several chemical free options for that most horrid of household chore, cleaning the oven, and just above anything else you need to know about household matters.

    Some terrific tips for Babies, Children and Pets, not necessarily in that order, are well worth reading as is the section on Christmas, which is filled with some interesting, cost effective ways to make Christmas a true, family affair. Outdoors contains some excellent ideas and insect repellents that do work for those days of summer just around the corner.

    If you are wondering how to go about gardening from a more reusable perspective or to deal with those myriad of little bits and pieces this is the chapter for you. Whatever you may be curious about discovering or making change to a chemical option much needed home-made remedies for minor conditions such as a sore throat or cold, or a tip or handy hint on how to clean something in the house that needs special attention, Thrifty Household probably holds the answer.

    If you can’t find it in the pages or within the 1000 hints and tips, seek out your mother or grandmothers old CWA Cook Book and there you will discover the forerunners of the modern day hints in the Thrifty Household book

    Once again the CWA have come up trumps with their handy, conveniently sized household book that will definitely become a household MUST HAVE, for the modern, environmentally conscious home owner. And of course, it will also make the perfect gift for Christmas giving, for the Bride or Groom to be, or anyone establishing their first home.

    A Thrifty Household equals money in the bank or a bit extra to spend on something special; what a bonus.

  • The Carbon-Neutral Adventures of the Indefatigable EnviroTeens

    The Carbon-Neutral Adventures of the Indefatigable EnviroTeens

    The Carbon Neutral Adventures of the Indefatigable EnviroTeens by First Dog on the Moon is a Very Important Book (VIB) and one YOU should go out and buy immediately, especially if you are a teen or tween as the contents are more than super important for you to read and understand.

    Why? Because it is all about Climate Change, environmental abuse and how the world is in such an environmental mess something needs to be done and it seems grown-ups don’t seem to be able to do anything about this terrible situation.

    Therefore, a group of friends Binky aka the Monotreme, Worried Norman, once bitten by a radioactive croissant and now Pastry Person and Letitia, an occasionally bossy science wombat and genius inventor, are about to get pretty angry and take on the Single-use Plastic Brendan, who it seems had formed a dastardly plan to destroy all the worlds turtles, by luring them to the plastic island made out of plastic garbage and then turn them into bling and things.

    Oh yes, there is also a chicken , Nurse Barnevelder – chicken of all trades who uses her specialities to help the EnviroTeens  as they battle climate change and single use plastics.

    Now seriously, this is indeed a VIB as it focuses on two very real issues that of Climate Change and the devastation caused to sea creatures in the oceans of the world, as well as to the human population, by single use plastics of any sort. Young people world-wide are taking up the challenge to address this issue of Global Warming, seriously concerned for their future and that of the Planet.

    You, unlike your forebears, are aware of what the Climate Scientists are saying and have been saying for almost more than fifty years, staging protests, talking about the reality of the world in which you live and will inherit and demanding that the governments of the world take notice and begin to address Climate Change now!

    First Dog on the Moon, the first, and only, and immensely popular, one and only marsupial Walkley award winning cartoonist, which is a pretty big deal, had become so overwhelmed with the fight against environmental destruction, and the apparent lack of support from the politicians, has created a graphic novel to help spread the word with a portion of the publishers’ profits donated to School Strike 4 Climate Australia.

    So, move over Craig Reucassel, because the EnviroTeens are here to help you spread the word about plastic, the environment and how to help “Save the world”.

    What can you do? Go out. Buy the book. It’s a graphic novel so it great for everyone. Actually, give one to all of your friends for Christmas as well. Talk to your parents, become active in your school.  And as the EnviroTeens, three teenagers and one chicken, set out to save the whole world, find out how you can help in your home and at your school.

    Fun, funky, hilarious and some seriously good cartoon work combine to help start or increase the word about the world in which we all live now and what the future holds, should the issue of Climate Change not be addressed in the very near future.

  • Green Christmas Little changes that bring joy and help the planet

    Green Christmas Little changes that bring joy and help the planet

    This year past has seen so much of the traditional way of life turned completely on its head with change, reorganisation and acceptance of a ‘new norm’,  something that seem to change regularly, depending on what country you live in and the current challenges dealing with COVID.

    One thing that has not changed though is Christmas; a time of year when families and friends gather to enjoy the seasons good cheer, except that Christmas in 2020 is another event that is going to change dramatically in so many countries to comply with health laws and regulations.

    So what better time than to revisit how your family celebrate Christmas by considering celebrating with a Green Christmas, by cutting back on the excesses of a modern Christmas and start to look at cost effective, environmentally healthy options.

    Eilidh Gallagher in Green Christmas, offers twenty  four ways to plan towards a stress free, cost effective family Christmas filled with fun, laughter, great food and good cheer; just some of the many things to celebrate at the end of a long, hard, tough, financially challenging year.

    Slow Christmas, the first idea has great appeal, because, let us be honest about this, who does not really want to enjoy a ‘slow’ Christmas. Do take to heart the simple exercise on page 3 before you begin on the body of the book, as it will define what it is you really do want in your life and home, to create your magical Christmas; one that is special, magical and most importantly enjoyable.

    Many of the ideas can be carried out as a family, such as making your own cards and gift tags, seeking alternates to live Christmas trees, making home-made gifts of jams, sweets, traditional Christmas biscuits and much more.

    Planning Ahead is something we are all lax to undertake but in these trying times, is something that is worth investing in, to make sure that whatever you have decided for your special Christmas can be achieved.

    Green Christmas is the perfect place to begin to revisit Christmas celebrations in the year of 2020 with aplomb, less stress, considerably less financial input and much more fun to be had by planning ahead, setting a budget, keeping it simple and enjoying the journey.

  • The Silver Arrow

    The Silver Arrow

    Thank you so much Mr Grossman, for transporting me to my childhood and keeping me enthralled in a dream. Many children will relate to this fantasy story, The Silver Arrow which has several gentle messages for us all. The author has very cleverly incorporated an escape in time and place for the two young characters, who nevertheless find out that they are important and necessary for the well-being of the planet.

    Bored, grumpy, and not looking forward to her birthday, Kate writes a letter to her fabulously wealthy Uncle, asking for a gift. She posts it without an address the night before her birthday, with no real hope that he will receive it.  Imagine the surprise for all, when the next morning the family wake to find a full-size steam engine sitting on the front lawn. Mum is furious with her brother for such a gift and demands that he move it around the back at once.

    Kate and her younger brother Tom are enthralled and of course a journey is inevitable. There is a computer outlet in the cabin which types out instructions for them and can issue orders, so what could possibly go wrong? As with the best fantasies, the wonder and delight precede the issues which must follow. It is here that we become aware of Kate’s strengths and her determination to do the right thing. She has a wonderful role model in Grace Hopper, a woman who rose to become a Rear Admiral in the Navy, years before.

    Cleverly woven into the story is the plight of many animals. They are waiting to be picked up by the train and gradually Kate realises that they are refugees. They are fleeing for their lives because of dwindling habitats and warming seas. This is an important message to impart to children and also is a wonderful way to do it. Distressed for the passenger animals who have become her friends, Kate is determined to do all she can to protect them.

    The many levels and layers of this story make it a compelling read, but also essential messages are explained before Kate gets home to her own bed.