Really, Live Green

Earth Hour.

Well, many of you guys know about this anyway. So I can spare the 400 words of introduction of what it is and just get straight to the point. I, resident at 2/243 The Terrace in Wellington, is one of many of the ignorant people in this city that ignored the campaign. Oh well, I have no reason to why I did not participate in this. Maybe I just simply forgot, or possibly it's not something that is signicant enough for me to pay that much attention to it.

I'm trying to maintain this blog by posting entries at least once a week. This week, I am not that well prepared nor even have any exciting stuffs to write about (assuming anything posted here before actually is). So, I decided to write something about what I do for my research. A bit of academic writing but I'll try to make it relevant for you.

Electricity in New Zealand is generated 54.9% by hydro power, 26.4% from geothermal, 6.9% from coal, 2.2% from wind and 1.8% from others. Therefore, it is safe (I think) to assume that this country consumes at least 80% of its electricity from renewable resources, hence very low carbon emissions.

Malaysia, instead, gets its electricity 67% from natural gas, 17% from hydro power and 16% from others, i.e. coal, MFO, diesel, etc.

I'm not sure what is relevant here but I'm guessing (from my amateur opinion) that the savings from turning the lights off in Malaysia for one hour is equivalent to the same activity in New Zealand, but for only 10-20 minutes, or possibly a lot less. I'm assuming this from the estimate calculation of carbon emissions from electricity generated by both countries. It may also not be very accurate, but I do think the logic is there.

However, raising this comparison is not relevant as the core objective of the campaign is to spread awareness towards sustainability. May I quote from the UN Brundtland Report in 1987 which stated that sustainable development is a development that meets the needs of the present without compromising the ability of future generations to meet their own needs.

So, again, live green?

Or just simply, be considerate, think of others, or at least your future great grand children. You save a litre of petrol today, you'll be providing more for them to use.

Colour Your Life Green

When it comes to sustainability, there are usually 3 things that come in context; environmental, social and economical impact.

...

That's a start for academic writing. Who gives a crap anyway? I do, but you might not.

I think you should, maybe. I found this website that can calculate your impact to the environment. I did it and the website told me that I am living as if we have 2 planets to support me. My carbon footprint is 7.84 tonnes per annum. I'm not really sure what does that mean but I will surely find out soon.

I'm thinking, if this calculations were true, my great grand children can kiss their dream to drive a sports car goodbye, assuming the world isn't planning anything to migrate to Mars.

In a political note, I might only consider to vote a party that promote a strong sustainable policy - if there's any.

Elevator Pitch

It's the final year, I guess. I suppose that's how it is, unless any new opportunities come up. So yeah, lets do it case by case, day by day, one assignment after another basis. Two weeks have passed already. Four subjects taken; one for research, then lighting, energy and the inevitable aerodynamics. All four for the whole year. Not too bad. On average Victoria University students do 3 subjects at a time. Four? Maybe a new challenge. It can't get any easier by the year is it?

I always wonder whether am I up for this kind of programme. The self-doubt is kinda bugging me once in a while but Tommy's always there to remind me, "The hell with it, do or you better off f**king dead dude,".

Anyway, there's one particular thing I find interesting that I just learned this past couple of weeks. Elevator Pitch. It's a good practice for those who's looking forward to be world changers. Okay, imagine yourself looking at your possible client, or a really really reaalllyy hot girl that you've fantasized for the past whole week and she's walking into an elevator. You followed her into the lift and now, you have a whole minute to say anything inside your head before she walks out the door and possibly never see you again.

60 seconds (hoping that it's a very long elevator ride) to tell her who are you, what do you want, what can you offer and finally picture frame your whole idea or proposal to her.

TING!

The lift door open, and what's left is her response as she stares at you from shoes to top wondering what's the deal with this fella. She likes it, and as so delightful you're gonna feel, she says yes. Now that's a successful pitch.

One whole minute, to make a difference. That is the Elevator Pitch. We should all practice that. Maybe.