Spring has sprung (in some parts of the country at least) and its time for Issue 9 of the MyWatchmates newsletter. With the change of season and longer daylight hours we start noticing things in our local environment a bit more. This issue takes a look at the topic of Sustainability and tips for helping the environment along with the new Anakiwa marathon record..

Feature
Dan's Environmental Corner – SustainAbility and Urban Living
Inspiration –  Striving for Greatness in the Sporting Arena.

Regular Feature
Website Tip - Trouble Logging in
Where are we in 2008?

What's New
From the Shop
Hubbards Outward Bound Cereal
Buzz Channel
My Watchmates New Registrations
Camera Call
NewstalkZB Scholarships
A big thank you to...

SustainAbility and Urban Living

Dan Moore is an instructor at Outward Bound. 
His first course was Course 500!  

Understanding our ability to live in a sustainable way first requires an understanding of what the word means.

In any discussion about the environment, its resources, and how we use them it seems sustainability is a key word for a number of reasons.

The Urban Living Guide by Gecko states: “Sustainability is a concept that is often used in reference to the environment. However, the environment is only one of the four pillars of sustainability. The others – culture/identity, economics and society – combine with environmental sustainability to create an overall approach to our lives and society. This approach essentially means living in ways that do not impede the ability of future generations to have a standard of living equal to, or better than, us.”

Let’s break it down, as described in the dictionary -

Sustain - To maintain or keep going continuously

Ability - Capacity or power (e.g. has the ability to write songs)

Sustain
Our ability to live for a long time and do the things we do requires that the ‘things’ we ‘use’ are produced and consumed at a similar rate. This applies to a lot of ‘things’ predominantly the air we breathe, the water we drink and nutrients in food and soil.

In its simplest form the world produces air for us to breathe and if this is not reproduced in turn - we run out….. There is a critical level of vegetation needed in the world to process carbon dioxide and make oxygen, likewise your car needs petrol to run otherwise it may not run anymore; a light bulb burns energy and this energy needs to be produced at the same rate for it to run forever.  

Now there are some things we do that may seem sustainable at a shallow level - for instance: buying food from the shop to feed ourselves → buy food from the shop to feed ourselves → buy food from a shop to feed ourselves …….

However, it is the deeper level of sustainability that affects us all - and food is a good example. In this respect we need to consider whether the production of this food is sustainable, i.e can the production of this food including growing, packing and transporting be done in a sustainable way? Is the soil that the food is grown in having nutrients replaced at the same rate they are being taken? Is there enough water for the crop to maintain the natural ecosystem of the water catchment it is being taken from.....?

Ability - Capacity or power (e.g. has the ability to write songs)
We all have the capacity or power to act in a sustainable way everyday. In previous articles we have considered some of this capacity or power i.e the ability to recycle, to use water and energy efficiently, to pick up litter and to plant trees. These are all great things, all of which have environmental benefit. However, possibly our biggest ability to be sustainable as a world community, is to influence and encourage others through these actions.

It will take courage as people and as a nation to be sustainable. 

One of Outward Bound New Zealand’s course objectives is “Students will be provided with opportunities and empowered to: 
         - experience education in, about and for the environment 
         - understand the concepts of interdependence and guardianship
         - display environmentally responsible and sustainable practices.”

While on your course at Anakiwa some of these practices would have been a regular part of your day – recycling, composting food scraps, the sewage system, leaving little trace in the environment when out on various expeditions and planting new trees, to name a few. Going back to your regular life after your course completion, it can be hard to use these, no matter how good your intentions. Sometimes it is hard to think of different ways of integrating sustainable living into your life, whether you live in a city, a small township or a rural area. Here are a few simple and practical ideas you can try.

Hot tips for sustainability

Home insulation and saving energy

Good quality, well-installed insulation in the ceiling, underfloor and external walls will make your house easier and cheaper to heat.

Insulation works by slowing down the passage of heat through ceilings and walls. Insulation such as fibreglass, cellulose, polyester or wool fibre traps air in small pockets that warm air cannot easily pass through.

Building code standards specify the insulation standards required for renovations and building of new homes. If possible, try to over-insulate your home by installing more than the recommended amount to increase the benefits of insulation.

The Energy Efficiency and Conservation Authority provide grants to improve insulation in low income houses around the country. For more information on whether you are eligible for the grant see the ENERGYWISETM Home grant webpages

Reuse

All those unwanted or unused items around the house might be just what someone else needs. Or there might be something you’ve been after, household appliances, sports gear, furniture etc that someone else no longer wants. Join your local Freecycle network to swap unwanted goods or find what you need. It’s free to join, and goods received are free so save money as you save the environment www.freecycle.org.

Recycling

The main recyclable products in New Zealand are paper and cardboard, glass bottles and jars, aluminium, steel and plastic (types 1 and 2 - check the number on the bottom of the container). Other plastics can also be recycled in some areas. Your local council has more information on what can be recycled in your area.

• One recycled aluminium beverage can saves enough electricity to run a computer or a TV for three hours.
• The percentages of energy saved by using recycled rather than raw materials to manufacture are:
  - glass 40%
  - newspaper 40%
  - steel 60%
  - plastic 70%
  - aluminium 95% (75% when recycled back into aluminium beverage cans)
• E-Waste is the fastest growing type of waste in the world and is more toxic than normal household rubbish. Computers and other electronic devices can contain toxic heavy metals such as cadmium, lead and mercury. The plastic casing and wiring of computer equipment can also contain hazardous materials, such as brominated flame retardants. As we upgrade computers and phones, we’re always left with the old ones to dispose of, rather than sending them to the landfill, get involved in your local E-day and recycle your old electronics. The next e-day is over the weekend of 4th -5th October 2008. Visit www.eday.co.nz for details of this event.

Using the car less and other travel tips

More than a third of all car trips are two kilometres or less. Instead of driving to the shops, consider walking, cycling or using public transport – you’ll save on fuel, car parking hassles and get fit!

Cycling and walking
Walking and cycling short journeys instead of driving a car is a simple way to get exercise, and easy to build into our daily routing.

Use public transport
Consider using public transport if you life in an area where it is available.

Take the walking school bus
A walking school bus is a fun, safe, active and sustainable way for children to travel to and from school with adult supervision.

Consider car pooling
Car pooling, or ride sharing, issimply sharing a car instead of always driving your own.

Facts about vehicle emissions
Carbon dioxide is a greenhouse gas responsible for climate change. About 40 per cent of our carbon dioxed emissions come from transport, mainly private cars.

Working away from the office (Teleworking)
A great way of reducing transport use is to work away from the office - 'teleworking'.

Walk the stairs
Save power by skipping the lift a couple of days a week and walk up the stairs. You'll energize yourself at the same time.

Flying
When you have to fly, offset your travel buy purchasing carbon credits - have a look at www.carbonzero.co.nz   and try out their travel and tourism calculator.  

National and international travel
For different ideas have a look at http://www.responsibletravel.com/ and www.sustainabletravelinternational.org

Sustainable partying

Save paper and send invites by email or Facebook. If you need to use disposable plates and cups get biodegradable and compostable ones or ask your guests to bring one with them. Have different bags/bins set up to put bottles & cans in, then your recycling is sorted for you, and some of the party clean up already done. Rather than providing driving directions give public transport instructions to encourage guests to travel by public transport.

Sustainable eating

Buying local means there is less energy used and less pollution involved in transporting and storing the food. It also supports the local economy. Choose products with little packaging and minimal processing. Grow your own food, whether you have a big property, a flat, or a city centre apartment you can grow you own veggies and herbs. For more ideas visit www.livingherbs.co.nz and www.bestgardening.com.

(Source data: www.SustainAbility.govt.nz and The Urban Living Guide )

If you have some ideas and tips for other ways of integrating sustainable living into everyday life, please email them to Anjuli, and we’ll post them on the website for everyone to try.

Anakiwa Marathon Record Broken

Brett Smith of C522 has set a new record of 1hr 18mins 5sec, for the Outward Bound NZ marathon. He broke the record by 7mins.   

"My Outward Bound course was an epic experience and lived up to everything I hoped it would be. I got known around Anakiwa as 'the runner guy' or 'running Jesus' with my longish hair and beard! (which has now disappeared!)   Being a competitive runner I knew before heading on the course the physical aspects probably wouldn't pose too much of a challenge.  Although I was aware of the running records from what other past students of the course had told me, I wasn't attending the course for this at all. For me it was a lot more about the mental aspect. Of believing in yourself, your abilities as a person - something I struggled to do before the course.   The most challenging part of my Outward Bound experience was learning to do this, and putting it into practice throughout the various activities. I learnt to always ask my instructors for a harder challenge. They could always dish one out! Taking on these challenges showed me I could do it, and I could push my boundries as a person. The best parts of my course were the numerous feedback sessions we had as a watch. I got the most out of these. Not only did it give me time to think about myself, but also learn about myself from my other watchmates. An invaluable experience.   With the marathon on the last day, and all the other hard physical days behind me -  it was time to focus my energy on giving that record a shot!   As the marathon came round all my watchmates were looking forward to see if the record could be broken. It was great having the support from 14 others who believed I could do it. My instructor, Bevan even mentioned having a 'wager' on it! The pressure was on..! The finish had to be changed due to the construction of the new wharf. Despite this, Bevan stood at the old finish and got my time at 1hr 18mins 54 secs - a new record by 7mins. With all the instructors standing at the finish line, it was a great honour to have broken the record. It will be a lasting memory of my OB course 2008.   I guess running the OB course marathon record capped off an amazing course for me. The course definitely left its mark on me and in some small way you could say I left my mark on the marathon course. That is, until it is broken!

Olympic Alumni at the Bejing Olympics.

Five Outward Bound NZ Alumni competed at the Bejing Olympics in August this year. In rowing - Nathan Cohan, Storm Uru and Peter Taylor, in BMX - Sarah Walker and in hockey - Beth Jurgeleit. This is another wonderful example of people striving for greatness back in their regular life.

Peter Taylor
“I was very fortunate to have the opportunity this year to race at the Olympics. We went there after a medal and fell way short. We were disappointed that we couldn't do better than our 7th place. We have taken on board what we have been through and seen through our own eyes what it takes to be an Olympic Champion. This is not the end of us, we will be back and are as hungry as ever.” (insert photo) Nathan Cohan"My experiences at Outward Bound were of huge value come the high pressure situations at the Olympic games. The things I learnt about myself at OB really helped me get the best out of myself from day to day training right through to an Olympic final. I highly recommend anyone striving to achieve going through an Outward Bound course"

Nathan Cohan
"My experiences at Outward Bound were of huge value come the high pressure situations at the Olympic games. The things I learnt about myself at OB really helped me get the best out of myself from day to day training right through to an Olympic final. I highly recommend anyone striving to achieve going through an Outward Bound course"

We receive many emails from people trying to register when they are already registered.  If you have already registered, you will have received an email stating your user name and your password.  Your username is usually your email address. 

If you have forgotten your details and try to re-register our database will be unable to find you.  Instead click on the 'Forgotten Details' link in the login box (pictured), enter your username and click Send Password. 

If you have forgotten both your username and your password click on 'Forgotten Details' and complete the Login Problems Form found under 'Other Problems'.

We hope this helps!

Women's racer-back singlet (comes in black and white) in sizes 14, 16 only.
"This comfortable and very popular singlet is a great piece. Wear it out socially or after the gym."

Berghaus fleeces for men and women
Women: beetroot/pink; charcoal. Size 10, 12, 14, 16
Men: grey/charcoal; blue/charcoal. Size S, M, L, XL
"These new and attractive fleeces are well-priced and great value. Their soft micro-fleece and bright colours will lighten up your winter."

Retro tee
Blue in S, M, L, XL (unisex)
"This Global Culture tee has a funky retro design and is very soft to the touch. Wear it in, wear it out."

Adventure outfitter micro fleece for women.  Sale price $79
Paprika/charcoal. Size S, L only.
"This NZ-made micro fleece is very soft and warm. Only 4 left!"

Several months ago, Hubbards changed the Outward Bound pack. You may not have seen it yet, as new products in different supermarkets reach the shelves at different times. Hubbards hope that you have seen the new Outward Bound pack and have found it easy to find on the supermarket shelves. If you are a Hubbards Outward Bound cereal eater, the folk at Hubbards would really appreciate your comments about the pack, and the cereal. Just click here  to connect and give your views.

Buzz Channel Limited (Buzz) is a specialist online research company. BuzzThePeople is a large and diverse group of New Zealanders who give us their views and in doing so, go into draws to win all sorts of prizes. By joining BuzzThePeople, this is your chance to tell it like it is, and get involved with New Zealand’s big or small issues in our ‘Have Your Say? surveys. Each time you do a Research Survey for Buzz (i.e. surveys about advertising, products and services), if you select Outward Bound as your selected charity, Buzz will put a minimum of $1 in their donation fund and this is paid out at least quarterly to Outward Bound.

To find out more....

Remember to encourage everyone you know who has done an Outward Bound course to register with My Watchmates and keep in touch with your watch and up to date with Outward Bound NZ’s news. If you want to talk about your course with others not in your watch, the Outward Bound Trust of New Zealand has created a group on Facebook – feel free to join and invite others too. (Look out for the Official Outward Bound group)

Thank you to all those people who sent through entries for the photo competition last newsletter. A lot of great photos that no doubt have great memories to go with them.  To see the winning photos click here.

If you are based in any of the cities below and can spare half an hour to share your experience with prospective students please contact Anjuli.

Christchurch - October

Through NewstalkZB we gave away 5 scholarships in June. Congratulations to the winners of these scholarships; Rachel Aylward, Jonathan Rowe, Coren Weaver, Tina Pollack and Alex Schischka.

Heather and Harry Scoltock, Justin Morrison, Rona Sedman,  Gill Oppenheim, Hayley Wilkenson, Linda Gaskin,  Logan Wilson,  Verena Davies, Tony Henderson, Phil Moran, Bronagh Barber, Amanda O’Reilly, Nick White, Melissa Hare, Elizabeth McKee, Gerard Wood, Natalie Fraser, Alice Rika, Michael Campbell, Sasha Irving and Jenna Milne who helped out at different expos throughout the country. Thank you to those that offered as well.

Briar Gallagher for being the chaperone for AimHi.

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