10 Simple Ways to Be An Environmentalist

I repost this article from World Watch Institute, and I think I would share to my reader this very simple way of being green and making earth a better place (for human) to live:

1. Save energy to save money

• Set your thermostat a few degrees lower in the winter and a few degrees higher in the summer to save on heating and cooling costs. In the case of tropical country, keep your AC just around 22 degree c. 
• Install compact fluorescent light bulbs (CFLs) when your older incandescent bulbs burn out.
• Unplug appliances when you're not using them. Or, use a "smart" power strip that senses when appliances are off and cuts "phantom" or "vampire" energy use.
• Wash clothes in cold water whenever possible. As much as 85 percent of the energy used to machine-wash clothes goes to heating the water.
• Use a drying rack or clothesline to save the energy otherwise used during machine drying.

2. Save water to save money

• Take shorter showers to reduce water use. This will lower your water and heating bills too.
• Install a low-flow showerhead. They don't cost much, and the water and energy savings can quickly pay back your investment.
• Make sure you have a faucet aerator on each faucet. These inexpensive appliances conserve heat and water, while keeping water pressure high.
• Plant drought-tolerant native plants in your garden. Many plants need minimal watering. 

3. Less gas = more money (and better health!)

• Walk or bike to work. This saves on gas and parking costs while improving your cardiovascular health and reducing your risk of obesity.
• Consider telecommuting if you live far from your work. Or move closer. Even if this means paying more rent, it could save you money in the long term.
• Lobby your local government to increase spending on sidewalks and bike lanes. With little cost, these improvements can pay huge dividends in bettering your health and reducing traffic.

4. Eat smart

• If you eat meat, add one meatless meal a week. Meat costs a lot at the store-and it's even more expensive when you consider the related environmental and health costs.
• Buy locally raised, humane, and organic meat, eggs, and dairy whenever you can. Purchasing from local farmers keeps money in the local economy.
• Watch videos about why local food and sustainable seafood are so great.
• Whatever your diet, eat low on the food chain. This is especially true for seafood. Eat seafood in the area that produce seafood. 

5. Skip the bottled water

• Use a water filter to purify tap water instead of buying bottled water. Not only is bottled water expensive, but it generates large amounts of container waste.
• Bring a reusable water bottle, preferably aluminum rather than plastic, with you when traveling or at work.

6. Think before you buy

• Go online to find new or gently used secondhand products. Whether you've just moved or are looking to redecorate, consider a service like craigslist or FreeSharing to track down furniture, appliances, and other items cheaply or for free.
• Check out garage sales, thrift stores, and consignment shops for clothing and other everyday items.
• Watch a video about what happens when you buy things. Your purchases have a real impact, for better or worse.

7. Borrow instead of buying

• Borrow from libraries instead of buying personal books and movies. This saves money, not to mention the ink and paper that goes into printing new books.
• Share power tools and other appliances. Get to know your neighbors while cutting down on the number of things cluttering your closet or garage.

8. Buy smart

• Buy in bulk. Purchasing food from bulk bins can save money and packaging.
• Wear clothes that don't need to be dry-cleaned. This saves money and cuts down on toxic chemical use.
• Invest in high-quality, long-lasting products. You might pay more now, but you'll be happy when you don't have to replace items as frequently (and this means less waste!).

9. Keep electronics out of the trash

• Keep your cell phones, computers, and other electronics as long as possible.
• Donate or recycle them responsibly when the time comes. E-waste contains mercury and other toxics and is a growing environmental problem.
• Recycle your cell phone.
• Ask your local government to set up an electronics recycling and hazardous waste collection event.

10. Make your own cleaning supplies

• The big secret: you can make very effective, non-toxic cleaning products whenever you need them. All you need are a few simple ingredients like baking soda, vinegar, lemon, and soap.
• Making your own cleaning products saves money, time, and packaging-not to mention your indoor air quality. 

Those are pretty simple action so far. I hope we could all be an environmentalist. ;)

Love,

Olivia

On Living in Bali

If you wonder how does it feel to live in Bali? I love it! I really do. After living in a country capital of Australia, Canberra, for the pass three years, I am so happy that I settle in Bali. I did not think it would be this good as I thought that I would experience a lot of reverse culture shock. Conversely,  I am enjoying it a lot! I love the blend of Western and Easter values in Bali.

Here is a few best things about living in Bali:

1.     Food, food, food… and food!

You can find any sort of food here. Traditional warung, street food, fancy Indonesian restarutant to 5 star Western style of dining.

2.     Party places

Starting from low budget backpacker styles to a fancy rooftop garden with hi level of security not to mention a lot of options of pool bars next to the beach

3.     Nature

Beach, mountain, lake, everything you want! You are literally very close to it.

4.     People

People are super friendly, honest, nice and content. People practise Hinduism in Bali as you might know already. Its just balance philosophy between nature, people and the universe.

5.     Art

Beautiful artsy streets, crafty gates, sculptures, nicely decorated restaurants and café, full of colours and creative design.

6.     Social

A lot of tourist who travel alone or Indonesian who move to Bali for work. Its just a melting point and its easy to make friends with

 In short, I am enjoying my life in Bali a lot. I think its suitable for my life style. The plus side is I also enjoy my work and people at my work a lot.

Leaving Australia for Good after 3 Years

I am back to Sumatra now, leaving Australia for good after a solid 3 years experience and with my double masters in hand. It’s been a roller coaster living in Australia and I am glad I made my way out alive. There is a lot of mixed feeling on getting back to live in Indonesia.

First, happy

I am home early for my sister’s wedding with the love of her life after just dating for less than a year. At the age of 23 she is still considered young to get married (even for an Indonesian).

I am excited for her new chapter in life and I am sure she will have an amazing life journey with her partner.

Another reason why I am happy is because I can eat delicious Indonesian food with cheap price anytime I want and that I could meet my parents and my family often.

Second, sorrow

While my sister is getting married, I am still repenting my failed relationship with my ex bf.

After being a good friend for more than year, we decided to be together almost at the same timing when my sister met her future husband.

A relationship that I though could lead into something more meaningful just vanishes in vain. My ex was supposed to come to Sumatra with me for my sister’s wedding, but instead he dropped me to Sydney airport and waving goodbye just before I entered the immigration control.

I can’t believe I am listening to this Tove Lo’s song again (last time was when I broke up with my previous bf before this)

Third, excited

I am excited for a new role that I am taking in an NGO based in Bali.

I will move to Bali by the end of July after doing a 3 weeks of Europe trip.

I am excited on my new chapter of life, people I will encounter and what the Universe has designed for my future.

Fourth, relieve

I have this love and hate relationship with Canberra (in fact more the hate side than love). I am sorry Canberra’s residence but really that just doesn't fit me right.  Although I was born and grew up in a small town myself (with only 40.000 population) but I am a big city person in heart. I love people, I love trying new food and new restaurants/bars/cafes, I love exploring the sneaky small alleys just to find a new hidden bar exists there, I just love cites! The only reason that keeps me going in Canberra was my university, The Australian National University, which is the best for studying policy as well as my good friends (who almost all have already moved to other cities or other countries). I guess Melbourne or Sydney would have fit me better.

Its not the end. I am pretty sure I will be back to Australia. I have that feeling.

Thank you so much for every party who invested in me for my skills and knowledge enhancement and for believing in me, my dreams and my capacity.

But for now on, let me focus my time and energy to contribute to my people and my beloved country.

Love, 

Olivia