MQ Geography Challenge

Group 52 Cindy Vallet

Lauren Cassar

Jeffery Gapps

Ioana Milutin

Nathan Caccamo

Melanie Dell

Task 1: Fieldtrip to Burwood

The destination we chose for our fieldtrip expedition is Burwood. It wasa place most of the group was unfamiliar with and made looking for a localeatery that more interesting. The plan for the day was to meet at BurswoodStation where we set off by foot. We stumbled upon a quiet and intimate Café with a cozy atmosphere, which was perfect for the miserable weather. There we shared a meal and indulged in some yummy drinks. The menuand layout of the café was a fusion of Mediterranean and Italian. In a way,reflective of the diverse culture of Burwood. Overall it was great time of bonding and building new friendships.

Photos of our fieldtrip

Did you experience any issues in your transition into Australia?

“Of course, the change was very difficult, Australia is so far away from my home and the culture is so different, I was lucky that I was able to meet such welcoming people. Despite this, I still feel uneasy meeting knew people, not many people understand where I am from, or understand what it is I am trying to achieve, the life of a scholastic is a difficult one to explain.”

What are some of the best experiences you have had in your time here in Australia?

“Australia has given me so much in my almost four years here. I have learnt from many other Jesuits that I would never have met at home, and for that I am grateful. I have also had the opportunity through the school I am currently placed in, to teach high school students about the life of the Jesuits and I feel that is what has been most rewarding in my time here. The school has undoubtedly made this transition much easier and more pleasant.” (Team member: Nathan Caccamo)

Task 2: Interview

This was the most daunting of the all the five tasks. It challenges you to step out of your comfort zone, especially if you are a shy person and apprehensive about approaching a stranger. Fortunately someone brave and bold in our group willing to tackle this task.

The questions and responses provide insight as to why the person interviewed, chose to leave their homeland and make Australia their new place of dwelling. In the process unearth their best and worst experiences of their transition.

 

Ramesh RichardsRamesh is scholastic in the Jesuit society, with the hopes of

becoming a Jesuit. He migrated to Australia in 2010 from Sri Lanka to further his studies and work alongside Jesuits in Australia as a part of his preparation for priesthood. I asked Ramesh a few questions about his migration and some of the difficulties he experienced as well as touching on the better moments in his transition.

What motivated you to move to Australia?

“Australia seemed like the perfect place to further my studies and get in touch with other Jesuits and scholastics such as myself. I received a generous offer from a group of Jesuits in Sydney, allowing me to teach at their school, as well as live amongst the other priests, and it was an offer I could not refuse. They not only offered me a job and a means of learning, but a home as well, and that is why I have been living here ever since.”

Task 3: Production and ConsumptionThis map shows major importers and exporters of green (yet to be

roasted) coffee beans. The data used was that of the Food and Agriculture Organisation of the United Nations (FAOSTAT), detailing imports and exports of green coffee globally during 2011. The data has been simplified somewhat, identifying a country as either an importer or exporter dependent upon which of these two quantities was highest for each given country. Additionally, those countries that did not either import more than 10,000 tonnes or export more than 5,000 tonnes are shown.

In addition, the activities of a particular brand of coffee are detailed; Moccona. They source green coffee from Southern America, Middle America and some parts of Africa. From there, the coffee is processed in one of their factories, of which, eight are in Europe, two in Brazil and one each in Thailand and Australia.

Below is an insight into how much coffee is being imported and exported.

(Team Member: Jeffery Gapps)

Task 4: Water FootprintCindy’s Water Footprint Experience

Strategies that may increase my chances of reducing my footprint per- week:

Overall, the general population is not always 100% conscience of the amount of environmental wastes produced individually on a daily basis. Therefore, overall, being more consciously aware of what is necessary and what isn’t- for example whether washing your car when it is predicted to rain or having a shower that is longer than 10 minutes is necessary etc. Through the use of making these small changes in my everyday life it could significantly alter my footprint per week.

Others factors that should be considered in the everyday lifestyle is:

1. Having a controlled and stable diet that doesn’t include the over excessive eating of one particular food group such as, poultry.

2. Having a full amount of dirty clothes in the washing machine prior to washing- reducing the amount of times that the washing machine is used. Therefore, ultimately reducing the use of both electricity and water.

3. Walking to areas that are of short distances rather than driving thus, reducing pollutants in the air. Also included using public transport more frequently if easily accessible.

Cindy’s overall results

Ioana’s Water Footprint experience This week I was much more aware of the impact my individual water footprint has on the

environment. The strategies which I focused on implementing into my week and daily routine, presented some interesting findings. For example: reducing my average shower of 10 minutes to 5 minutes. I was surprised by how much you can accomplish in 5 minutes. It was enough time to scrub off the dirt and grim after a long day. When it came to adding washing my hair and shaving, the length of time increased to 15 minutes. This was carried out with the eco-friendly shower head. The difference in the amount of water and strength was noticeable. Not sure I will continue with using it. However, having reduced the overall shower time is something I am happy with and the moment.

When it came to brushing my teeth without the tap running, It was an adjustment for the first two days. I did not realise how much it was part of my daily morning and night time routine. It is not easy to break old habits that you have been accustomed to since a young child. However, I decided that if I used a cup that was of my favourite colour or cartoon character such as a Elmo then I would be more likely to remember to incorporate it. I found this was helpful and something I will continue to do.

Lastly, I bought a travel mug and steel drink bottle, and both of which are in the colour of my two favourite colours; pink and purple. I found myself using the steel bottle more and was excited to use it. The water tasted better and stayed cooler longer, which I found I preferred. There were days when I forgot to fill it up and meant I would either take a plastic bottle from home or buy one. I decided to fill it the night before that way it was cold and convenient if I were in a rush. As a result I found I was spending less on water and on coffee. The travel mug has so many functions. It can be used for coffee, tea, instant soup and noodles. It is a great investment and reduces the use of paper cups and plastic lids.

Overall, the strategies proved to have many benefits for the environment and personally. It was challenging, but definitely worthwhile in the end. I am so much more aware of how making these changes can have such immediate effects. I would encourage every household to put themselves to the water footprint test.

Ioana’s overall results

Comparisons between our experiences

Cindy and I have both implemented some good strategies in reducing our water footprint for the week. The key areas she focused on are water usage and transport. All of which have a significant impact on the environment. I think the ideas she has put forth in swapping the car for public transport, when your destination is a short distance, will help in reducing the amount of carbon emissions released into the air. This is not only good for reducing pollution levels, but in incorporating some exercise, which is important in maintaining a healthy and balanced diet. She mentions that in first strategy about not over eating one food group. In terms of water usage, she presents a simple and effective strategy for making proper use of the washing machine. Especially when there are more than 2-4 people in your household. It is better to have a full load of dirty laundry, instead of doing two or 3 loads that are only half or two-thirds. This will save water and consume less energy.

In my experience I focused more on recycling and changes to my routine. For example: making use of the vegetable and fruit scraps. Instead of putting them in the bin, use them to make compost and fertilise the garden. I swapped the paper cup or bottle for a steel drink bottle and travel mug.

Task 5: Triple J’s Unearthed Music

What genre of music listened too?

- Indie pop

Origins of indie pop.

a) Indie pop is a genre of alternative rock which originated in the United Kingdom in the early 1980’s

b) Reflected the new music, which was apparent in the UK at the time.

c) Was inspired by the “do it yourself” ethic of the punk genre and similar ideologies.

d) The term “indie” was also often used to describe artists who were on independent labels however this changed and the term soon became used to describe an artist who, musically, went against regular

Artist listened to:

- Neda (Tenielle Neda)

How the music is connected to global change:

1. Music in the indie pop genre has inspired significant global change

2. Indie pop, as it was a more independent form of music, took power away from prominent musical genres and allowed less powerful music to grow in the indie pop genre.

3. Indie pop has given wider acceptance to independence and creativity

4. The genre has also allowed individuals to take a critical stance against normal conventions in society

5. Neda’s music conveys these ideas and this is evident as many of her songs communicate that some things aren’t always what they seem and can be superficial.

(Team Member: Lauren Cassar)

Hope you enjoyed our MQ Geography

Challenge journey