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Why do airlines charge so much for checked bags? This obscure rule helps explain why

<a href="https://theconversation.com/profiles/jay-l-zagorsky-152952">Jay L. Zagorsky</a>, <a href="https://theconversation.com/institutions/boston-university-898">Boston University</a> Five out of the six <a href="https://www.oag.com/blog/biggest-airlines-in-the-us">biggest U.S. airlines</a> have <a href="https://www.cnbc.com/2024/03/05/delta-is-the-latest-airline-to-raise-its-checked-bag-fee.html">raised their checked bag fees</a> since January 2024. Take American Airlines. In 2023, it cost US$30 to check a standard bag in with the airline; <a href="https://www.usatoday.com/story/travel/airline-news/2024/02/20/american-airlines-bag-fees-mileage-earning/72669245007/">today, as of March 2024, it costs $40</a> at a U.S. airport – a whopping 33% increase. As a <a href="https://www.bu.edu/questrom/">business school</a> <a href="https://www.bu.edu/questrom/profile/jay-zagorsky/">professor who studies travel</a>, I’m often asked why airlines alienate their customers with baggage fees instead of bundling all charges together. <a href="https://www.vox.com/2015/4/16/8431465/airlines-carry-on-bags">There are</a> <a href="https://www.usatoday.com/story/travel/columnist/2023/06/21/bag-fees-will-stay-a-while-cruising-altitude/70338849007/">many reasons</a>, but an important, often overlooked cause is buried in the U.S. tax code. <h2>A tax-law loophole</h2> Airlines pay the federal government <a href="https://www.ecfr.gov/current/title-26/chapter-I/subchapter-D/part-49/subpart-D">7.5% of the ticket price</a> when <a href="https://www.pwc.com/us/en/services/tax/library/aircraft-club-nov-2023-air-transport-excise-tax-rates-for-2024.html">flying people domestically, alongside other fees</a>. The airlines dislike these charges, with their <a href="https://www.airlines.org/dataset/government-imposed-taxes-on-air-transportation/">trade association arguing</a> that they boost the cost to the consumer of a typical air ticket by around one-fifth. However, the U.S. Code of Federal Regulations <a href="https://www.ecfr.gov/current/title-26/chapter-I/subchapter-D/part-49/subpart-D/section-49.4261-8">specifically excludes baggage</a> from the 7.5% transportation tax as long as “the charge is separable from the payment for the transportation of a person and is shown in the exact amount.” This means if an airline charges a combined $300 to fly you and a bag round-trip within the U.S., it owes $22.50 in tax. If the airline charges $220 to fly you plus separately charges $40 each way for the bag, then your total cost is the same — but the airline only owes the government $16.50 in taxes. Splitting out baggage charges saves the airline $6. Now $6 might not seem like much, but it can add up. Last year, passengers took <a href="https://www.transtats.bts.gov/Data_Elements.aspx?Data=1">more than 800 million trips on major airlines</a>. Even if only a fraction of them check their bags, that means large savings for the industry. How large? The government has <a href="https://www.bts.dot.gov/topics/airlines-and-airports/baggage-fees-airline-2023">tracked revenue from bag fees</a> for decades. In 2002, airlines charged passengers a total of $180 million to check bags, which worked out to around 33 cents per passenger. Today, as any flyer can attest, bag fees are a lot higher. Airlines collected over 40 times more money in bag fees last year than they did in 2002. When the full data is in for 2023, <a href="https://www.bts.dot.gov/baggage-fees">total bag fees</a> will likely top $7 billion, which is about $9 for the average domestic passenger. <a href="https://viewfromthewing.com/the-real-reason-airlines-charge-checked-bag-fees-and-its-not-what-you-think">By splitting out the cost of bags</a>, airlines avoided paying about half a billion dollars in taxes just last year. In the two decades since 2002, flyers paid a total of about $70 billion in bag fees. This means separately charging for bags saved airlines about $5 billion in taxes. <iframe id="88MYD" class="tc-infographic-datawrapper" style="border: none;" src="https://datawrapper.dwcdn.net/88MYD/2/" width="100%" height="400px" frameborder="0"></iframe> It seems clear to me that tax savings are one driver of the unbundling of baggage fees because of a quirk in the law. The U.S. government doesn’t apply the 7.5% tax to <a href="https://www.ecfr.gov/current/title-26/chapter-I/subchapter-D/part-49/subpart-D/section-49.4261-3">international flights that go more than 225 miles</a> beyond the nation’s borders. Instead, there are fixed <a href="https://www.airlines.org/dataset/government-imposed-taxes-on-air-transportation">international departure and arrival taxes</a>. This is why major airlines charge $35 to $40 <a href="https://www.aa.com/i18n/travel-info/baggage/checked-baggage-policy.jsp">for bags if you’re flying domestically</a>, but don’t charge a bag fee when you’re flying to Europe or Asia. <h2>Do travelers get anything for that money?</h2> This system raises an interesting question: Do baggage fees force airlines to be more careful with bags, since customers who pay more expect better service? To find out, I checked with the Bureau of Transportation Statistics, which has been <a href="https://www.bts.gov/content/mishandled-baggage-reports-filed-passengers-largest-us-air-carriersa">tracking lost luggage for decades</a>. For many years, it calculated the number of mishandled-baggage reports per thousand airline passengers. The government’s data showed mishandled bags peaked in 2007 with about seven reports of lost or damaged luggage for every thousand passengers. That means you could expect your luggage to go on a different trip than the one you are taking about once every 140 or so flights. By 2018, that estimate had fallen to once every 350 flights. In 2019, the government <a href="https://www.bts.gov/topics/airlines-and-airports/number-30a-technical-directive-mishandled-baggage-amended-effective-jan">changed how it tracks</a> mishandled bags, calculating figures based on the total number of bags checked, rather than the total number of passengers. The new data show about six bags per thousand checked get lost or damaged, which is less than 1% of checked bags. Unfortunately, the data doesn’t show improvement since 2019. Is there anything that you can do about higher bag fees? Complaining to politicians probably won’t help. In 2010, two senators <a href="https://www.nj.com/business/2010/04/us_senators_present_bill_to_ba.html">tried to ban bag fees</a>, and their bill went nowhere. Given that congressional action failed, there’s a simple way to avoid higher bag fees: <a href="https://www.cnn.com/travel/article/packing-expert-travel-world-handbag/index.html">travel light</a> and <a href="https://www.nytimes.com/2023/07/08/opinion/carry-on-packing-airlines-lost-luggage.html">don’t check any luggage</a>. It may sound tough not to have all your belongings when traveling, but it might be the best option as bag fees take off.<img style="border: none !important; box-shadow: none !important; margin: 0 !important; max-height: 1px !important; max-width: 1px !important; min-height: 1px !important; min-width: 1px !important; opacity: 0 !important; outline: none !important; padding: 0 !important;" src="https://counter.theconversation.com/content/225857/count.gif?distributor=republish-lightbox-basic" alt="The Conversation" width="1" height="1" /> <a href="https://theconversation.com/profiles/jay-l-zagorsky-152952">Jay L. Zagorsky</a>, Associate Professor of Markets, Public Policy and Law, <a href="https://theconversation.com/institutions/boston-university-898">Boston University</a> This article is republished from <a href="https://theconversation.com">The Conversation</a> under a Creative Commons license. Read the <a href="https://theconversation.com/why-do-airlines-charge-so-much-for-checked-bags-this-obscure-rule-helps-explain-why-225857">original article</a>.

Travel Trouble

Eating leafy greens could be better for oral health than using mouthwash

<a href="https://theconversation.com/profiles/mia-cousins-burleigh-1201153">Mia Cousins Burleigh</a>, <a href="https://theconversation.com/institutions/university-of-the-west-of-scotland-1385">University of the West of Scotland</a> and <a href="https://theconversation.com/profiles/siobhan-paula-moran-1506183">Siobhan Paula Moran</a>, <a href="https://theconversation.com/institutions/university-of-the-west-of-scotland-1385">University of the West of Scotland</a> Over half the adult population in the <a href="https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/26052472">UK and US</a> have gum disease. Typical treatments include <a href="https://www.nature.com/articles/s41598-020-61912-4">mouthwash</a> and in severe cases, <a href="https://www.magonlinelibrary.com/doi/abs/10.12968/vetn.2017.8.10.542">antibiotics</a>. These treatments have side effects, such as dry mouth, the development of <a href="https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/30967854/">antimicrobial resistance</a> and increased <a href="https://www.nature.com/articles/s41598-020-61912-4">blood pressure</a>. But research has indicated that a molecule called <a href="https://www.nature.com/articles/s41598-020-69931-x">nitrate</a>, which is found in leafy green vegetables, has fewer side effects and offers greater benefits for oral health. And it could be used as a natural alternative for treating oral disease. Inadequate brushing and flossing leads to the build up of <a href="https://www.nature.com/articles/s41598-020-69931-x">dental plaque</a>, a sticky layer of bacteria, on the surface of teeth and gums. Plaque causes tooth decay and gum disease. Sugary and acidic foods, dry mouth, and smoking can also contribute to bad breath, tooth decay, and gum infections. The two main types of gum disease are gingivitis and periodontitis. <a href="https://www.spandidos-publications.com/10.3892/etm.2019.8381">Gingivitis</a> causes redness, swelling and bleeding of the gums. <a href="https://www.spandidos-publications.com/10.3892/etm.2019.8381">Periodontitis</a> is a more advanced form of gum disease, causing damage to the soft tissues and bones supporting the teeth. Periodontal disease can therefore, lead to tooth loss and, when bacteria from the mouth enter the bloodstream, can also contribute to the development of <a href="https://www.nature.com/articles/bdjteam2015163">systemic disorders</a> such as cardiovascular disease, dementia, diabetes and rheumatoid arthritis. <h2>Leafy greens may be the secret</h2> Leafy greens and root vegetables are bursting with <a href="https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/pii/S2666149723000312">vitamins, minerals, and antioxidants</a> – and it’s no secret that a diet consisting of these vegetables is crucial for maintaining a healthy weight, boosting the immune system, and preventing <a href="https://journals.sagepub.com/doi/10.1177/2048004016661435">heart disease, cancer and diabetes.</a> The multiple health benefits of leafy greens are partly because spinach, lettuce and beetroots are brimming with <a href="https://www.nature.com/articles/s41598-020-69931-x">nitrate</a>, which can be reduced to nitric oxide by nitrate-reducing bacteria inside the mouth. <figure><iframe src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/7zrRlMGeBes?wmode=transparent&start=0" width="440" height="260" frameborder="0" allowfullscreen="allowfullscreen"></iframe><figcaption>Popeye knew a thing or two about the health benefits of eating leafy greens. Boomerang Official, 2017.</figcaption></figure> Nitric oxide is known to <a href="https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/abs/pii/S0006295222004191">lower blood pressure</a> and improve <a href="https://journals.plos.org/plosone/article?id=10.1371/journal.pone.0243755#:%7E:text=Nitrate%2Drich%20beetroot%20juice%20offsets,healthy%20male%20runners%20%7C%20PLOS%20ONE">exercise performance</a>. However, in the mouth, it helps to prevent the overgrowth of bad bacteria and reduces <a href="https://journals.plos.org/plosone/article?id=10.1371/journal.pone.0243755#:%7E:text=Nitrate%2Drich%20beetroot%20juice%20offsets,healthy%20male%20runners%20%7C%20PLOS%20ONE">oral acidity</a>, both of which can cause gum disease and tooth decay. As part of our research on nitrate and oral health, <a href="https://journals.plos.org/plosone/article?id=10.1371/journal.pone.0243755#:%7E:text=Nitrate%2Drich%20beetroot%20juice%20offsets,healthy%20male%20runners%20%7C%20PLOS%20ONE">we studied competitive athletes</a>. <a href="https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC9839431/">Athletes are prone to gum disease</a> due to high intake of carbohydrates – which can cause inflammation of the gum tissues – stress, and dry mouth from breathing hard during training. Our study showed that beetroot juice (containing approximately 12 <a href="https://www.nursingtimes.net/students/an-easy-guide-to-mmols-09-02-2012/">millimole</a> of nitrate) protected their teeth from acidic sports drinks and carbohydrate gels during exercise – suggesting that nitrate could be used as a prebiotic by athletes to reduce the risk of tooth decay. Nitrate offers a lot of promise as an oral health <a href="https://www.nature.com/articles/s41598-020-69931-x">prebiotic</a>. Good oral hygiene and a nitrate rich diet could be the key to a healthier body, a vibrant smile and disease-free gums. This is good news for those most at risk of oral health deterioration such as <a href="https://www.news-medical.net/health/Periodontitis-and-Pregnancy.aspx">pregnant women</a>, and <a href="https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC8771712/">the elderly</a>. In the UK, antiseptic mouthwashes containing <a href="https://www.nature.com/articles/s41598-020-61912-4">chlorhexidine</a> are commonly used to treat dental plaque and gum disease. Unfortunately, these mouthwashes are a blunderbuss approach to oral health, as they indiscriminately remove both good and bad bacteria and increase oral acidity, which can cause disease. Worryingly, early research also indicates that chlorhexidine may contribute to <a href="https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/30967854/">antimicrobial resistance</a>. Resistance occurs when bacteria and fungi survive the effects of one or more <a href="https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC4768623/">antimicrobial drugs</a> due to repeated exposure to these treatments. Antimicrobial resistance is a <a href="https://www.thelancet.com/journals/lancet/article/PIIS0140-6736(21)02724-0/fulltext">global health concern</a>, predicted to cause 10 million deaths yearly by the year 2050. In contrast, dietary nitrate is more targeted. Nitrate eliminates disease-associated bacteria, reduces oral acidity and creates a balanced <a href="https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC2944498/">oral microbiome</a>. The oral microbiome refers to all the microorganisms in the mouth. Nitrate offers exciting potential as an <a href="https://www.nature.com/articles/s41598-020-69931-x">oral health prebiotic</a>, which can be used to prevent disease onset or limit disease progression. <h2>How many leafy greens for pearly whites?</h2> So how much should we consume daily? As a rule of thumb, a generous helping of spinach, kale or beetroot at mealtimes contains about 6-10 mmol of nitrate and offers immediate health benefits. Work we have done with our collaborators has shown that treating <a href="https://www.nature.com/articles/s41598-020-69931-x">plaque samples</a> from periodontal disease patients with 6.5 mmol of nitrate increased healthy bacteria levels and reduced acidity. For example, consuming <a href="https://aap.onlinelibrary.wiley.com/doi/full/10.1002/JPER.20-0778">lettuce juice</a> for two weeks reduced gum inflammation and increased healthy bacteria levels in patients with gum disease. Growing evidence suggests that nitrate is a cornerstone of oral health. Crunching on a portion of vegetables at mealtimes can help to prevent or treat oral disease and keeps the mouth fresh and healthy.<img style="border: none !important; box-shadow: none !important; margin: 0 !important; max-height: 1px !important; max-width: 1px !important; min-height: 1px !important; min-width: 1px !important; opacity: 0 !important; outline: none !important; padding: 0 !important;" src="https://counter.theconversation.com/content/221181/count.gif?distributor=republish-lightbox-basic" alt="The Conversation" width="1" height="1" /> <a href="https://theconversation.com/profiles/mia-cousins-burleigh-1201153">Mia Cousins Burleigh</a>, Lecturer, School of Health and Life Sciences, <a href="https://theconversation.com/institutions/university-of-the-west-of-scotland-1385">University of the West of Scotland</a> and <a href="https://theconversation.com/profiles/siobhan-paula-moran-1506183">Siobhan Paula Moran</a>, PhD candidate, School of Health and Life Sciences, <a href="https://theconversation.com/institutions/university-of-the-west-of-scotland-1385">University of the West of Scotland</a> Image credits: Shutterstock This article is republished from <a href="https://theconversation.com">The Conversation</a> under a Creative Commons license. Read the <a href="https://theconversation.com/eating-leafy-greens-could-be-better-for-oral-health-than-using-mouthwash-221181">original article</a>.

Body

Amazing money-saving hack hidden in Coles and Woolies Christmas shopping bags

Woolworths and Coles have released specially designed paper bags ahead of the Christmas period, with many praising their multi-purpose usage. The 25 cent bags feature a Christmas design, and are meant to be cut open and reused as wrapping paper for Christmas presents. Shoppers have been sharing their delight at the discovery on social media, with many praising the supermarket giants for encouraging recycling. A member of the North Shore Mums Facebook group shared the revelation, writing, "PSA: the Christmas woolies bags are designed to be cut open and used as wrapping paper." Both Coles and Woolworths bags include cutting lines to help those planning to use them as wrapping this festive season. They added an edit to the post explaining the bags could also be cut into squares around the decorations and used as gift tags. Other alternatives to pricey wrapping paper include tea towels, paper that has been decorated by children in the family or making the most out of reusable gift bags which can be collected and saved for the next occasion. With many families anxious of excess spending during the festive period in the face of the ongoing cost of living crisis, the reusable bags are set to be a welcome hack for those trying to be money conscious this Christmas. Image credits: 9Honey <p style="box-sizing: border-box; margin: 16px 0px 20px; padding: 0px; border: 0px; font-family: 'Proxima Nova', system-ui, -apple-system, BlinkMacSystemFont, 'Segoe UI', Roboto, Oxygen, Ubuntu, Cantarell, 'Fira Sans', 'Droid Sans', 'Helvetica Neue'; font-size: 18px; font-stretch: inherit; line-height: 28px; vertical-align: baseline; caret-color: #333333; color: #333333;"><span style="box-sizing: border-box; margin: 0px; padding: 0px; border: 0px; font-family: inherit; font-size: inherit; font-style: inherit; font-variant-caps: inherit; font-stretch: inherit; line-height: inherit; vertical-align: baseline;">

Money & Banking

Aussie grandma and former Greens candidate jailed in Japan claims she was scammed

Donna Nelson, a 57-year-old Perth grandmother, has found herself entangled in a nightmarish situation in a Japanese prison, accused of a crime she vehemently denies. Nelson, an Aboriginal health advocate and former Greens candidate, has been incarcerated for nearly a year without a trial date set, facing allegations of attempting to smuggle two kilograms of meth into Japan. However, her plight is not as straightforward as it may seem, and her family and legal team are tirelessly fighting to clear her name. The ordeal began on January 4, when Nelson was arrested at Narita Airport in Tokyo. Authorities claimed to have discovered drugs concealed within a false compartment in her luggage. According to the prosecution, a customs officer suspected her of acting suspiciously. But the narrative has taken a complex turn as Nelson's defence team unveiled a shocking revelation: she alleges she was deceived and manipulated by a Nigerian scammer who had groomed her for two years. Since her arrest, Nelson has been confined to Chibu prison, located an hour outside Tokyo. Her living conditions are appalling; she spends 23 hours a day isolated in her cell, showers are allowed only every three days, and communication with other inmates and visitors is strictly prohibited. This form of treatment is a reflection of Japan's infamous "hostage justice" strategy, aimed at coercing confessions from detainees. The only individuals granted access to Nelson are her lawyers, Australian embassy representatives, and a pastor. Legal representatives have identified a significant issue with translation throughout the case, and it could very well hinge on an inaccurate translation by the customs officer at the time of her arrest. Rie Nishida from Shinjuku International Law Firm, one of Nelson's lawyers, explained, "The main evidence from the prosecution is mainly a customs officer who said she acted suspiciously. There's a lot of mistranslation that's also the difficulty in this case." This mistranslation issue is not trivial; it extends to the messages exchanged between Nelson and the man she believed she had a romantic connection with, who ultimately turned out to be a scammer. Matthew Owens, another member of the legal team and a translator for the case, noted, "Some of them were completely wrongly translated, so we had to re-translate those messages and submit them back to the prosecutor." Nelson remains steadfast in her conviction that she is innocent of the accusations against her. Her lawyer, Owens, relayed her message, saying, "Donna wants to say that she is going to be able to prove her innocence, she's 100 per cent confident of that, and she wants everyone in Australia and the world to know she is innocent." If found guilty, Nelson could face a harrowing 20-year sentence in a Japanese prison, a terrifying prospect for both her and her family. Her five daughters and grandchildren are distraught, but they are not giving up the fight to prove her innocence. They believe they have evidence to substantiate the claim that she was scammed and unjustly accused. Image: Australian Greens

Legal

Why does my hair turn green from the swimming pool?

<a href="https://theconversation.com/profiles/magdalena-wajrak-1432339">Magdalena Wajrak</a>, <a href="https://theconversation.com/institutions/edith-cowan-university-720">Edith Cowan University</a> If you are a blonde like me and enjoy laps in a swimming pool, you may have noticed your hair acquires a green tint after frequent swims in chlorinated water. This happens to both bleached and natural blondes. In fact, the green tinge happens to everyone, but it’s less visible on dark hair and those whose hair isn’t damaged by chemical treatments such as bleaching. But what exactly causes this green discoloration, and what can we do about it? Most of us blame the chlorine in the pool water. However, although chlorine does play a part, it is not the main culprit. <h2>Which chemicals in the pool turn the hair green?</h2> The element to blame for the green staining of hair is copper. The main source of copper is copper sulfate (CuSO₄), a compound added to swimming pools to prevent the growth of algae. <a href="https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/pii/S1568988320301803?via%3Dihub">Contact with algae</a> can cause skin irritation and respiratory issues, and ingesting water with algae can lead to serious gastrointestinal problems. Only a small amount (around 0.5mg per litre or 0.5 parts per million) of copper sulfate is needed to prevent algal growth. However, copper can also enter swimming pools through the corrosion of water pipes, so concentrations may be higher in some pools. Copper sulfate crystals are greenish-blue in colour. So, when hair comes into contact with copper ions – a positively charged variant of a copper atom with extra electrons – those ions get absorbed by the hair and cause the greenish hue. Scientists were fascinated by the green “pool hair” phenomenon as far back as the 1970s, so we actually have research data on copper being the cause. One very <a href="https://jamanetwork.com/journals/jamadermatology/article-abstract/538197">interesting study in 1978</a> performed experiments by immersing hair samples into water containing different concentrations of copper ions, chlorine and various pH values (neutral and basic). Their results showed hair exposed to free copper ions does turn green. Furthermore, when hair is oxidised (meaning electrons are removed from the hair proteins) by chlorine, it actually damages the hair, enhancing the absorption of copper ions. Hair submerged in water with chlorine but without copper ions did not turn green. Meanwhile, hair exposed to water with only copper ions and no chlorine still formed a green colour. Hence, chlorine by itself does not play a role in causing the green hue we see in “pool hair”, but it does exacerbate it. <h2>So, how does copper get into the hair?</h2> <a href="https://doi.org/10.1007/978-1-4684-0943-7_24">Other research teams</a> have conducted <a href="https://doi.org/10.1071/ch9682437">more extensive studies</a>, using sophisticated instruments, such as scanning electron microscopy, to examine how exactly copper ions attach to the hair. Our hair is predominantly composed of protein called keratin. Keratin is classified as a “structural fibrous protein”, meaning it has an elongated, sheet-like structure. The keratin structure is composed of various <a href="https://chem.libretexts.org/Courses/University_of_Kentucky/UK%3A_CHE_103_-_Chemistry_for_Allied_Health_(Soult)/Chapters/Chapter_4%3A_Structure_and_Function/4.4%3A_Functional_Groups">chemical groups</a> (types of atom groupings with similar properties), such as carboxyl groups, amino groups and disulfide groups. Copper ions have the ability to form bonds with these groups, forming a copper-keratin complex. This complex remains in the hair, causing it to appear green. Interestingly, the most recent study <a href="https://doi.org/10.32657/10356/142466">conducted in 2020</a>, showed copper ions mainly bind to the disulfide groups. This study also found other metal ions such as zinc, lead, chromium and mercury also bind to hair in the same way. This is very useful in <a href="https://theconversation.com/forensic-breakthrough-study-suggests-humans-can-be-identified-by-the-proteins-in-their-hair-65051">forensic analysis</a>, for example, because forensic scientists can analyse hair samples to determine if a person has been exposed to a particular metal. Light-coloured hair already has the most visible green discoloration, but research has shown that damaged hair, caused by bleaching, straightening, or exposure to sun, is the <a href="https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/19586601/">most susceptible</a> to the binding of copper ions. This is because in damaged hair the disulfide groups have “broken bonds” (the link that holds the elements within these groups together is broken), making it easier for the copper ions to bind to the hair. <h2>Can I prevent the green colour or get rid of it?</h2> To prevent your hair from turning green in a swimming pool, you have two basic options. The first is a physical barrier – just wear a swim cap. The second option is chemical – you can pre-treat your hair with an alkaline shampoo. <a href="https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/abs/pii/S0891584918310050">Studies have shown</a> under alkaline pH conditions, the copper ions won’t attach to the hair. To treat your hair before going to the pool, you can either use a shampoo with a pH higher than 7, or you can even try mixing some baking soda into your regular shampoo. But what can you do if your hair has already turned greenish? Well, you can try washing your hair with a shampoo designed to achieve this, typically marketed as a “chlorine removal” shampoo. These products contain a chemical called EDTA – it can bind to metal ions (such as copper) and thus will remove copper from the hair. You may have heard tomato sauce or ketchup is a good way to get the green out of your pool hair – potentially because the red pigments are supposed to “cancel out” the green ones. However, I’m not aware of any scientific evidence this would work. Correction: This article has been amended to clarify that alkaline shampoos have a pH higher than 7, not lower.<img style="border: none !important; box-shadow: none !important; margin: 0 !important; max-height: 1px !important; max-width: 1px !important; min-height: 1px !important; min-width: 1px !important; opacity: 0 !important; outline: none !important; padding: 0 !important;" src="https://counter.theconversation.com/content/211736/count.gif?distributor=republish-lightbox-basic" alt="The Conversation" width="1" height="1" /> <a href="https://theconversation.com/profiles/magdalena-wajrak-1432339">Magdalena Wajrak</a>, Senior lecturer, Chemistry, <a href="https://theconversation.com/institutions/edith-cowan-university-720">Edith Cowan University</a> Image credits: Getty Images This article is republished from <a href="https://theconversation.com">The Conversation</a> under a Creative Commons license. Read the <a href="https://theconversation.com/why-does-my-hair-turn-green-from-the-swimming-pool-211736">original article</a>.

Beauty & Style

My Royal Melbourne Seniors Classic Adventure: A day on the greens (and in the bunkers!)

G'day to all past, present, and emerging golf enthusiasts! If you're a senior golfer like me, hunting for inspiration, adventure, and authentic golf yarns — this is for you. Picture this: a crisp August morning, and sixty-two senior golfers gathered on Royal Melbourne's West Course for the Vic Seniors Classic 2023. Here's the story of how it all went down... Before anything else, I mustered the guts to jump in. Ever heard of "imposter syndrome"? Trust me, I was its best mate. But the requirements were clear: age 55+ (I'm a proud 65-year-old), GA Handicap under 24.5 (18.5), and a $225 entry fee. Wait, $225? Given that Royal Melbourne's green fees dance around $1000, caddy fee included, it was a no-brainer. Fueled by the temptation of playing a top-notch course for a quarter of the fee, I submitted my application without hesitation. Before I knew it, my name adorned the list of players. As the day approached, I was geared up to tackle the Royal Melbourne challenge. The 8 am shotgun start meant groups teed off from various holes. I found myself at the 11th tee, flanked by two fierce competitors: Peter (Daily Handicap 1) and Damian (12). Yours truly? A modest 20. Standing over the ball, knees a tad wobbly, I swung that driver. The ball sailed gracefully, landing centre fairway, while their shots had taken a wilder route into the rough. The lesson? 'How near,' not 'how far'. Now, let's talk about those Royal Melbourne greens. Rumour had it, they were "super fast". Super fast? Imagine sliding a ball across your kitchen's polished tiles — yep, that rapid. Around the course, bunkers became my stern mentors — big, deep, and oh-so unforgiving. Post 18 holes, scorecards were in, followed by the triumphant crowning of winners over lunch. Rodney Ware (75 gross) and Kevin Naismith (81 gross) led in men's gross, while Wayne Moon (72 net) and Craig Lonsdale (73 net) dominated the net division. Melinda Crawford (16, scratch stableford) and Louise Yuen (29 handicap points) shone in the women's. Kudos to winners, fellow players, Royal Melbourne and Golf Australia for the unforgettable day. By the way, can you see yourself on those hallowed Royal Melbourne greens? If your inner golfer nods, I'm your cheerleader. Consider joining me for the 2024 Royal Melbourne Seniors Classic. And as I wrap up, let me leave you with the timeless words of the legendary Peter Thomson: "Golf is a game of how near, not how far". Until next time, keep those swings buttery, putts steadfast, and steer clear of those tricky bunkers. PS: My result? T43rd (net) among the 48 male players. Next time I'll be swinging even better. About the Writer: Mike Searles is a Melbourne retiree who's living the golfing dream. Image credits: Getty Images

Domestic Travel

Mystery object washed up on WA beach finally identified

Ok space enthusiasts and beachcombers. Here's one for the X-Files – Intergalactic Travel edition. Picture this: A strange and baffling object, looking like it's straight out of a sci-fi flick, decided to take a little trip to Green Head beach, about 250 kilometres north of Perth on the pristine WA coastline. As soon as the locals caught sight of this extraterrestrial-looking thingamajig, the news spread like wildfire, and it made international headlines faster than a speeding rocket, with all kinds of fascinating theories popping up as to what on Earth (or not on Earth) it could be. Was it a UFO? A top-secret government experiment gone awry? Well, turns out it was nothing that exciting. The Australian Space Agency put on their Sherlock Holmes hats and deduced that this enigmatic piece of debris probably came from a satellite launch vehicle. Eureka! Case closed! Of course, when something weird and otherworldly shows up on your doorstep, you can't be too careful. So, the local authorities played it safe and put the object under police guard for an entire week. (Better safe than sorry, right?) And who needs a red carpet when you have a front-end loader to transport your newfound cosmic artifact? The experts were summoned to figure out where this space junk came from, and they concluded it was most likely a fuel tank from some rocket launched by the Indian Space Research Organisation. Professor Alice Gorman from Flinders University explained to <a href="https://www.abc.net.au/news/2023-07-31/australian-space-agency-identifies-space-junk-green-head/102669472" target="_blank" rel="noopener">ABC News</a> that this fuel containment vessel was meant to fall off after launch. And it turns out that statistically, we've been pretty lucky not to have had more collisions with falling rocket parts. Imagine explaining that to your insurance company? "A rocket booster landed on my house. Is that covered?" But here comes the tricky part: What to do with all of this space garbage? Should they ship it back to India like some interstellar postcard, or leave it Down Under as an intergalactic souvenir? While India is technically (and legally) responsible for their space debris, they could decide to gift it to Australia if they so choose. It could be like an exotic space decoration for the country - "The Land of Kangaroos and Rocket Wreckage." Even better, the Green Head community itself appear to have come up with a few fabulous ideas. Forget the Sydney Opera House: let's make the space debris a tourist attraction! Move over, Eiffel Tower - we've got our own piece of space history right here. The WA Premier even suggested storing it next to space debris from NASA's Skylab space station (remember that?) in some kind of attempt to build a cosmic cabinet of curiosities. Of course, the local council is also very keen on keeping this celestial treasure. They're hoping the Indian government won't come back to claim it, to the point that everyone in the surrounding Shire of Coorow is buzzing with excitement over the possibility of having their very own space souvenir to draw crowds of star trekkers. And so while the mystery of the object on the beach has been solved, the debate over its fate is just beginning. Will it become a star attraction in a local park? Or will it be shipped off to India like an interplanetary package return? Only time will tell. Images: Nine News

Travel Trouble

Why do I have to take my laptop out of the bag at airport security?

<a href="https://theconversation.com/profiles/doug-drury-1277871">Doug Drury</a>, <a href="https://theconversation.com/institutions/cquniversity-australia-2140">CQUniversity Australia</a> Anyone who has travelled by air in the past ten years will know how stressful airports can be. You didn’t leave home as early as you should have. In the mad rush to get to your gate, the security screening seems to slow everything down. And to add insult to injury, you’re met with the finicky request: “laptops out of bags, please”. But what does your laptop have to do with security? <h2>The day that changed air travel forever</h2> Airport security changed dramatically after the terrorist attacks in the US on September 11 2001. Before 9/11, you could pass through security with a carry-on bag full of everything you might need for your holiday, <a href="https://www.npr.org/2021/09/10/1035131619/911-travel-timeline-tsa">including a knife</a> with a four-inch blade. Indeed, that’s how the 9/11 attackers brought their <a href="https://www.npr.org/2021/09/10/1035131619/911-travel-timeline-tsa">weapons on board</a>. After 9/11, screening processes around the world changed overnight. In the US, private security contractors being paid a minimum wage were swapped out for a federalised program with highly trained security personnel. Anything that could be <a href="https://www.frontiersin.org/articles/10.3389/fnhum.2013.00654/full">considered a weapon</a> was confiscated. Around the world, travellers were suddenly required to <a href="https://books.google.com.au/books?hl=en&lr=&id=6hBnJ-1hRp0C&oi=fnd&pg=PA86&dq=why+do+I+have+to+take+my+shoes+off+at+airport+security&ots=o6JIFHJzF1&sig=B6azb6xqN2uxM9CP-VZdfyt3Ag0#v=onepage&q=why%20do%20I%20have%20to%20take%20my%20shoes%20off%20at%20airport%20security&f=false">remove their shoes</a>, belts and outerwear, and take out their phones, laptops, liquids and anything else that could be used as part of an improvised explosive device. This lasted for several years. Eventually, <a href="https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/pii/S2212478013000944">more advanced</a> screening methods were developed to effectively identify certain threats. Today, some countries don’t require you to remove your shoes when passing through security. So why must you still take your laptop out? <h2>Airport scanners have come a long way</h2> The machine your bags and devices pass through is an X-ray machine. The main reason you have to remove your laptop from your bag is because its <a href="https://www.smh.com.au/traveller/reviews-and-advice/why-do-i-have-to-remove-my-laptop-from-my-bag-at-the-airport-xray-machine-20170320-gv1vqs.html">battery</a> and other mechanical components are too dense for X-rays to penetrate effectively – especially if the scanning system is old. The same goes for power cords and other devices such as tablets and cameras. With these items in your bag, security officials can’t use the screened image to determine whether a risk is present. They’ll have to flag the bag for a physical search, which slows everything down. It’s easier if all devices are removed in the first place. A laptop inside a bag can also shield other items from view that may be dangerous. Scanning it separately reveals its internal components on the screen. In some cases you might be asked to turn it on to prove it’s an actual working computer. With newer multi-view scanning technology, security officials can view the bag from multiple angles to discern whether something is being covered up, or made to look like something else. For instance, people have tried to <a href="https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/pii/S2212478013000944">mix gun parts</a> with other components in an effort to pass checked baggage screening. Some airports have upgraded <a href="https://www.smh.com.au/traveller/inspiration/no-more-removing-liquids-and-gels-laptops-at-melbourne-airport-as-new-scanners-installed-20191002-h1ijdf.html">3D scanning</a> that allows travellers to pass their bags through security without having to remove their laptops. If you’re not asked to take out your laptop, it’s probably because one of these more expensive systems is being used. Nonetheless, amping up the technology won’t remove the lag caused by airport screenings. Ultimately, the reason these are a major choke point is because of the speed at which staff scan the imagery (which dictates the <a href="https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/pii/S2212478013000944">speed of the conveyor belt</a>). Unless we find a way to automate the entire process and run it with minimal human supervision, you can expect delays. <h2>What about body scanners?</h2> But your bags aren’t the only thing getting scanned at airport security. You are too! The tall frame you walk through is a <a href="https://science.howstuffworks.com/transport/flight/modern/airport-security3.htm">metal detector</a>. Its purpose is to uncover any weapons or other illegal objects that may be concealed under your clothes. Airport metal detectors use non-ionising radiation, which means they don’t emit X-rays. The larger body scanners, on the other hand, are a type of X-ray machine. These can be <a href="https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/pii/S2212478013000944">active or passive</a>, or a combination of both. Passive scanners simply detect the natural radiation emitted by your body and any objects that might be concealed. Active scanners emit low-energy radiation to create a scan of your body, which can then be analysed. The kind of machine you walk through will depend on where in the world you are. For instance, one type of active body scanner that emits X-rays in what’s called “backscatter technology” was once <a title="https://electronics.howstuffworks.com/gadgets/high-tech-gadgets/backscatter-x-ray.htm" href="https://electronics.howstuffworks.com/gadgets/high-tech-gadgets/backscatter-x-ray.htm" target="_blank" rel="noopener">used widely</a> in the US, but is no longer used. It’s also banned in <a title="https://www.homeaffairs.gov.au/about-us/what-we-do/travelsecure/passenger-screening" href="https://www.homeaffairs.gov.au/about-us/what-we-do/travelsecure/passenger-screening" target="_blank" rel="noopener">Australia</a> and <a title="https://www.forbes.com/sites/daviddisalvo/2011/11/15/europe-bans-airport-body-scanners-over-health-and-safety-concerns/" href="https://www.forbes.com/sites/daviddisalvo/2011/11/15/europe-bans-airport-body-scanners-over-health-and-safety-concerns/" target="_blank" rel="noopener">the European Union</a>, where only non-ionising technology can be used. Another type of scanner emits lower-energy <a href="https://science.howstuffworks.com/backscatter-machines-vs-millimeter-wave-scanners.htm">millimetre waves</a>, instead of X-rays, to image the passenger. Millimetre wave frequencies are considered to be non-ionising radiation. <h2>AI in our airports</h2> AI seems to be all around us lately, and our airports are no exception. Advancements in AI systems stand to transform the future of airport security. For now, human reviewers are required to identify potential threats in scanned images. However, what if an advanced <a href="https://thinkspace.csu.edu.au/artiificialintelligenceinsecuritycheck/article/">AI was trained</a> to do this using a database of images? It would do so in a fraction of the time. Some airports are already using advanced <a href="https://www.in-security.eu/index.php/editorial/the-future-of-airport-security-faster-smarter-safer">computed tomography</a> (CT) <a href="https://www.theguardian.com/australia-news/2022/jun/21/3d-body-scanners-at-australian-airports-what-are-they-and-how-do-they-work">scanners</a> to produce high-definition 3D imagery. In the future, this technology could be further enhanced by AI to detect threats at a much faster rate. Hypothetically, CT scans could also be used for both humans and their baggage. Could this allow travellers to walk through a body scanner while carrying their bags? Possibly. Until then, you should probably try your best to leave the house on time.<img style="border: none !important; box-shadow: none !important; margin: 0 !important; max-height: 1px !important; max-width: 1px !important; min-height: 1px !important; min-width: 1px !important; opacity: 0 !important; outline: none !important; padding: 0 !important;" src="https://counter.theconversation.com/content/209041/count.gif?distributor=republish-lightbox-basic" alt="The Conversation" width="1" height="1" /> <a href="https://theconversation.com/profiles/doug-drury-1277871">Doug Drury</a>, Professor/Head of Aviation, <a href="https://theconversation.com/institutions/cquniversity-australia-2140">CQUniversity Australia</a> Image credits: Getty Images This article is republished from <a href="https://theconversation.com">The Conversation</a> under a Creative Commons license. Read the <a href="https://theconversation.com/why-do-i-have-to-take-my-laptop-out-of-the-bag-at-airport-security-209041">original article</a>.

Travel Tips

Mysterious liquid turns popular rock pool green

A mysterious liquid has turned a popular public rock pool at Cronulla beach fluorescent green. The liquid, believed to be a natural fluorescent dye, fluorescein, was seen pouring into the usually clear waters of the pool on Friday. The dye is often used to help experts track the flow of water to identify any leaks and has low toxicity, which means it is harmless despite the daunting colour. “We believe the discolouration is likely to be fluorescein dye, which is commonly used in plumbing/drain testing and dissipates quickly once diluted,” a spokesperson for the New South Wales Environmental Protection Authority said. According to Australian dye manufacturer, Tintex, the dye is also used to “locate leaks in plumbing, tracing pipe locations, detect drain damage and water pathways,” and is odourless and non-toxic to the environment. However, in a safety data sheet, Tintex has also warned about the potential health effects which include eye irritation, skin irritation, irritation of the digestive tract and respiratory tract irritation. Many locals are cautious despite the claim that the dye is mostly harmless. One user wrote on a Facebook page for Cronulla locals that dye was “legal to use in a stormwater drain”. “Doesn’t look good whatever it is,” another responded, while other cautious residents replied that they wouldn’t swim in the area until the dye fully dissipates. Images: Facebook

Travel Trouble

How to make your next holiday better for the environment

<a href="https://theconversation.com/profiles/brendan-canavan-228682">Brendan Canavan</a>, <a href="https://theconversation.com/institutions/university-of-nottingham-1192">University of Nottingham</a> Being an environmentally friendly tourist can be challenging. Tourism is an industry that brings many <a href="https://www.unwto.org/EU-guidebook-on-sustainable-tourism-for-development">negative environmental impacts</a> – our pleasure often comes at the expense of local habitats or wildlife. Maya Bay on Thailand’s uninhabited Phi Phi Leh island became famous as the location of the 2000 Hollywood movie The Beach. But this led to rapid growth in visitors to the bay – as many as 8,000 a day at its peak – and put enormous strain on the bay’s natural habitats. In 2018, the bay was <a href="https://edition.cnn.com/travel/article/maya-bay-thailand-recovery-c2e-spc-intl/index.html">closed to tourists</a> for four years to let its coral reefs and wildlife recover. But tourism can also be an inspiring way to connect with oneself, with others and with new places. As tourists, we can learn, share and contribute to positive environmental practices. As a tourist, you also have influence. The money you spend, the social interactions you have and the resources you consume all <a href="https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/abs/pii/S0261517715300224?casa_token=TaXMOLW6Sp4AAAAA:PEnSG1AaAZ-MiuTNZ1wJfLRrzaNVIbaBsk1cKsP8M-_6KjruLO9tp09BqqzGnJTIZbN8_CoP4Q">help to shape an area</a>. So here are four pieces of advice for making your next holiday better for the environment. <h2>Spend locally</h2> We’ve all heard variations on the mantra “<a href="https://cleanisland.org/history-of-the-leave-only-footprints-initiative/#:%7E:text=%E2%80%9CTake%20only%20memories%2C%20leave%20only,the%20Leave%20Only%20Footprints%20program.">take only memories, leave only footprints</a>”. This message of less consumption and lower impact is a good ethos for environmentally sensitive tourism. The first thing to do is think about how you can leave more positive footprints behind. An excellent way to make the most of your economic footprint is to stay and shop in <a href="https://www.tandfonline.com/doi/full/10.1080/09669580802359293?casa_token=eNeLWWRPHxIAAAAA:9bT4S5-0O5b2JQWrYKgmjtDxrZzlv0P-H-9T2SoWT1fX6tFRkoVenNNcfmJbHV9ebhF2kP7XIEgz">independent businesses</a>. These businesses tend to pay local taxes and are owned by and employ local people. More of the money you spend stays in the immediate area as a result. Where tourist money directly benefits local people and businesses, their support for conservation is <a href="https://www.jstor.org/stable/pdf/26069456.pdf?casa_token=rdKkHk5QviUAAAAA:2ZCqsGG1f-2wFTIdmptbrJDVo8iPjYnam7QPdHXviRy_e0wA7YMY7fc0Qm1smIII4cg6_WriJ1OQwPvxMibmeHQxnO81NPd9jwoeVRudUS2TVv2TNeg">often encouraged</a>. Tourists <a href="https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/pii/S0261517709000120#sec5">visiting rhino sanctuaries</a> in Botswana, for example, bring income and support jobs. In 2010, the country’s Khama Rhino Sanctuary employed 26 permanent staff and many more casual labourers. This economic security can, in turn, prompt local people to appreciate the importance of protecting vulnerable animal species like rhinos. <a href="https://www.tandfonline.com/doi/abs/10.1080/09669582.2021.1932927?casa_token=rffO3wgsu6UAAAAA:7dounwsgVunXCW4-NERDNDX9Ks_OVfa3z5TfZDojAdiVVKuXbU52_3DnRNfALNjMCW0PzGPPOu0MQQ">Separate research</a> on people living around Kenya’s Maasai Mara nature reserve found that people whose livelihoods were dependent on tourism were more likely to support efforts to conserve local wildlife. <figure class="align-center "><img src="https://images.theconversation.com/files/524360/original/file-20230504-19-znuosc.jpg?ixlib=rb-1.1.0&q=45&auto=format&w=754&fit=clip" sizes="(min-width: 1466px) 754px, (max-width: 599px) 100vw, (min-width: 600px) 600px, 237px" srcset="https://images.theconversation.com/files/524360/original/file-20230504-19-znuosc.jpg?ixlib=rb-1.1.0&q=45&auto=format&w=600&h=400&fit=crop&dpr=1 600w, https://images.theconversation.com/files/524360/original/file-20230504-19-znuosc.jpg?ixlib=rb-1.1.0&q=30&auto=format&w=600&h=400&fit=crop&dpr=2 1200w, https://images.theconversation.com/files/524360/original/file-20230504-19-znuosc.jpg?ixlib=rb-1.1.0&q=15&auto=format&w=600&h=400&fit=crop&dpr=3 1800w, https://images.theconversation.com/files/524360/original/file-20230504-19-znuosc.jpg?ixlib=rb-1.1.0&q=45&auto=format&w=754&h=503&fit=crop&dpr=1 754w, https://images.theconversation.com/files/524360/original/file-20230504-19-znuosc.jpg?ixlib=rb-1.1.0&q=30&auto=format&w=754&h=503&fit=crop&dpr=2 1508w, https://images.theconversation.com/files/524360/original/file-20230504-19-znuosc.jpg?ixlib=rb-1.1.0&q=15&auto=format&w=754&h=503&fit=crop&dpr=3 2262w" alt="Two white rhinos drinking from a pond." /><figcaption>Two white rhinos at Khama Rhino Sanctuary, Botswana. <a class="source" href="https://www.shutterstock.com/image-photo/white-rhinoceros-ceratotherium-simum-squarelipped-khama-2060738441">Al Carrera/Shutterstock</a></figcaption></figure> <h2>Tread lightly</h2> Tourism creates waste and uses up resources. Treading carefully will minimise the environmental impact you have on your holiday destination. A simple way to lower your environmental footprint is to use fewer resources at every stage of your holiday. A single tourist uses <a href="https://www.e-unwto.org/doi/pdf/10.18111/9789284414529">300 litres</a> of water in their holiday accommodation on average each night. Reusing towels, flushing the toilet less and shortening your shower time can all help to reduce demand for water resources. Thinking about the footprints you leave as a tourist is a useful mindset. You may even become more aware of the positive legacy you can leave behind. Learn about the local area and the environmental issues that matter there. If habitat loss is a problem, contribute to local organisations that support conservation. Organisations like the <a href="https://www.nationaltrust.org.uk/holidays">National Trust</a> even offer holidays in the UK that help to fund their work. <h2>Place matters</h2> Tourism shifts you away from the familiar and gives you <a href="https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/abs/pii/S0160738312001211?casa_token=zHTCleS_F3kAAAAA:jWMOOtEJzH8OXySUqafP5Z7koLFOtNSJ2Ik4ncoA9wPCHTW-1MRNJJwRvYtoopoSqCwTRm_TeA">space for self-reflection</a>. Research has found that people have been <a href="https://www.tandfonline.com/doi/abs/10.1080/02508281.2017.1342349?role=button&needAccess=true&journalCode=rtrr20">inspired by travel to make life changes</a> such as relocating or shifting career. Many keen rock climbers, for instance, adopt a <a href="https://www.tandfonline.com/doi/pdf/10.1080/17450101.2014.977667?casa_token=gCsYfe0mSDkAAAAA:q8f6HbQ9rlwXS5_DGl3De1XUnHXX6U0EC3QUNz65pFivUgPo7RDH0-zGXvspjrTrv73FKkouDPM-">minimalist and mobile lifestyle</a>. <a href="https://www.tandfonline.com/doi/full/10.1080/14616688.2012.762691?needAccess=true">One study</a> on climbers’ lifestyles in the US showed that the challenges of life on the road, gatherings at campgrounds and the considerable amount of time spent in nature can be enriching. Rock climbers’ lifestyles are inspired by and connected to natural settings. And many alternative types of tourism are too. These tourists can become powerful advocates for the protection of the places they care deeply about. Surf tourists, for example, have driven <a href="https://www.sas.org.uk/">various campaigns</a> against the discharge of sewage into UK bathing waters. You and those you travel with can be similar cheerleaders for the places you care about. Join organisations fighting for their conservation, contribute to their sustainable development and share your appreciation of these places with others. <h2>Stay curious</h2> A final thing you can do as a tourist is to keep exploring. It can be tempting to stay in a <a href="https://www.jstor.org/stable/pdf/40970087.pdf?casa_token=zGlcyUgr_JcAAAAA:TzIuU8wrbvXyjAxawpea1Nw35y-5DSZX-MShnpndR4iEwzOQqCul3Hn61SFdotC4dO3hMZ6ddpOI-O0v45K7Jwo6TY9I4FVbUaE8QMuGo7qsBFbvbXE">tourist bubble</a> and not leave the confines of your resort or stick with familiar travel groups and activities. Cruises are a classic example of bubble tourism. The places visited do not really matter; the floating hotel is the main attraction. But cruise tourism rarely benefits local populations and brings <a href="https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/abs/pii/S0261517717302418?casa_token=dz_gzPmnVTsAAAAA:o6WggzlegsnTGIh9__NvL7POYKzGB3pHd44TNswicbl0sOSc5uTUYG-G_qZroQ3gaQVchZR5Gw">significant negative environmental impacts</a>. In the Trujillo Bay area of Honduras, for example, <a href="https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/pii/S0261517717302418?casa_token=DDSyzNJhU5sAAAAA:vqMQqzyKJMXHLZmVfcuYesAmc-0KsqzR8GdX97r0AzecrnXCRPNMC7_lHBKyqYKzLbMoHh83zQ#sec7">increases in garbage and sewage</a> have been reported since commercial cruise tourism began operating in the area in 2014. <figure class="align-center "><img src="https://images.theconversation.com/files/524072/original/file-20230503-28-w8obuy.jpg?ixlib=rb-1.1.0&q=45&auto=format&w=754&fit=clip" sizes="(min-width: 1466px) 754px, (max-width: 599px) 100vw, (min-width: 600px) 600px, 237px" srcset="https://images.theconversation.com/files/524072/original/file-20230503-28-w8obuy.jpg?ixlib=rb-1.1.0&q=45&auto=format&w=600&h=402&fit=crop&dpr=1 600w, https://images.theconversation.com/files/524072/original/file-20230503-28-w8obuy.jpg?ixlib=rb-1.1.0&q=30&auto=format&w=600&h=402&fit=crop&dpr=2 1200w, https://images.theconversation.com/files/524072/original/file-20230503-28-w8obuy.jpg?ixlib=rb-1.1.0&q=15&auto=format&w=600&h=402&fit=crop&dpr=3 1800w, https://images.theconversation.com/files/524072/original/file-20230503-28-w8obuy.jpg?ixlib=rb-1.1.0&q=45&auto=format&w=754&h=505&fit=crop&dpr=1 754w, https://images.theconversation.com/files/524072/original/file-20230503-28-w8obuy.jpg?ixlib=rb-1.1.0&q=30&auto=format&w=754&h=505&fit=crop&dpr=2 1508w, https://images.theconversation.com/files/524072/original/file-20230503-28-w8obuy.jpg?ixlib=rb-1.1.0&q=15&auto=format&w=754&h=505&fit=crop&dpr=3 2262w" alt="A beach full of tourists from the cruise ship moored nearby." /><figcaption>A cruise ship moored near Mahogany Bay beach, Honduras. <a class="source" href="https://www.shutterstock.com/image-photo/mahogany-bay-beach-full-tourists-cruise-1647866578">Ramunas Bruzas/Shutterstock</a></figcaption></figure> Similar concerns have prompted calls to restrict cruise tourism in popular European destinations like <a href="https://www.theguardian.com/world/2022/jul/25/cruise-passengers-shuttled-into-venice-by-motor-boat-to-dodge-big-ships-ban">Venice</a>, <a href="https://www.euronews.com/travel/2022/09/01/stop-cruises-50000-people-sign-petition-to-regulate-polluting-ships-in-marseille">Marseille</a> and <a href="https://www.theguardian.com/world/2023/apr/09/a-plague-of-locusts-barcelona-battles-port-authorities-to-curb-cruise-tourists">Barcelona</a>. In 2022, more than 50,000 people signed a petition to ban cruise ships from Marseille. Going beyond familiar or fashionable tourist bubbles can help you avoid such negative associations. <a href="https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/pii/S0261517709001113?casa_token=SHXc1sqnFOkAAAAA:T8KwGbxBT_jHQv1RMWfJaQagU4C_XnnOKxxwNqODHpboL6YRkzRsr-C9W6mgRHQDa-M6vcAYAA#sec7">Short-haul city breaks</a> are a more environmentally friendly option. Travellers to these destinations are more likely to use means of transportation that are associated with <a href="https://www.gov.uk/government/statistics/transport-and-environment-statistics-autumn-2021/transport-and-environment-statistics-autumn-2021#:%7E:text=The%20biggest%20contributors%20to%20this,of%20emissions%2C%2019%20MtCO2e%20">less CO₂ emissions</a> than long-haul travel, such as <a href="https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/pii/S0959652613005131?casa_token=INw7hbOMnDEAAAAA:Do8AzrmSnJZtOHdqWtc7QLFhgrWF520ej0-_gt0rcZmhzyLGT5DSS3SdmRR6tnxC3qtOHXIThQ">trains or coaches</a>. And in urban areas, their activities are likely to take place in a concentrated geographical area. Thinking about the footprints you leave and the memories you take can help you to become a more environmentally aware tourist. Leave positive imprints behind, tread carefully, put yourself out there and keep exploring. This is a mantra to adopt and share with your travel groups to get the most out of your holiday experiences while simultaneously reducing your impact on the planet.<img style="border: none !important; box-shadow: none !important; margin: 0 !important; max-height: 1px !important; max-width: 1px !important; min-height: 1px !important; min-width: 1px !important; opacity: 0 !important; outline: none !important; padding: 0 !important;" src="https://counter.theconversation.com/content/203445/count.gif?distributor=republish-lightbox-basic" alt="The Conversation" width="1" height="1" /> <a href="https://theconversation.com/profiles/brendan-canavan-228682">Brendan Canavan</a>, Senior Lecturer in Marketing, <a href="https://theconversation.com/institutions/university-of-nottingham-1192">University of Nottingham</a> This article is republished from <a href="https://theconversation.com">The Conversation</a> under a Creative Commons license. Read the <a href="https://theconversation.com/how-to-make-your-next-holiday-better-for-the-environment-203445">original article</a>. Images: Getty

International Travel

"Downhearted": Rod Stewart reveals sad reason for cancellation

Fans of Rod Stewart, Cyndi Lauper and Jon Stevens were left devastated after the trio’s highly anticipated performance was cancelled hours before they were due to take the stage. The sad announcement was made just after midday, with the trio set to perform at 4 pm at A Day on the Green festival in Mt Duneed Estate in Geelong, Victoria. Stewart took to Instagram to share his heartfelt apology, “Hello, my friends. I’m absolutely downhearted that I’m disappointing my fans who bought tickets to A Day on the Green. “Late this morning I was advised that I have a viral infection and my throat is too irritated to sing. I’m only human and sometimes get sick just like you do. “My greatest joy is performing for you, so I’m doing everything I can to get on the mend and back on stage!” <blockquote class="instagram-media" style="background: #FFF; border: 0; border-radius: 3px; box-shadow: 0 0 1px 0 rgba(0,0,0,0.5),0 1px 10px 0 rgba(0,0,0,0.15); margin: 1px; max-width: 540px; min-width: 326px; padding: 0; width: calc(100% - 2px);" data-instgrm-captioned="" data-instgrm-permalink="https://www.instagram.com/p/Cp7XzziNTVN/?utm_source=ig_embed&utm_campaign=loading" data-instgrm-version="14"> <div style="padding: 16px;"> <div style="display: flex; flex-direction: row; align-items: center;"> <div style="background-color: #f4f4f4; border-radius: 50%; flex-grow: 0; height: 40px; margin-right: 14px; width: 40px;"> </div> <div style="display: flex; flex-direction: column; flex-grow: 1; justify-content: center;"> <div style="background-color: #f4f4f4; border-radius: 4px; flex-grow: 0; height: 14px; margin-bottom: 6px; width: 100px;"> </div> <div style="background-color: #f4f4f4; border-radius: 4px; flex-grow: 0; height: 14px; width: 60px;"> </div> </div> </div> <div style="padding: 19% 0;"> </div> <div style="display: block; height: 50px; margin: 0 auto 12px; width: 50px;"> </div> <div style="padding-top: 8px;"> <div style="color: #3897f0; font-family: Arial,sans-serif; font-size: 14px; font-style: normal; font-weight: 550; line-height: 18px;">View this post on Instagram</div> </div> <div style="padding: 12.5% 0;"> </div> <div style="display: flex; flex-direction: row; margin-bottom: 14px; align-items: center;"> <div> <div style="background-color: #f4f4f4; border-radius: 50%; height: 12.5px; width: 12.5px; transform: translateX(0px) translateY(7px);"> </div> <div style="background-color: #f4f4f4; height: 12.5px; transform: rotate(-45deg) translateX(3px) translateY(1px); width: 12.5px; flex-grow: 0; margin-right: 14px; margin-left: 2px;"> </div> <div style="background-color: #f4f4f4; border-radius: 50%; height: 12.5px; width: 12.5px; transform: translateX(9px) translateY(-18px);"> </div> </div> <div style="margin-left: 8px;"> <div style="background-color: #f4f4f4; border-radius: 50%; flex-grow: 0; height: 20px; width: 20px;"> </div> <div style="width: 0; height: 0; border-top: 2px solid transparent; border-left: 6px solid #f4f4f4; border-bottom: 2px solid transparent; transform: translateX(16px) translateY(-4px) rotate(30deg);"> </div> </div> <div style="margin-left: auto;"> <div style="width: 0px; border-top: 8px solid #F4F4F4; border-right: 8px solid transparent; transform: translateY(16px);"> </div> <div style="background-color: #f4f4f4; flex-grow: 0; height: 12px; width: 16px; transform: translateY(-4px);"> </div> <div style="width: 0; height: 0; border-top: 8px solid #F4F4F4; border-left: 8px solid transparent; transform: translateY(-4px) translateX(8px);"> </div> </div> </div> <div style="display: flex; flex-direction: column; flex-grow: 1; justify-content: center; margin-bottom: 24px;"> <div style="background-color: #f4f4f4; border-radius: 4px; flex-grow: 0; height: 14px; margin-bottom: 6px; width: 224px;"> </div> <div style="background-color: #f4f4f4; border-radius: 4px; flex-grow: 0; height: 14px; width: 144px;"> </div> </div> <p style="color: #c9c8cd; font-family: Arial,sans-serif; font-size: 14px; line-height: 17px; margin-bottom: 0; margin-top: 8px; overflow: hidden; padding: 8px 0 7px; text-align: center; text-overflow: ellipsis; white-space: nowrap;"><a style="color: #c9c8cd; font-family: Arial,sans-serif; font-size: 14px; font-style: normal; font-weight: normal; line-height: 17px; text-decoration: none;" href="https://www.instagram.com/p/Cp7XzziNTVN/?utm_source=ig_embed&utm_campaign=loading" target="_blank" rel="noopener">A post shared by Sir Rod Stewart (@sirrodstewart)</a> </div> </blockquote> On Saturday, the promoters of the event posted an online statement confirming that the show was cancelled. The statement read: “Live Nation and Roundhouse Entertainment regret to announce that tonight’s performance, Saturday 18 March 2023, by Rod Stewart, Cyndi Lauper and Jon Stevens at Mt. Duneed Estate, Geelong will not go ahead, due to illness.” Ticketmaster also apologised for the cancellation and to hold on to their tickets while they wait for further updates regarding the show. Hundreds of fans have shared their disappointment, with some saying they had travelled just for the show. “Would’ve been good to receive an email/text and not have to find out from a random in a cafe. Booked a weekend away for my mother-in-law’s 60th birthday which is today, we’re beyond devastated,” one person commented in an Instagram post from A Day on the Green. “A text or email would have been lovely, we just arrived after driving 5 hours and our notification was the sign out the front. This was my partner's dads Christmas present,” commented another. <blockquote class="instagram-media" style="background: #FFF; border: 0; border-radius: 3px; box-shadow: 0 0 1px 0 rgba(0,0,0,0.5),0 1px 10px 0 rgba(0,0,0,0.15); margin: 1px; max-width: 540px; min-width: 326px; padding: 0; width: calc(100% - 2px);" data-instgrm-captioned="" data-instgrm-permalink="https://www.instagram.com/p/Cp6WmRLOsHo/?utm_source=ig_embed&utm_campaign=loading" data-instgrm-version="14"> <div style="padding: 16px;"> <div style="display: flex; flex-direction: row; align-items: center;"> <div style="background-color: #f4f4f4; border-radius: 50%; flex-grow: 0; height: 40px; margin-right: 14px; width: 40px;"> </div> <div style="display: flex; flex-direction: column; flex-grow: 1; justify-content: center;"> <div style="background-color: #f4f4f4; border-radius: 4px; flex-grow: 0; height: 14px; margin-bottom: 6px; width: 100px;"> </div> <div style="background-color: #f4f4f4; border-radius: 4px; flex-grow: 0; height: 14px; width: 60px;"> </div> </div> </div> <div style="padding: 19% 0;"> </div> <div style="display: block; height: 50px; margin: 0 auto 12px; width: 50px;"> </div> <div style="padding-top: 8px;"> <div style="color: #3897f0; font-family: Arial,sans-serif; font-size: 14px; font-style: normal; font-weight: 550; line-height: 18px;">View this post on Instagram</div> </div> <div style="padding: 12.5% 0;"> </div> <div style="display: flex; flex-direction: row; margin-bottom: 14px; align-items: center;"> <div> <div style="background-color: #f4f4f4; border-radius: 50%; height: 12.5px; width: 12.5px; transform: translateX(0px) translateY(7px);"> </div> <div style="background-color: #f4f4f4; height: 12.5px; transform: rotate(-45deg) translateX(3px) translateY(1px); width: 12.5px; flex-grow: 0; margin-right: 14px; margin-left: 2px;"> </div> <div style="background-color: #f4f4f4; border-radius: 50%; height: 12.5px; width: 12.5px; transform: translateX(9px) translateY(-18px);"> </div> </div> <div style="margin-left: 8px;"> <div style="background-color: #f4f4f4; border-radius: 50%; flex-grow: 0; height: 20px; width: 20px;"> </div> <div style="width: 0; height: 0; border-top: 2px solid transparent; border-left: 6px solid #f4f4f4; border-bottom: 2px solid transparent; transform: translateX(16px) translateY(-4px) rotate(30deg);"> </div> </div> <div style="margin-left: auto;"> <div style="width: 0px; border-top: 8px solid #F4F4F4; border-right: 8px solid transparent; transform: translateY(16px);"> </div> <div style="background-color: #f4f4f4; flex-grow: 0; height: 12px; width: 16px; transform: translateY(-4px);"> </div> <div style="width: 0; height: 0; border-top: 8px solid #F4F4F4; border-left: 8px solid transparent; transform: translateY(-4px) translateX(8px);"> </div> </div> </div> <div style="display: flex; flex-direction: column; flex-grow: 1; justify-content: center; margin-bottom: 24px;"> <div style="background-color: #f4f4f4; border-radius: 4px; flex-grow: 0; height: 14px; margin-bottom: 6px; width: 224px;"> </div> <div style="background-color: #f4f4f4; border-radius: 4px; flex-grow: 0; height: 14px; width: 144px;"> </div> </div> <p style="color: #c9c8cd; font-family: Arial,sans-serif; font-size: 14px; line-height: 17px; margin-bottom: 0; margin-top: 8px; overflow: hidden; padding: 8px 0 7px; text-align: center; text-overflow: ellipsis; white-space: nowrap;"><a style="color: #c9c8cd; font-family: Arial,sans-serif; font-size: 14px; font-style: normal; font-weight: normal; line-height: 17px; text-decoration: none;" href="https://www.instagram.com/p/Cp6WmRLOsHo/?utm_source=ig_embed&utm_campaign=loading" target="_blank" rel="noopener">A post shared by A Day On The Green (@adayonthegreenofficial)</a> </div> </blockquote> Others have expressed their sympathy in response to the statement shared by Stewart. “It's all good Sir Rod.. Take care of your people first.. The rest can be sorted out afterwards…” wrote one user. “I hope it's nothing too serious. Sending hugs. 💜” shared another fan. “Hope you feel better soon. Must have been an awful decision to make to cancel at such short notice,” wrote a third. Image: Oscar Gonzalez/Getty Images

Music

Aldi’s popular $50 travel item is back

Have you ever been so tired you wished you could roll out of bed and bring it with you? Well, this Aldi sleeping bag takes you one step closer to fulfilling your dream. The “One-Z wearable sleeping bag” is back by popular demand as part of Aldi’s Easter ‘Special Buys’ camping range. The onesie sleeping bag has arms, legs (with detachable feet), and even a hood so that you can become one with your sleeping bag. The $49.99 item is fully insulated, with an elastic waistband, dual zipper access, and side ventilation on the legs. It’s officially coming back in stores nationally on Saturday, March 25 and will be available in three sizes – small (suitable for someone around 155cm-169cm tall), medium (170cm-183cm) and large (184cm-200cm). The One-Z has been so popular for years that when a German retailer announced it was back in 2017, the post generated over 92,000 comments. “ALDI Australia: Please tell me these gems will be restocked!” one person commented after learning how quickly the item sold out. Aldi will also put up four-person tents for $169 and six-person tents for $199. Travel camp quilts, another camping essential that will keep you warm will also be up for grabs and this time for $10 cheaper than last year, now priced at $59.99. Some other items that will be up for sale include a portable hammock with a foldable frame for $79.99, and a solar portable charger that you can attach to your backpack for $59.99. The 28W mono folding solar charger will be able to charge your electronic gadgets including phones, tablets, power banks and some DSLRs. Images: Aldi

Travel Tips

What's inside the $126k Oscars gift bags?

For many actors, being awarded an Oscar is the greatest gift of their career. However, if an actor misses out in their category, it doesn't mean they'll walk away with nothing. The Oscars' gift bags have long been jam-packed with a selection of luxury goods, bringing the total value of the goodies well into the six-figure mark. This year is no exception, with the Los Angeles-based marketing company Distinctive Assets once again sending out its infamous "Everybody Wins" swag bags to the top nominees. The bags are worth an impressive $126,000 this year, with 26 nominees in acting and directing categories going home with the goodies. The celebrities will be offered thousands of dollars worth of luxury goods, and even more in vouchers for things like vacations and cosmetic procedures. Among the contents is a luxury getaway to Canada, which is said to be valued at $40,000, vouchers for cosmetic procedures like liposuction and micro-needling, luxury skincare and gourmet foods, and and "the first-ever chocolate box with a personalised video embedded inside." Also in the goodie bag is one unusual gift that has caused outrage with Indigenous Australian communities: a plot of land in regional areas of Australia. Pieces of Australia is one of a number of brands to pay $4,000 to secure a spot in the Oscars gift bag, offering a small parcel of land in outback Australia as part of its “Conservation Gift Packs”. The land parcels all come with a “certificate of land licence”, but the terms and conditions go on to state that “you have purchased a symbolic souvenir … of the land” and people who own a “pack” may not “take possession of the parcel; use the parcel; enter upon the parcel and/or the land without the licensor’s express written consent”. The digital “member’s handbook” which comes with the pack referenced the Indigenous Carbon Industry Network (ICIN) without the company's permission, causing outrage with the traditional owners of the land. In a statement, ICIN said it “has not granted permission for any of our information, publications or photos to be reproduced to support the Oscars ‘Goodie Bag’ or ‘Pieces of Australia’.” “The Indigenous Carbon Industry Network is a 100% Indigenous-owned charitable company owned by 23 Indigenous organisations across Australia,” it said. “ICIN is seeking legal advice regarding this matter and will be able to provide further statement once we have sought appropriate advice.” The Pieces of Australia founder, Niels Chaneliere, said the intention of his organisation was to provide “land licence agreements (where there is no land title transfer at any point) as novel/symbolic gifts for people around the world to engage and participate positively in conservation efforts”. Image credits: Getty Images

Movies

Here’s how you can bag a night at Bag End

While many visitors to New Zealand’s Hobbit movie set have gone there and back again, no-one has had the chance to stay overnight - until now that is. In celebration of the 10th anniversary of The Hobbit: An Unexpected Journey, Airbnb will be offering a few lucky fans the opportunity to spend the night at the original movie set. Winners will score one of three overnight stays at the set in Waikato, with access to the Hobbit Holes, Millhouse and The Green Dragon Inn, a private tour of the movie set, and an evening banquet in the Green Dragon - think beef and ale stew, fresh bread, chickens and ale. Two decades after the working farm caught the attention of Lord of the Rings director Peter Jackson, the farm’s owner Russell Alexander said he was excited to offer guests the experience of living like a Hobbit. “We’ve welcomed millions of passionate fans to the Hobbiton Movie Set, but never before has anyone had the opportunity to spend a night in Middle-earth,”he said. “I am delighted to share the beauty of my family’s farm and pleased to be hosting this iconic location on Airbnb for fans from around the world.” The three two-night stays will come with a four-guest limit and cost $NZ 10 ($AU 9.46) a night to mark the 10th anniversary. Each of the stays will take place on March 2-4, 9-11 and 16-18. Unsurprisingly, there are some rules for the lucky guests who stay on-set, with plenty of references to the Hobbit and Lord of the Rings sagas, including “no unexpected parties”, “magical rings permitted, but keep them secret, keep them safe”, “straying far at night is discouraged, thanks to multiple troll sightings of late”, and “pony parking” available only at the Green Dragon Inn. To go in the running, applicants can request to book one of the stays from Wednesday December 14. Applicants must have a history of positive reviews on Airbnb, have an Airbnb profile and be over the age of 18. To enter, head <a href="https://news.airbnb.com/hobbiton/" target="_blank" rel="noopener">here</a>. Images: Airbnb

Real Estate

Dog found hidden in carry-on bag at airport security

A US Transportation and Security Agency (TSA) officer has discovered a small dog stashed in a traveller's carry-on luggage. The animal was found in a backpack when going through the X-ray machine at the Dane County <a title="Airport " href="https://www.9news.com.au/airport" target="_blank" rel="noopener">Airport</a> in Wisconsin. TSA told a local news outlet that the passenger was unaware of the screening protocol and did not tell security officers about her dog. After an officer explained the proper process and confirmed she disclosed she was travelling with a pet to the airline, she proceeded to her gate to board her flight. TSA Great Lakes confirmed that the woman's error was an accident on social media, while alerting people to the proper flying rules. <blockquote class="twitter-tweet"> Video: Here’s the proper way to travel with your pet. Note: This is a <a href="https://twitter.com/TSA?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@TSA</a> PreCheck passenger traveling with a cat. If you think your pet will attempt an escape, ask to speak with a supervisor before removing the animal. Alternative screening options may be available. (2/2) <a href="https://t.co/NL2jNjni2l">pic.twitter.com/NL2jNjni2l</a> — TSA_GreatLakes (@TSA_GreatLakes) <a href="https://twitter.com/TSA_GreatLakes/status/1600210121136537600?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">December 6, 2022</a></blockquote> "A dog was accidentally sent through the X-ray @MSN_Airport this week," it tweeted. "When travelling with any animal, notify your airline and know their rules." "At the checkpoint, remove your pet from the bag and send all items, including the empty carrier, to be screened in the machine." It then uploaded a video showing "the proper way" to travel with pets. Image credits: Twitter

Travel Trouble

How Jamie Durie is revolutionising greener building

Jamie Durie is using his knowledge and expertise to help educate people on the importance of greener building. The celebrity gardener has partnered with Victorian boutique builder <a title="Chatham Homes" href="https://chathamhomes.com.au/" target="_blank" rel="noopener">Chatham Homes</a>, to help the home construction industry in confronting the challenges of living through the ongoing climate crisis. Jamie told <a href="https://www.nine.com.au/property/homes/how-jamie-durie-is-encouraging-greener-building/a751b122-af38-48e7-a729-b961eafb5a78" target="_blank" rel="noopener">Nine</a> that he doesn't know "of any other builder in Australia that has gone to these sorts of lengths to ensure Australian families and the environment end up with a healthier future." Through his work, Jamie said he is particularly keen on shedding light on the damaging nature of VOCs (Volatile Organic Compounds) that can be found in the home. With Jamie's assistance, Chatham Homes has made it their priority to ensure their homes are not only using low VOC paint, but also zero VOC glue in their joinery systems. VOCs are described as a large group of chemicals that are found in the products used to construct and maintain our homes, and can be found in paints, upholstery, glue and laminates. According to the <a title="Australian Government's Department of Climate Change, Energy, the Environment and Water" href="https://www.dcceew.gov.au/environment/protection/npi/substances/fact-sheets/total-volatile-organic-compounds" target="_blank" rel="noopener">Australian Government's Department of Climate Change, Energy, the Environment and Water</a>, dangerous side effects of inhaling VOCS can include irritation to the eyes, nose and throat, loss of coordination, nausea, and damage to the liver, kidney and central nervous system. "There are a lot of builders out there who don't know what VOCs are," Jamie tells Nine. "And you look at Chatham and they're not only using low VOC paints, they're using zero VOC glue in their joinery systems. It's really quite amazing." "They proof-test the entire home, they vacuum-test. So it's an 8.2 energy star rating which is the highest level of any home builder in Australia." Jamie reveals that the impacts of VOCs are only starting to become common knowledge. "The average new home has around 20 times the acceptable level of VOCs that a human being should experience. A lot of it is just coming to the surface," he says. "It's about building healthy buildings and providing wellbeing to Australian families. A lot of people don't realise these VOCs are carcinogenic." "[Chatham Homes] have taken it upon themselves to investigate and incorporate these as standard building practices in all their homes," says Jamie. Image credits: Instagram

Real Estate

Paul Green farewelled

NRL legend Paul Green has been farewelled in an emotional service in Queensland following his devastating death. The legendary coach and former player was just 49 when he was found dead at his home in Brisbane on August 11. More than 700 people attended the service at Kougari Oval, the Wynnum-Manly Seagulls’ home ground, including rugby league greats Allan Langer, Andrew Gee, Shane Webcke, Ben Ikin and Jason Taumalolo. John Lang, Steve Renouf, Wendell Sailor, Lote Tuqiri, Todd Payten, Neil Henry, Brad Thorn, Kevin Walters, Brad Fittler, Trent Robinson and Bryan Fletcher were also in attendance. Paul Green’s wife Amanda delivered a heartfelt speech speaking of when the pair met and their love for one another. “Paul and I met at the Mad Cow in Townsville, an establishment of many relationships,” she said. “The day Paul proposed he said to me you better strapped yourself because it’s going to be one hell of a ride, and that it was. “We had the deepest love and he made me feel deeply loved … we’ve always been a team. “As heartbroken as I am today, I’ve loved every moment with Paul. I loved you yesterday, I love you today and I will love you tomorrow.” <blockquote class="twitter-tweet"> Paul Green’s wife Amanda has delivered the most moving tribute to her late husband as family and friends remember the legendary player and coach. Pictures from the service: <a href="https://t.co/bBOWY77XFj">https://t.co/bBOWY77XFj</a> <a href="https://t.co/dTDjE93KJ5">pic.twitter.com/dTDjE93KJ5</a> — Courier Mail Sport (@cmail_sport) <a href="https://twitter.com/cmail_sport/status/1564426956770201601?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">August 30, 2022</a></blockquote> Their daughter Emerson then got up and delivered a heart-warming speech saying she will cherish their memories forever. “He always knew what to say and when to say it. He would always tell you it doesn’t matter what people think of you,” she said. “He knew how to bust a move and liked to think he had an amazing voice. If there was music on, I could always count on Dad dragging me onto a dancefloor. “He taught me to be the best version of myself. I will cherish our memories forever and will continue to do you proud. “I was always your little angel, but now you are mine.” Jed also said a few words, thanking his dad for being the “best dad ever”. “Thanks for being the best dad ever. You were so silly sometimes and that you made the best dad,” he said. “I am going to miss you so much.” Paul’s family announced a few weeks after his death that they <a href="https://www.oversixty.com.au/health/body/paul-green-s-brain-donated-to-science" target="_blank" rel="noopener">donated his brain to science</a>. The Australian Sports Brain Bank said Paul’s brain will help aid research into concussion-related condition chronic traumatic encephalopathy (CTE) - a common injury amongst NRL players due to the nature of the game. "In memory of our beloved Paul, we ask that you support the pioneering work of the Australian Sports Brain Bank,” their post read. "Paul was known for always looking out for others. We are proud that part of his legacy will be looking out for the brain health of all others involved in the game that he loved. "Amanda, Emerson and Jed." Paul had an incredible NRL career, playing 162 first grade matches between 1994-2004 and winning the prestigious Rothmans Medal in 1995 as the game's best and fairest. He played for several different clubs including Cronulla-Sutherland Sharks, North Queensland Cowboys, Sydney Roosters, Parramatta Eels and the Brisbane Broncos. Green eventually swapped his playing boots to coaching ones as he took on the North Queensland Cowboys from 2014-2020. If you are experiencing a personal crisis or thinking about suicide, you can call Lifeline 131 114 or beyondblue 1300 224 636 or visit lifeline.org.au or beyondblue.org.au. Images: Twitter

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"It's mad!" Steve Price goes ballistic over Greens rent freeze proposal

Steve Price has clashed with a Greens MP over their party's idea of a rent freeze, calling the proposal "mad". Greens MP Max Chandler-Mather spoke with the The Project on Thursday night to discuss the Greens' proposal, which was met with a frosty reception. Earlier this week, The Greens urged the government to impose a nationwide rent freeze for two years, citing the sharp increases in rent that have outstripped wage rises in recent months. The minor party has also called for future rent increases, beyond the proposed freeze period, to be capped at 2 per cent every two years. When Mr Chandler-Mather explained the proposal to the panel, the questions came flooding in. “Max, this does sound vaguely like socialism, possibly even communism. How would it work in practice?” host Hamish Macdonald asked. “I wouldn’t call it socialism or communism. I’d call it what is being done around the world, and (what has) worked. Victoria froze rents for six months during the pandemic, and what we are saying now is we are in a worse housing crisis even than in the pandemic, and we need an urgent national response," Mr Chandler-Mather replied. “What we’re proposing today is a two-year national rent freeze, because rents are out of control. They’ve increased seven times faster than wages since the pandemic began.” “It is not a crazy proposal ... I think it is a moderate proposal for what is a national crisis," he said. As he went on to cite other global examples of a similar scheme working to protect renters, Steve Price jumped in. “Max, you call it moderate. I call it mad,” he said. “What do you say to landlords who, over the next two years or so, are going to have an increase to their mortgage repayments, council rates are going up, repairs on rental properties are going up, it’s hard to get tradesmen – they are just expected to wear this increase in cost with no rent going up." “They’re going to bail on the market, they’re going to sell their properties, and you’re going to collapse the real estate market. It’s mad, mate!” “Well I don’t think the real estate market collapsed in Victoria when they froze rents for six months,” Mr Chandler-Mather said. “There was a six-month rent freeze in Victoria, but similarly in British Colombia or in New York or Scotland-” said the Greens MP. Price interrupted saying, “We’re not in British Columbia, New York or Scotland, we’re in Australia.” “We’ve got a rental system that works. There are a lot of great landlords. There are even landlords who, during Covid, made the rent cheaper for people because they wanted to look after good tenants. You’re trying to blow up a system that actually works.” “I think you just need to talk to the 2.7 million renters who are in severe rental stress at the moment and ask them if the housing market is working,” countered Mr Chandler-Mather. The pair continued their feisty back and forth before the interview drew to a close, where Macdonald thanked the MP for being “a good sport”. Image credits: The Project

Real Estate

Paul Green’s brain donated to science

Paul Green’s brain has been donated to the Australian Sports Brain Bank to help with science. The legendary coach and former player Paul Green was just 49 when he <a href="https://oversixty.com.au/news/news/rugby-league-icon-dead-at-49" target="_blank" rel="noopener">was found dead</a> at his home in Brisbane on August 11. It is confirmed that the father-of-two died from suicide. His family has now confirmed that his brain will be donated to the <a href="https://www.mycause.com.au/page/290298/in-memory-of-paul-green" target="_blank" rel="noopener">Australian Sports Brain Bank</a> to help aid research into concussion-related condition chronic traumatic encephalopathy (CTE) - a common injury amongst NRL players due to the nature of the game. "In memory of our beloved Paul, we ask that you support the pioneering work of the Australian Sports Brain Bank,” their post read. "Paul was known for always looking out for others. We are proud that part of his legacy will be looking out for the brain health of all others involved in the game that he loved. "Amanda, Emerson and Jed." They are hoping to raise $150,000 to help with the research. Michael Buckland, the director of the Australian Sports Brain Bank, thanked Green’s family for their donation. "This is an incredibly generous donation and will be an invaluable part of our research into the long-term effects of repetitive head impacts in sport and elsewhere," he said. "We at the Australian Sports Brain Bank are blown away by the fact that in their time of grief, Amanda and the rest of the family thought of how they could help others." Green had an incredible NRL career, playing 162 first grade matches between 1994-2004 and winning the prestigious Rothmans Medal in 1995 as the game's best and fairest. He played for several different clubs including Cronulla-Sutherland Sharks, North Queensland Cowboys, Sydney Roosters, Parramatta Eels and the Brisbane Broncos. Green eventually swapped his playing boots to coaching ones as he took on the North Queensland Cowboys from 2014-2020. If you would like to donate to the research, click <a href="https://www.mycause.com.au/page/290298/in-memory-of-paul-green" target="_blank" rel="noopener">here</a>. If you are experiencing a personal crisis or thinking about suicide, you can call Lifeline 131 114 or beyondblue 1300 224 636 or visit <a href="https://www.lifeline.org.au/">lifeline.org.au</a> or <a href="https://www.beyondblue.org.au/">beyondblue.org.au</a>. Image: Australian Sports Brain Bank

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NRL great's cause of death sparks emotional pleas

Content warning: This article includes mentions of suicide. TV personality and mental health advocate Gus Worland has issued an emotional plea to Australians to ask for help when they need it in the wake of the sudden death of Paul Green. The 49-year-old NRL coach was found dead on Thursday, with the cause of death later revealed to be suicide. Police were called to Green’s family home in Brisbane after he was found unresponsive in the garage. A police spokeswoman told the <a href="https://www.dailymail.co.uk/sport/nrl/article-11101165/How-Paul-Green-died-Police-speak-cause-death.html" target="_blank" rel="noopener">Daily Mail Australia </a>that Green was declared dead by paramedics at the scene, saying that the circumstances surrounding his death are not suspicious. Worland - the founder of the Gotcha4Life charity - spoke to Nine’s NRL broadcast in the wake of Green’s death, sharing a message for the nation. <blockquote class="twitter-tweet"> Important words from <a href="https://twitter.com/GusWorland?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@GusWorland</a> on a very sad day. Please talk to someone. I’m always here for my Twitter friends, as I know you all are for me. ❤️ <a href="https://t.co/IWtz3uySuL">https://t.co/IWtz3uySuL</a> — Gavin Flanagan (@gavflano) <a href="https://twitter.com/gavflano/status/1557687402696962048?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">August 11, 2022</a></blockquote> “Seven Australian men that wake up this morning won't wake up tomorrow morning, two women, and we have people attempting suicide at such a rapid rate," Worland said. "It was so sad to hear about Greeny, and I think this is a line in the sand as a sport and as a nation to say enough is enough. "Let's stop talking about it, let's stop talking about awareness, let's put some action into place. "It's all about manning up and speaking up now, not manning up and shutting up, which is what we've been told all our lives to do. "Put your hand up if you need some help and support. That's the bravest thing you can do, ask for help when you need it. "Why are we so good in this country at helping people, but not at asking for help? That's what we need to change." Nine News presenter Peter Overton echoed Worland’s message during the 6pm bulletin on Thursday, calling for Aussies to speak up about their mental health. “If you are struggling with your mental health, please talk to someone,” he began. “Ask, ‘Are you OK?’ “Take a friend for a coffee, a walk; confide in your GP. “Share your feelings with your family. “Just talk to someone. You might be surprised how many people you know have the same struggles. “You are not alone. “One of the best places you can call is Lifeline. They are there to listen, they are there to help.” Green’s passing comes 11 months after he was sacked as the head coach of the Maroons, having been in the role, which he described as “every Queenslander’s dream”, for just a year. As the coach for the North Queensland Cowboys, Green took the team to their first ever premiership in 2015 and stayed in charge until the end of 2020, when he was replaced by Todd Payten. Following his departure from the Maroons, Green had been in talks with Wayne Bennett about making a return to NRL and joining the Dolphins, who enter the competition next year. Laurence Lancini, a former chairman of the Cowboys, told the <a href="https://www.couriermail.com.au/sport/nrl/paul-green-death-cowboys-pay-tribute-and-reveal-devastating-detail-of-his-passing/news-story/5e687ee90f3a5e183f618fcd8e407337" target="_blank" rel="noopener">Courier Mail</a> that Green seemed fine when they spoke just three days before his death and said they should catch up for a beer soon. But, he said “the last few years had been tough” for Green. “Greeny mentioned he was keen to coach again and had some options and I asked Greeny if he really wanted to go back into it again,” Lancini said. “I said to Paul, the last club you coached, you took the Cowboys to the premiership and you took us to two grand finals. Just leave coaching behind and do something else. “But Greeny still had that real drive. He wanted to coach again. “Greeny has come from a position where he coached a club to a premiership and a second grand final. He has coached State of Origin. He has coached at the highest levels and I think Greeny was a bit lost and confused about where his life needed to be without coaching. “The thing about Greeny is he was a high achiever and high achievers always want to be achieving something. “The last few years have been a bit tough on him because he hasn’t been coaching in the NRL. “I said to Greeny, just take your time and the right opportunity will come along.” If you are experiencing a personal crisis or thinking about suicide, you can call Lifeline 131 114 or beyondblue 1300 224 636 or visit <a href="https://www.lifeline.org.au/" target="_blank" rel="noopener">lifeline.org.au</a> or <a href="https://www.beyondblue.org.au/" target="_blank" rel="noopener">beyondblue.org.au</a>. Image: Getty Images

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