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How sustainable is your weekly grocery shop? These small changes can have big benefits

<div class="theconversation-article-body"><em><a href="https://theconversation.com/profiles/michalis-hadjikakou-129930">Michalis Hadjikakou</a>, <a href="https://theconversation.com/institutions/deakin-university-757">Deakin University</a>; <a href="https://theconversation.com/profiles/carla-archibald-283811">Carla Archibald</a>, <a href="https://theconversation.com/institutions/deakin-university-757">Deakin University</a>; <a href="https://theconversation.com/profiles/ozge-geyik-1402545">Özge Geyik</a>, <a href="https://theconversation.com/institutions/deakin-university-757">Deakin University</a>, and <a href="https://theconversation.com/profiles/pankti-shah-1547393">Pankti Shah</a>, <a href="https://theconversation.com/institutions/deakin-university-757">Deakin University</a></em></p> <p>You might think eating more sustainably requires drastic changes, such as shifting to a <a href="https://theconversation.com/vegan-diet-has-just-30-of-the-environmental-impact-of-a-high-meat-diet-major-study-finds-210152">vegan diet</a>. While a plant-based diet is <a href="https://www.nature.com/articles/s43016-023-00795-w">undeniably</a> good for the Earth, our <a href="https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/pii/S2352550924001945#f0025">new research</a> shows modest changes to your eating habits can also have significant environmental benefits.</p> <p>We assessed how food products on Australian supermarket shelves stack up against key environmental indicators, such as carbon emissions and water use.</p> <p>We found swapping the most environmentally harmful foods for more sustainable options within the same food group, such as switching from beef burgers to chicken burgers, can significantly reduce carbon emissions – by up to 96% in some instances.</p> <p>The last thing we want to do is take the pleasure away from eating. Instead, we want to help consumers make realistic dietary changes that also help ensure a sustainable future. So read on to find out which simple food swaps can best achieve this.</p> <h2>Informing sustainable diets</h2> <p>The environmental impact of foods can be estimated using an approach known as a <a href="https://www.cell.com/one-earth/fulltext/S2590-3322(19)30128-9#:%7E:text=In%20this%20Primer%2C%20we%20introduce,cycle%20of%20a%20product%20system.">life-cycle assessment</a>.</p> <p>This involves identifying the “inputs” required along the food supply chain, such as fertiliser, energy, water and land, and tracking them from farm to fork. From this we can calculate a product’s “footprint” – or environmental impact per kilogram of product – and compare it to other foods.</p> <p>Most studies of environmental footprints focus on the raw ingredients that make up food products (such as beef, wheat or rice) rather than the packaged products people see on shelves (such as beef sausages, pasta or rice crackers). Of the studies that do focus on packaged foods, most only consider a fraction of the products available to consumers.</p> <p>What’s more, a lot of research considers only the carbon emissions of food products, excluding other important measures such as water use. And some studies use global average environmental footprints, which <a href="https://www.science.org/doi/10.1126/science.aaq0216">vary significantly</a> between countries.</p> <p>Our research set out to overcome these limitations. We aligned environmental footprints with the products people find on supermarket shelves, and covered a huge range of food and beverage products available in Australia. We also included many environmental indicators, to allow a <a href="https://www.pnas.org/doi/full/10.1073/pnas.2120584119">more complete picture</a> of the sustainability of different foods.</p> <h2>What we did</h2> <p>Key to our research was the <a href="https://www.georgeinstitute.org.au/projects/foodswitch">FoodSwitch database</a>, which compiles food labelling and ingredient data from images of packaged food and beverages. It covers more than 90% of the Australian packaged food market.</p> <p>We combined the database with a <a href="https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/pii/S0959652623029748">mathematical method</a> that sums the environmental impact of ingredients, to quantify the footprint of the product as a whole.</p> <p>From this, we estimated the environmental footprint of 63,926 food products available in Australian supermarkets. We then simulated the potential benefits of making “realistic” switches between products – that is, switches within the same food category.</p> <h2>Our findings</h2> <p>The results show how making a small dietary change can have big environmental consequences.</p> <p>For a shopping basket composed of items from eight food groups, we simulate the benefits of swapping from high-impact towards medium- or low-impact food products.</p> <p>Our analysis assumes a starting point from the most environmentally harmful products in each food group – for example, sweet biscuits, cheese and beef burger patties.</p> <p>A shift to the medium-impact foods for all eight items – such as a muffin, yoghurt and sliced meat – can lead to at least a 62% reduction in environmental impact. Shifts towards the most sustainable choice for all items – bread, soy milk or raw poultry – can achieve a minimum 77% reduction.</p> <p>This analysis ends at the supermarket shelves and does not include additional food processing by the consumer. For example, raw meat will usually be cooked before human consumption, which will expand its environmental footprint to varying degrees, <a href="https://www.nature.com/articles/s43016-020-00200-w">depending on the method used</a>.</p> <p>See the below info-graphic for more detail. The full results are available in <a href="https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/pii/S2352550924001945">our study</a>.</p> <hr /> <p><iframe id="sR5yB" class="tc-infographic-datawrapper" style="border: 0;" src="https://datawrapper.dwcdn.net/sR5yB/" width="100%" height="400px" frameborder="0" scrolling="no"></iframe></p> <hr /> <h2>What next?</h2> <p>Many people are looking for ways to live more sustainably. Insufficient or complex information can fuel confusion and anxiety in consumers, <a href="https://theconversation.com/reducing-eco-anxiety-is-a-critical-step-in-achieving-any-climate-action-210327">leading to inaction or paralysis</a>. Consumers need more information and support to choose more sustainable foods.</p> <p>Supermarkets and retailers also have an important role to play – for example, by giving sustainable products <a href="https://journals.sagepub.com/doi/10.1177/07439156211008898">prominent shelf placement</a>. Attractive pricing is also crucial – particularly in the midst of a <a href="https://theconversation.com/au/topics/cost-of-living-crisis-115238">cost-of-living crisis</a> when it can be difficult to prioritise sustainability over cost.</p> <p>Government interventions, such as information campaigns and <a href="https://journals.sagepub.com/doi/10.1177/07439156211008898">taxing high-impact products</a>, can also help.</p> <p>Food labelling is also important. The European Union <a href="https://environment.ec.europa.eu/topics/circular-economy/eu-ecolabel/product-groups-and-criteria_en">is leading the way</a> with measures such as the <a href="https://docs.score-environnemental.com/v/en">eco-score</a>, which integrates 14 environmental indicators into a single score from A to E.</p> <p>Apps such as <a href="https://www.georgeinstitute.org/projects/ecoswitch">ecoSwitch</a> can also <a href="https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/pii/S1326020024000268?via%3Dihub">empower consumers</a>.</p> <p>The diets of people in developed nations such as Australia <a href="https://theconversation.com/sustainable-shopping-want-to-eat-healthy-try-an-eco-friendly-diet-89086">exert a high toll on our planet</a>. More sustainable food choices are vital to achieving a <a href="https://www.thelancet.com/commissions/EAT">sustainable future for humanity</a>. We hope our research helps kick-start positive change.<!-- Below is The Conversation's page counter tag. Please DO NOT REMOVE. --><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/234367/count.gif?distributor=republish-lightbox-basic" alt="The Conversation" width="1" height="1" /><!-- End of code. If you don't see any code above, please get new code from the Advanced tab after you click the republish button. The page counter does not collect any personal data. More info: https://theconversation.com/republishing-guidelines --></p> <p><em><a href="https://theconversation.com/profiles/michalis-hadjikakou-129930">Michalis Hadjikakou</a>, Senior Lecturer in Environmental Sustainability, School of Life and Environmental Sciences, Faculty of Science, Engineering &amp; Built Environment, <a href="https://theconversation.com/institutions/deakin-university-757">Deakin University</a>; <a href="https://theconversation.com/profiles/carla-archibald-283811">Carla Archibald</a>, Research Fellow, Conservation Science, <a href="https://theconversation.com/institutions/deakin-university-757">Deakin University</a>; <a href="https://theconversation.com/profiles/ozge-geyik-1402545">Özge Geyik</a>, Visitor, School of Life and Environmental Sciences, <a href="https://theconversation.com/institutions/deakin-university-757">Deakin University</a>, and <a href="https://theconversation.com/profiles/pankti-shah-1547393">Pankti Shah</a>, PhD student, <a href="https://theconversation.com/institutions/deakin-university-757">Deakin University</a></em></p> <p><em>Image credits: Shutterstock</em></p> <p><em>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-sustainable-is-your-weekly-grocery-shop-these-small-changes-can-have-big-benefits-234367">original article</a>.</em></p> </div>

Food & Wine

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"It was beautiful": Rare rainbow cloud stuns small farming town

<p>The locals of a small farming town in Western Australia have been delighted with the sighting of a rare rainbow cloud. </p> <p>The colourful weather phenomenon appeared above the town of Goomalling, about 130km northwest of Perth in Western Australia, on Tuesday morning.</p> <p>Jenni Shaw was at her family-owned business when she got a text from a friend instructing her to look up at the sky. </p> <p><span style="font-size: 16px; font-family: abcsans, -apple-system, BlinkMacSystemFont, 'Segoe UI', Roboto, 'Helvetica Neue', Arial, sans-serif;">"We all went out the front and had a look and there was some bright, rainbow-type clouds in the sky that we hadn't seen before," she </span>told <em><a href="https://www.abc.net.au/news/2023-10-24/rainbow-cloud-iridescence-irisation-delights-wheatbelt-community/103016928" target="_blank" rel="noopener">ABC</a></em><span style="font-size: 16px; font-family: abcsans, -apple-system, BlinkMacSystemFont, 'Segoe UI', Roboto, 'Helvetica Neue', Arial, sans-serif;">.</span></p> <p>“It was beautiful,” she said.</p> <p>“But we were a bit like ‘why is that like that? Should we still be outside looking or not?’”</p> <p><iframe style="border: none; overflow: hidden;" src="https://www.facebook.com/plugins/post.php?href=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.facebook.com%2Flang.lefroy.7%2Fposts%2Fpfbid02h2HTyVYSVda8NkewrireTWPS4P6wKTnuJxhBWfkNhbxGn3QzHweELRNFQczM8GsPl&show_text=true&width=500" width="500" height="645" frameborder="0" scrolling="no" allowfullscreen="allowfullscreen"></iframe></p> <p>Ms Shaw said the rainbow-coloured cloud was visible for just a few minutes.</p> <p>"It was not there long, just long enough for us all to get some photos," she said.</p> <p class="paragraph_paragraph__3Hrfa" style="font-size: 16px; box-sizing: border-box; margin-bottom: 1rem; font-family: abcsans, -apple-system, BlinkMacSystemFont, 'Segoe UI', Roboto, 'Helvetica Neue', Arial, sans-serif;">Jessica Lingard from the Bureau of Meteorology said rainbow clouds, known as cloud iridescence, form in the same way as rainbows - when sunlight diffracts off water or ice crystals in the sky.</p> <p>"It's quite a rare phenomenon to catch in person," she said.</p> <p>"It's the perfect storm of conditions: the sun's at the right angle, the clouds are not too thin and not too thick that they're being blocked out, and the sunlight has just created this spectacle of coloured light."</p> <div data-component="EmphasisedText"> <p>"It's an absolutely stunning photo."</p> </div> <p>Lucky local residents said it wasn’t the first time they’d seen the special clouds in the area.</p> <p>“I have seen clouds like this a few times in my travels, mostly in the Wheatbelt,” Jill Lefroy wrote on Facebook. </p> <p>“Pretty awesome seeing a rainbow with no rain!”</p> <p><em>Image credits: Facebook</em></p>

Domestic Travel

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Is it okay to kiss your pet? The risk of animal-borne diseases is small, but real

<p><em><a href="https://theconversation.com/profiles/sarah-mclean-1351935">Sarah McLean</a>, <a href="https://theconversation.com/institutions/swinburne-university-of-technology-767">Swinburne University of Technology</a> and <a href="https://theconversation.com/profiles/enzo-palombo-249510">Enzo Palombo</a>, <a href="https://theconversation.com/institutions/swinburne-university-of-technology-767">Swinburne University of Technology</a></em></p> <p>Our relationship with pets has changed drastically in recent decades. Pet ownership is at an all-time high, with <a href="https://animalmedicinesaustralia.org.au/media-release/more-than-two-thirds-of-australian-households-now-own-a-pet/">a recent survey</a> finding 69% of Australian households have at least one pet. We spend an estimated A$33 billion every year on caring for our fur babies.</p> <p>While owning a pet is linked to numerous <a href="https://www.onehealth.org/blog/10-mental-physical-health-benefits-of-having-pets">mental and physical health benefits</a>, our pets can also harbour infectious diseases that can sometimes be passed on to us. For most people, the risk is low.</p> <p>But some, such as pregnant people and those with weakened immune systems, are at <a href="https://www.cdc.gov/healthypets/specific-groups/high-risk/index.html">greater risk</a> of getting sick from animals. So, it’s important to know the risks and take necessary precautions to prevent infections.</p> <h2>What diseases can pets carry?</h2> <p>Infectious diseases that move from animals to humans are called zoonotic diseases or <a href="https://www.cdc.gov/onehealth/basics/zoonotic-diseases.html">zoonoses</a>. More than <a href="https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC3668296/#B18">70 pathogens</a> of companion animals are known to be transmissible to people.</p> <p>Sometimes, a pet that has a zoonotic pathogen may look sick. But often there may be no visible symptoms, making it easier for you to catch it, because you don’t suspect your pet of harbouring germs.</p> <p>Zoonoses can be transmitted directly from pets to humans, such as through contact with saliva, bodily fluids and faeces, or indirectly, such as through contact with contaminated bedding, soil, food or water.</p> <p>Studies suggest <a href="https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC4500695/">the prevalence of pet-associated zoonoses is low</a>. However, the true number of infections is likely <a href="https://www.mdpi.com/1660-4601/17/11/3789">underestimated</a> since many zoonoses are not “<a href="https://www.healthdirect.gov.au/notification-of-illness-and-disease">notifiable</a>”, or may have multiple exposure pathways or generic symptoms.</p> <p>Dogs and cats are major reservoirs of zoonotic infections (meaning the pathogens naturally live in their population) caused by viruses, bacteria, fungi and parasites. <a href="https://www.who.int/data/gho/data/themes/topics/rabies">In endemic regions in Africa and Asia</a>, dogs are the main source of rabies which is transmitted through saliva.</p> <p>Dogs also commonly carry <em>Capnocytophaga</em> bacteria <a href="https://www.cdc.gov/capnocytophaga/index.html">in their mouths and saliva</a>, which can be transmitted to people through close contact or bites. The vast majority of people won’t get sick, but these bacteria can occasionally cause infections in people with weakened immune systems, <a href="https://www.cdc.gov/capnocytophaga/signs-symptoms/index.html">resulting</a> in severe illness and sometimes death. Just last week, such a death <a href="https://thewest.com.au/news/wa/tracy-ridout-perth-mum-dies-11-days-after-rare-bacterial-infection-from-minor-dog-bite-c-11748887">was reported in Western Australia</a>.</p> <p>Cat-associated zoonoses include a number of illnesses spread by the faecal-oral route, such as giardiasis, campylobacteriosis, salmonellosis and toxoplasmosis. This means it’s especially important to wash your hands or use gloves whenever handling your cat’s litter tray.</p> <p>Cats can also sometimes transmit infections through bites and scratches, including the aptly named <a href="https://www.cdc.gov/healthypets/diseases/cat-scratch.html#:%7E:text=Cat%20scratch%20disease%20(CSD)%20is,the%20surface%20of%20the%20skin.">cat scratch disease</a>, which is caused by the bacterium <em>Bartonella henselae</em>.</p> <p>Both dogs and cats are also reservoirs for <a href="https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC10122942/">methicillin-resistant bacterium <em>Staphylococcus aureus</em></a> (MRSA), with close contact with pets identified as an important risk factor for zoonotic transmission.</p> <h2>Birds, turtles and fish can also transmit disease</h2> <p>But it’s not just dogs and cats that can spread diseases to humans. Pet birds can occasionally transmit <a href="https://www.cdc.gov/pneumonia/atypical/psittacosis/">psittacosis</a>, a bacterial infection which causes pneumonia. Contact with <a href="https://www.fda.gov/animal-veterinary/animal-health-literacy/pet-turtles-source-germs">pet turtles</a> has been linked to <em>Salmonella</em> infections in humans, particularly in young children. Even pet fish have been linked to a <a href="https://www.cdc.gov/healthypets/pets/fish.html">range of bacterial infections</a> in humans, including vibriosis, mycobacteriosis and salmonellosis.</p> <p>Close contact with animals – and some behaviours in particular – increase the risk of zoonotic transmission. <a href="https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/19398275/">A study from the Netherlands</a> found half of owners allowed pets to lick their faces, and 18% allowed dogs to share their bed. (Sharing a bed increases the duration of exposure to pathogens carried by pets.) The same study found 45% of cat owners allowed their cat to jump onto the kitchen sink.</p> <p>Kissing pets has also been linked to occasional zoonotic infections in pet owners. <a href="https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC3298380/">In one case</a>, a woman in Japan developed meningitis due to <em>Pasteurella multicoda</em> infection, after regularly kissing her dog’s face. These bacteria are often found in the oral cavities of dogs and cats.</p> <p>Young children are also more likely to engage in behaviours which increase their risk of <a href="https://www.cdc.gov/healthypets/specific-groups/high-risk/children.html?CDC_AA_refVal=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.cdc.gov%2Fhealthypets%2Fspecific-groups%2Fchildren.html">getting sick</a> from animal-borne diseases – such as putting their hands in their mouth after touching pets. Children are also less likely to wash their hands properly after handling pets.</p> <p>Although anybody who comes into contact with a zoonotic pathogen via their pet can become sick, certain people are more likely to suffer from serious illness. These people include the young, old, pregnant and immunosuppressed.</p> <p>For example, while most people infected with the toxoplasmosis parasite will experience only mild illness, it can be life-threatening or <a href="https://www.nhs.uk/common-health-questions/pregnancy/what-are-the-risks-of-toxoplasmosis-during-pregnancy/">cause birth defects in foetuses</a>.</p> <h2>What should I do if I’m worried about catching a disease from my pet?</h2> <p>There are a number of good hygiene and pet husbandry practices that can reduce your risk of becoming sick. These include:</p> <ul> <li>washing your hands after playing with your pet and after handling their bedding, toys, or cleaning up faeces</li> <li>not allowing your pets to lick your face or open wounds</li> <li>supervising young children when they are playing with pets and when washing their hands after playing with pets</li> <li>wearing gloves when changing litter trays or cleaning aquariums</li> <li>wetting bird cage surfaces when cleaning to minimise aerosols</li> <li>keeping pets out of the kitchen (especially cats who can jump onto food preparation surfaces)</li> <li>keeping up to date with preventative veterinary care, including vaccinations and worm and tick treatments</li> <li>seeking veterinary care if you think your pet is unwell.</li> </ul> <p>It is especially important for those who are at a higher risk of illness to take precautions to reduce their exposure to zoonotic pathogens. And if you’re thinking about getting a pet, ask your vet which type of animal would best suit your personal circumstances.<!-- Below is The Conversation's page counter tag. Please DO NOT REMOVE. --><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/210898/count.gif?distributor=republish-lightbox-basic" alt="The Conversation" width="1" height="1" /><!-- End of code. If you don't see any code above, please get new code from the Advanced tab after you click the republish button. The page counter does not collect any personal data. More info: https://theconversation.com/republishing-guidelines --></p> <p><em><a href="https://theconversation.com/profiles/sarah-mclean-1351935">Sarah McLean</a>, Lecturer in environmental health, <a href="https://theconversation.com/institutions/swinburne-university-of-technology-767">Swinburne University of Technology</a> and <a href="https://theconversation.com/profiles/enzo-palombo-249510">Enzo Palombo</a>, Professor of Microbiology, <a href="https://theconversation.com/institutions/swinburne-university-of-technology-767">Swinburne University of Technology</a></em></p> <p><em>Image credits: Getty </em><em>Images </em></p> <p><em>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/is-it-okay-to-kiss-your-pet-the-risk-of-animal-borne-diseases-is-small-but-real-210898">original article</a>.</em></p>

Family & Pets

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Try these tricks the next time small talk becomes unbearable

<p><strong>Real talk</strong></p> <p>Bonnie Todd runs 250 food tours a year – a job that puts her in contact with hundreds of new people every week. Food-lovers come to her for an introduction to local tastes and flavours. And a large part of what keeps her guests satisfied, and willing to recommend her business to others, is the personal connection she makes with them.</p> <p>“I try to get past the small talk and general recommendations pretty quickly,” says the 42-year-old. “It’s all about finding common ground within the group, and trying to make it a unique experience. So I’m always asking questions. And when I find that spark of commonality, I dig into it.”</p> <p>The practice is key to Todd’s approach because, unlike many tours, hers require people to sit together sharing food and drinks. When groups don’t gel, or never get past the “Where are you from?” stage, what should be a stimulating experience can turn into an awkward and draining couple of hours.</p> <p>We’ve all been there: trapped in a superficial exchange that bounces aimlessly from one meaningless topic to the next. It can make you never want to step foot into another party again. But don’t despair: there are some tactics that can help you turn boring small talk into an energising conversation.</p> <p><strong>Put yourself out there </strong></p> <p>Improv performer Natalie Metcalfe’s job is to keep a scene going – to create an exchange that’s compelling for both the people involved and for a live audience.</p> <p>“In improv, it’s all about offers,” she says, referring to the act of bringing new information into the dialogue. Through these back-and-forths, the relationship between the characters is established and that kicks things off. “It’s the same thing in a regular conversation. You’re constantly making offers to see if you and the person you’re talking to can connect.”</p> <p>An offer in real life can be as simple as complimenting someone on what they’re wearing, and asking them about it. You can try sharing something you recently learned, or an interest you’ve just developed, creating an opening for the other person to ask you a question. Or, you can describe a relatable problem you’re having – a noisy neighbour, a plant that’s not thriving, a question of etiquette – as a prompt for advice, or some cooperative troubleshooting.</p> <p>One of Todd’s go-to approaches is to share a personal story of her own that relates to the other person’s experience. “If I find out someone has been to a place I’ve travelled, I’ll tell them an anecdote about what I did there, and ask them to share their own story.”</p> <p>Of course, putting yourself out there can sometimes feel scary, even when you’re not on stage. But Misha Glouberman, who runs a course called How to Talk to People About Things, says taking that leap pays off.  “A lot of the time in conversations, there’s something we’re interested in, but there’s a part of us that doesn’t want to take the risk of revealing it because we think it might be boring or inappropriate.” But the result of following those internal cues of fascination has the opposite effect, he says. “People like learning about other people’s interests. So be more open about yours, and a little more curious about theirs as well.”</p> <p><strong>Be inquisitive and listen </strong></p> <p>Radio interviewer Terry Gross once said, that the only icebreaker you’ll ever need is, “Tell me about yourself.” Instead of asking a pointed question like “What do you do?”, this type of open question gives someone a chance to offer up a topic they might be more excited to discuss.</p> <p>“Talking about yourself is really pleasurable. It activates the exact same hormone in your brain as sex,” says Celeste Headlee, the author of We Need to Talk: How to Have Conversations That Matter. “Another tip you can take from neuroscience is that if you start a conversation by allowing someone to feel good about themselves, then they’ll be more open to new ideas and new thoughts for the rest of the conversation.”</p> <p>Of course, upping your curiosity quotient needs to be paired with actually paying attention to the answer. “Listening is hard for homo sapiens. It’s not something our species does easily,” says Headlee.</p> <p>Indeed, people often start crafting their response before the person they’re talking to has finished speaking. Or they’ll get distracted, thinking about an email they forgot to answer. Since a great conversation is by definition a two-way street, these habits have the effect of ending one before it can even begin. Intentional listening, on the other hand, is a key to an empathetic, engaging dialogue.</p> <p><strong>Use disagreement wisely </strong></p> <p>According to Headlee, one of the other things that gets in the way of a meaningful conversation is the all-too-human need to be right. “A really common mistake is the ‘well, actually’ response,” she says, referring to that deflating moment when a person lets their need to correct you about a small detail you’ve just mentioned get in the way of continuing a story. “Google has made this worse,” she adds. “You’ll say, I went to the hotel with the largest patio in the entire world, and while you’re still talking, the person is already on their phone looking to see if that’s actually true.”</p> <p>But while trivial arguments can be an obstacle to a good conversation, Glouberman points out that differences of opinion can also help propel a chat into richer territory. “We assume that the world is just as we see it, that we see it directly,” he says. “But of course all of psychology and neuroscience tells us that’s not the case.”</p> <p>A respectful disagreement, if the other party is open to it, is a great opportunity to enrich your view of the world by understanding someone else’s.</p> <p><em>Image credits: Getty Images</em></p> <p><em>This article originally appeared on <a href="https://www.readersdigest.com.au/uncategorized/try-these-tricks-the-next-time-small-talk-becomes-unbearable" target="_blank" rel="noopener">Reader's Digest</a>. </em></p>

Relationships

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Coles praised for helping small town through cost of living crisis

<p dir="ltr">Coles has been praised for the innovative way they are helping a small Aussie town to combat the ongoing cost of living crisis. </p> <p dir="ltr">The supermarket giant has started contributing to a community pantry in the coastal town of Ulladulla, 200km south of Sydney, which gives struggling locals basic grocery staples.</p> <p dir="ltr">The Little Free Food Pantry in Ulladulla was set up by local woman Coralie Smith and her mother Melissa, who were on a mission to reduce food waste, while also give back to their community as the cost of living continues to take hold. </p> <p dir="ltr">The motto "take what you need, give what you can" is plastered along the top of the pantry, set up outside the local scout hall, designed for people to help themselves to food to feed their families.</p> <p dir="ltr">Most of the food in the community cupboard has been donated by the local Coles supermarket, which provides a range of baked items, meats and fresh produce daily.</p> <p dir="ltr">Woolworths has also contributed items to the pantry every week, while also being topped up by generous locals. </p> <p dir="ltr">One local woman named Michelle has been using the service for almost three months. </p> <p dir="ltr">Before the pantry was established, Michelle was only able to afford to eat just one meal a day. </p> <p dir="ltr">"I'm working three jobs because of the high interest rates and the cost of living," she told <em>Yahoo News Australia</em>. "When I collected my first hamper all I could do is cry".</p> <p dir="ltr">The first time she was offered food she felt extremely "overwhelmed" but "now I'm definitely eating more, and am able to keep up with my mortgage and bills".</p> <p dir="ltr"><em>Image credits: Facebook / Shutterstock</em></p>

Money & Banking

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Australia’s top towns revealed

<p dir="ltr">A study has compared 752 small Australian towns and crowned the 36 at the top of the pack. </p> <p dir="ltr">The study was <a href="https://www.theaustralian.com.au/inquirer/australias-best-towns-kiama-margaret-river-shoalhaven-among-the-top-places-to-live/news-story/695405e2e1787d67e64a93495a6cb8e6">published by <em>The Australian</em></a>, and saw demographer Bernard Salt consider criteria such as unemployment, diversity, median income, technical skill, and education across the 752 towns in his mission to declare the best of the best in each Australian state and territory. </p> <p dir="ltr">More specifically, Salt looked at towns that: </p> <ul> <li dir="ltr" aria-level="1"> <p dir="ltr" role="presentation">Earn more than $1,282 per a week household median income</p> </li> <li dir="ltr" aria-level="1"> <p dir="ltr" role="presentation">Less than 5.1 per cent unemployment</p> </li> <li dir="ltr" aria-level="1"> <p dir="ltr" role="presentation">More than 15 per cent attained university education</p> </li> <li dir="ltr" aria-level="1"> <p dir="ltr" role="presentation">More than 36 per cent with technical (trade) skill</p> </li> <li dir="ltr" aria-level="1"> <p dir="ltr" role="presentation">More than 12 per cent workforce owner/manager</p> </li> <li dir="ltr" aria-level="1"> <p dir="ltr" role="presentation">No less than 14 per cent born overseas</p> </li> <li dir="ltr" aria-level="1"> <p dir="ltr" role="presentation">At least 17 per cent volunteer</p> </li> <li dir="ltr" aria-level="1"> <p dir="ltr" role="presentation">At least 14 per cent provide unpaid care e.g., for example to a relative</p> </li> <li dir="ltr" aria-level="1"> <p dir="ltr" role="presentation">More than 59 per cent have no long-term health condition</p> </li> <li dir="ltr" aria-level="1"> <p dir="ltr" role="presentation">More than 6.5 hours per a week in unpaid domestic housework</p> </li> </ul> <p dir="ltr">Salt’s findings revealed a town in each state and territory that was “drawn from a list of 36 finalists that survive most of the filters”, and ultimately declared to be a step above the rest. </p> <p dir="ltr">For Queensland, Tamborine Mountain came out on top. </p> <p dir="ltr">For the Northern Territory, it was Nhulunbuy. </p> <p dir="ltr">For South Australia, Mount Barker. </p> <p dir="ltr">Western Australia, Dunsborough. </p> <p dir="ltr">Victoria, Bright. </p> <p dir="ltr">Tasmania, Legana. </p> <p dir="ltr">And last but not least, Kiama took the trophy for New South Wales, as well as bragging rights as “the standout overall.” </p> <p dir="ltr">“In the modern era, say the 2020s and beyond, I think that small-town Australia, as well as big-city Australia, needs skills, training, entrepreneurial energy and a measure of diversity to deliver opportunity to residents,” said the founder of The Demographics Group.</p> <p dir="ltr">“What this exercise shows is that across the continent Australians want more or less the same thing when it comes to living in a small town,” Salt went on, “proximity to a capital or major regional city; a tree-change or a sea-change environment; or, better still, all three criteria jammed within a single location offering views and amenity.”</p> <p dir="ltr">“The Australian people have spoken through their collective responses to the census,” he concluded. “Sea-change, tree-change, big-city access and a place of their own within which they can potter about and steadily make improvements, while also volunteering, caring, and making a contribution to the local community. That is the essence of small-town Australia.</p> <p dir="ltr">“And of course if you disagree with the metrics and the logic of how the top towns were selected, then you are free to <a href="https://www.theaustralian.com.au/inquirer/top-towns">jump on to the website</a>, access the model, switch around the metrics and come up with your own version of Australia’s top towns. Hours of fun for the demographically inclined.”</p> <p dir="ltr"><em>Images: Getty </em></p>

Domestic Travel

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Small town's Christmas display dubbed the "worst in history"

<p>The Port Macquarie Council have been widely roasted online after the unveiling of their Christmas tree display, which has been dubbed the "worst in history".</p> <p>Families and community members turned out by the hundreds to see NSW Central Coast town light up its Christmas tree last week, which was met with a very mixed reaction. </p> <p>The long-anticipated reveal, which forced onlookers to wait until midnight for the lights to be turned on, was met with a chorus of disappointed sighs as the underwhelming tree was finally illuminated. </p> <p>Families expecting a glowing symbol of Christmas cheer were instead treated to a sight of Christmas gloom with sad looking fairy light strings barely clinging onto the huge pine tree's branches. </p> <p>Port Macquarie Hastings Council took the disappointment in its stride, mocking its own tree with an 'Instagram vs Reality' meme on Facebook.  </p> <p><iframe style="border: none; overflow: hidden;" src="https://www.facebook.com/plugins/post.php?href=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.facebook.com%2Fpmhcouncil%2Fposts%2Fpfbid02tkGEispQKQLt4tsc5X3VP8iUQTyp2AFyMqLc1sQKw2CKZdGxsNHJKfSfCXVywhPVl&amp;show_text=true&amp;width=500" width="500" height="677" frameborder="0" scrolling="no" allowfullscreen="allowfullscreen"></iframe></p> <p>"What can we say except ... you're welcome," the council wrote on Friday, alongside a smirk face emoji. </p> <p>"With everything our community has been through recently, we know everyone appreciates a good laugh!"</p> <p>"We are glad our very sad Christmas tree could provide that for everyone."</p> <p>"So let's be real. Our poor tree does look like it was decorated by Santa after he's whizzed around the world and had too many eggnogs."</p> <p>The council said its tree decoration was done with "the best of intentions" however "extraordinary winds and rain" had destroyed the lights. </p> <p>"Just like the rest of us - she's battered and bruised, but she's still standing," they said. </p> <p>Just days after the tree lights were turned on, the council confirmed it needed to strip the sad looking tree because it had become a "safety risk" to locals.</p> <p>"We have enjoyed your good humour and appreciation of our abstract piece of art," the council joked.</p> <p>"Unfortunately, the infamous lights will be removed, as they are slipping further down the tree and pose a safety risk and we are concerned if we leave the inflatable baubles up, we may not have any left by Christmas."</p> <p>Port Macquarie Hastings Mayor Peta Pinson later said the council was working hard to install their "original outdoor tree will be installed and working for everyone's enjoyment well before Christmas".</p> <p>"Again, I am so thankful to the community for coming and celebrating. Merry Christmas to our wonderful, witty and resilient community," she said.</p> <p><em>Image credits: Facebook</em></p>

Travel Trouble

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10 of the smallest islands in the world

<p><strong>It’s a big mistake to overlook these small islands</strong></p> <p>Jetting off to an idyllic island sounds pretty perfect at any time, but perhaps even more so right now. With everything that’s going on in the world, the idea of escaping to a virtually hidden spot with a leisurely pace, fresh air, and an absence of crowds is more appealing than ever. As many people start reframing the way they think about the future of travel, the words “small” and “remote” are becoming positives. These tiny islands prove that big things (aka memorable holidays) come in small packages. Scroll on to get inspired for future trips.</p> <p><strong>Corvo Island, Azores</strong></p> <p>Approximately 1609 kilometres west of mainland Portugal in the mid-Atlantic sits a chain of nine islands known as the Azores, which has gained the attention of travellers in recent years. To the north of São Miguel, the largest and most populous island in the archipelago, lies a ruggedly beautiful, serene, and isolated destination that revels in its relative obscurity. Corvo Island is a 11.2-square-kilometre spit with just 400 inhabitants, three restaurants, and five accommodations. Despite its small scale, Corvo Island delivers ample adventure, and the verdant, rolling, volcanic landscape invites endless exploration. Fishing, swimming in freshwater lakes, bird watching, and crater hiking number among the pilgrimage-worthy activities. It’s also a lovely place to relish some well-deserved solitude and introspection.</p> <p><strong>Sea Lion Island, Falkland Islands</strong></p> <p>Floating in the South Atlantic Ocean, 342 kilometres away from the southeast tip of Argentina, the Falkland Islands are the definition of remote. One of the southernmost settlements in the distant archipelago, Sea Lion Island is a prime spot for wilderness tourism. Designated as a National Nature Reserve in 2017, this 5.6-square-kilometre dot boasts an abundance of wildlife – including five species of penguins, sea lions, elephant seals, giant petrels, and killer whales – and only a handful of permanent residents. It requires a minimum of three flights to reach Sea Lion Island from the mainland. (Thankfully, there’s a cosy lodge to spend the night.) Alternatively, it’s possible to plan a guided excursion from nearby East Falkland or take a multi-day cruise.</p> <p><strong>Bishop Rock, Isles of Scilly</strong></p> <p>Rising from the turbulent waters of the Atlantic Ocean, 6.4km west of the Isles of Scilly, Bishop Rock is the most south-westerly point in Britain. Measuring a measly 0.0011844 square kilometres, Men Epskop (as it’s known in Cornish) held the title of the “smallest inhabited island” until its famous iron lighthouse was converted to automatic operation and the last keeper left in 1991. These days, Bishop Rock isn’t without accolades. It’s still the “smallest island with a building on it,” according to Guinness World Records. To satisfy the ongoing public interest, the St. Mary’s Boatmen’s Association runs regular trips during peak season.</p> <p><strong>Isla Mujeres, Mexico</strong></p> <p>Sitting ever so calmly at the convergence of the Caribbean Sea and the Gulf of Mexico, Isla Mujeres (Spanish for “Island of Women”) feels blissfully removed from the hustle, bustle, booze-fuelled debauchery, and hard-partying antics of nearby Cancún. This sleepy little isle trades nightclubs that blare techno music for breezy beach bars and a low-key yet vibrant downtown area. Isla Mujeres also promises sandy shores, casual seafood eateries, local artisan shops, excellent snorkelling, and a turtle sanctuary. Since it’s only eight kilometres long and 800 metres wide at its widest point, a car isn’t necessary (or even recommended). The best way to get around? Golf cart, moped, bicycle, or your own two feet.</p> <p><strong>Little St. Simons Island, Georgia, USA</strong></p> <p>A sliver of unspoiled paradise, little St. Simons Island is a private 4,500-hectare barrier island off the coast of Georgia, in the US. Widely touted as one of the most beautiful and least developed of The Peach State’s fabled Golden Isles, this treasure tempts travellers with 11 kilometres of unblemished beaches, giant cedar trees, and diverse wildlife. The sole accommodation, The Lodge on Little St. Simons Island, has six quaint cottages. It also offers a wide array of naturalist-led activities, such as bird watching and guided nature walks.</p> <p><strong>Fox Island, Alaska</strong></p> <p>Located off the coast of Seward, Fox Island is widely regarded as the crown jewel of Alaska’s Resurrection Bay. Envision imposing mountains, pebble beaches, sheltered coves, and glimmering glaciers. The raw beauty of this 5.47-kilometres-long parcel has inspired many visitors. Of course, outdoor adventure comes with the territory, too. Fox Island’s legendary peaks beckon hiking enthusiasts. And sea kayaking, salmon fishing, and wildlife peeping are also popular pastimes – especially in late spring and early summer. Starting in mid-May, humpback whales feed on herring in Resurrection Bay for almost a month. Soon thereafter, pods of orcas claim the clear waters for mating.</p> <p><strong>Dangar Island, Australia</strong></p> <p>Situated just north of Sydney, Dangar Island is a 29-hectare stretch of land in the Hawkesbury River that’s almost entirely forested. Roughly 250 people live on this leafy little gem that’s beloved for its car-free roads, waterfront houses, beaches, aboriginal rock carvings, gorgeous views, and laid-back vibe. Though most residents would probably prefer the many charms of Dangar Island to remain under wraps, holidaymakers and urbanites have taken notice. As such, the number of locals surges during peak season, when many folks hop on the ferry from the town of Brooklyn in New South Wales in an attempt to trade city life for more peaceful, pastoral pleasures.</p> <p><strong>Just Enough Room Island, New York, USA</strong></p> <p>Part of the Thousand Islands archipelago, between New York and Ontario, Just Enough Room Island covers a mere 1005 square metres – making it the “smallest inhabited island.” So, what could possibly fit on a plot that’s the size of a tennis court? Well, it seems to be just enough room for a cosy cottage, a tree, some shrubs, and an itsy-bitsy beach. While you can’t actually step foot on this privately-owned patch (the Sizeland family purchased it as a holiday sanctuary back in the 1950s), ogling from a boat while cruising along the Saint Lawrence River is fair game.</p> <p><strong>Simping Island, Indonesia</strong></p> <p>Indonesia consists of a staggering 17,508 volcanic islands of various shapes and sizes. Simping Island (previously called Pulau Kelapa Dua), in the province of West Kalimantan, is the smallest with a total width of 0.5 hectares. At first glance, it appears to be nothing more than a mound of sand, stone, and several trees bobbing in calm waves. But its diminutive proportions haven’t deterred visitors from going there to pray and even erecting a shrine. To that end, the most intriguing and unexpected element on this otherwise unassuming skerry is a Chinese temple. A locally built pedestrian footbridge means easy access for worshipers and day-trippers alike.</p> <p><strong>Saba, Netherlands Antilles</strong></p> <p>The smallest island in the Netherlands Antilles, Saba measures 13 square kilometres and has a population of around 2000, so it tends to fly under the radar. Unlike most of its Caribbean neighbours, Saba doesn’t have picture-perfect beaches. But what this pyramid-shaped isle lacks in size and sandy shoreline, it more than makes up for in lush rainforests. The chance to trek Mt Scenery, a dormant volcano and the highest point in the Kingdom of the Netherlands, is another major selling point. Favour aquatic adventures? Turquoise tides and colourful marine life provide incredible opportunities for scuba diving.</p> <p><em><span id="docs-internal-guid-a7dd37e6-7fff-5959-368c-94f31c038487">Written by Lindsay Cohn. This article first appeared in <a href="https://www.readersdigest.com.au/culture/10-of-the-smallest-islands-in-the-world" target="_blank" rel="noopener">Reader’s Digest</a>. For more of what you love from the world’s best-loved magazine, <a href="http://readersdigest.innovations.com.au/c/readersdigestemailsubscribe?utm_source=over60&amp;utm_medium=articles&amp;utm_campaign=RDSUB&amp;keycode=WRA87V" target="_blank" rel="noopener">here’s our best subscription offer.</a></span></em></p> <p><em>Image: Getty Images</em></p>

International Travel

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Blockheads’ four tips for living large in a small space

<p dir="ltr">While many of us dream of having ample room in our homes, the reality for many of us is that our spaces are more compact than we may like.</p> <p dir="ltr">But, this doesn’t mean we can’t have our homes renovated or decorated as we’d like them - it all comes down to being savvy with the space we have.</p> <p><span id="docs-internal-guid-e3b7912a-7fff-eae3-b58a-bc823e196a42">For Brad and Lara Cranfield, who claimed victory in the 2012 season of <em>The Block</em>, making conscious design choices helped them in renovating their dream house in Byron Bay and transforming it from a shack to a spacious home.</span></p> <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/B4ZWkZ1FTJJ/?utm_source=ig_embed&amp;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/B4ZWkZ1FTJJ/?utm_source=ig_embed&amp;utm_campaign=loading" target="_blank" rel="noopener">A post shared by Brad and Lara Cranfield (@bradandlara_theblock)</a></p> </div> </blockquote> <p dir="ltr">“Our house was in its original 1960’s condition when we purchased it. There were small rooms everywhere – an entry foyer, a lounge room and a pokey kitchen and dining room – so we knew that we had to open it up to increase the light, space and make it family-friendly,” Lara says.</p> <p dir="ltr">If you’re looking to achieve something similar in your home, Lara and Brad have shared their four top tips for making the most of your space, even when it’s compact.</p> <p dir="ltr"><strong>Be selective of flooring details</strong></p> <p dir="ltr">For Lara and Brad, selecting a light colour and the direction of their flooring was a key to helping open up their space.</p> <p><span id="docs-internal-guid-e27ad509-7fff-0856-9c49-7df598429dbd"></span></p> <p dir="ltr">The Carpet Court ambassadors chose light brown flooring that complemented their ‘beachy’ aesthetic, while also being within their budget and opening up their rooms.</p> <p dir="ltr"><img src="https://oversixtydev.blob.core.windows.net/media/2022/11/b4-after1.jpg" alt="" width="1280" height="720" /></p> <p dir="ltr">“By selecting lighter flooring, we were able to visually open each room, particularly smaller areas such as the bedrooms and home office, making each look and feel larger,” Lara explains.</p> <p dir="ltr">“Installing the flooring so that it ran along the length of each room was critical in visually elongating the rooms, making them appear larger.” </p> <p dir="ltr"><strong>Open up with your windows</strong></p> <p dir="ltr">Even if you’re working with limited space, taking advantage of windows can help make your home feel larger than it really is.</p> <p dir="ltr">“Windows play an important role in opening up a space – from letting in natural light to drawing the eye upwards or towards the outdoors – so how they are dressed needs to be carefully considered,” Lara says.</p> <p dir="ltr">To take advantage of their high ceilings, Lara and Brad installed floor-to-ceiling window shades and opted for a thin track system to create a simple, sleek look.</p> <p dir="ltr">Another option is to add in a skylight or install larger windows, with the couple suggesting those that are floor-to-ceiling to maximise natural light entering your spaces.</p> <p dir="ltr">“Ensuring your home has enough access to natural light is essential in helping it feel spacious, bright, and open,” Lara adds. </p> <p dir="ltr"><strong>Take to the walls</strong></p> <p dir="ltr">Along with more light and light flooring, busting out the paint on your walls and ceilings can work in tandem to open up your home.</p> <p dir="ltr">“Using light coloured paint on the walls and ceiling will also help maximise the space and work alongside the natural light to brighten your home,” Lara says.</p> <p dir="ltr"><span id="docs-internal-guid-62ee793f-7fff-2255-bedc-fe0fa2297da1"></span></p> <p dir="ltr">If you opt for a darker paint, less natural light will be reflected within the home and artificial light will be muted.</p> <p dir="ltr"><img src="https://oversixtydev.blob.core.windows.net/media/2022/11/b4-after2.jpg" alt="" width="1280" height="720" /></p> <p dir="ltr">Rearranging your walls altogether - if it’s in your budget - is another dramatic way to change the space inside your home.</p> <p dir="ltr">After eliminating some of the walls in their home, Lara and Brad turned their series of small rooms into an open plan living area - with dramatic results.</p> <p dir="ltr">“To maximise space, we knocked down all adjoining walls to create a large, open plan living area. As some of the walls were load bearing, we had to add ceiling beams,” Lara explains.</p> <p dir="ltr">“Eliminating these walls has changed the way that we live – I can now see where the family is and what they’re up to, which is great when you have young children.”</p> <p dir="ltr"><strong>Balance furniture and clutter</strong></p> <p dir="ltr">After picking your flooring, changing your physical spaces and updating the paint, all that’s left is to decorate, which can also be done strategically.</p> <p dir="ltr"><span id="docs-internal-guid-2da02e3c-7fff-3da7-ad07-ceadb52b1d95"></span></p> <p dir="ltr">Lara suggests scaling the size of your furniture to your spaces and removing unnecessary items to minimise clutter, and even considering built-in furniture.</p> <p dir="ltr"><img src="https://oversixtydev.blob.core.windows.net/media/2022/11/after1.jpg" alt="" /></p> <p dir="ltr">“Make sure that you select the right scale furniture for a space – and that doesn’t always mean including small items for small rooms! Large furnishings can still be put into a small room. And remember, less is more, so if a room is cluttered make sure you declutter and take any unnecessary items out,” she says.</p> <p dir="ltr">“You also want your room to be functional – you may create a beautiful room on paper, however in reality it doesn’t always work. Built-in furniture, like a banquette with storage or a coffee table that works as a box, allows you to enjoy the room and your home free of unnecessary clutter.”</p> <p dir="ltr"><span id="docs-internal-guid-5b1c6e44-7fff-55e3-173b-2f2561fd2da6"></span></p> <p dir="ltr"><em>Images: Instagram / Depthfield Photography - Michael Lean</em></p>

Home Hints & Tips

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Small group of Aussies set to be $9000 better off

<p>Prime Minister Anthony Albanese is set to hand down his Labor government's first federal budget on October 25th, in the face of soaring inflation and an ongoing cost of living crisis. </p> <p>Despite the cost of groceries continuing to rise in the wake of the devastating floods, treasurer Jim Chalmers is warning Australians to brace for spending cuts and limited cost-of-living relief. </p> <p>While most Aussies are battling day to day with the reality of inflation and a dark outlook for the global economy, Labor has refused to cancel the former government’s stage three tax cuts – meaning some 600,000 high-income earners will be better off by up to $9075 per year when the changes come into effect in 2024-25.</p> <p>“There will be a substantial impact on the cost of living [from the floods], there will be a substantial impact on the budget and there’s no pretending otherwise,” Dr Chalmers told the Nine’s <em>Today</em> on Tuesday.</p> <p>“We don’t yet know what the full impact will be on the cost of living, we don’t yet know how many billions of dollars this flood and its recovery will cost. What we don’t want to do, and we’ve seen this overseas, is provide cost-of-living relief in a way that just creates more inflation and pushes interest rates up higher than they would otherwise be.”</p> <p>Chalmers then referenced the UK, where Prime Minister Liz Truss and Chancellor of the Exchequer Kwasi Kwarteng’s tax-cutting mini-budget last month caused chaos in money markets and brought the country’s pensions schemes to the brink of implosion, while the cost of the Great British Pound tanked around the world. </p> <p>“The UK government itself is recognising that perhaps they got this balance wrong and they’re trying to recalibrate their settings,” he said.</p> <p>“That is an important lesson for all of us. What we’ve tried to do is make sure that the cost-of-living relief that we give doesn’t make the job of the Reserve Bank harder.”</p> <p>Labor has warned of a tough budget as global recession fears continue to loom, with Chalmers saying, “It won’t be fancy. It won’t be flashy. It will be responsible. It will be solid.”</p> <p><em>Image credits: Getty Images</em></p>

Money & Banking

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Small gestures are most important in relationships

<p>It’s not grand gestures and lavish gifts that make love last but the little things that you do and say that show how much you care.  </p> <p>The Enduring Love project by Open University in Britain surveyed more than 5,000 people on their relationships and found, contrary to popular belief, it’s not big displays of love that count but the mundane, day-to-day gestures, like sharing a cup of coffee, that helped sustain a relationship and were crucial to relationship satisfaction.</p> <p>“Surprise gifts and small acts of kindness were valued highly, with ‘a cup of tea’ being singled out as a significant sign of their partner's appreciation.</p> <p>Bouquets of flowers and boxes of chocolates were seen as less important than the thoughtfulness behind the gesture,” the study states.</p> <p>Jacqui Gabb, co-author of the project, noted, “Actions really do speak louder than words and many people consider a loving gesture to be as valuable as hearing ‘I love you’.</p> <p>Grand romantic gestures, although appreciated, don't nurture a relationship as much as bringing your partner a cup of tea in bed, or watching TV together.”</p> <p>The project identified sharing values, faith, beliefs, tastes, ambitions and interests with their partner, as well as expressions of intimacy and being aware of one another’s needs as important to relationship satisfaction.</p> <p>It also found having children affected relationship quality more than any other factor and mothers are happiest in their life than any other group.</p> <p>Co-author Janet Fink said: "With a tough economic climate, the rise in grey divorce and social media opening up new ways to start affairs, it isn't always easy to keep love alive today.</p> <p>"However, our survey has shown that surviving adversities – even very difficult situations such as being out of work – can make a relationship much stronger. What doesn't break you can make you."</p> <p><em>Image: Shutterstock</em></p>

Relationships

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Small detail in Coles BYO container scheme sparks confusion

<p dir="ltr">A new sustainability scheme has left shoppers at Coles scratching their heads due to one seemingly counterintuitive detail.</p> <p dir="ltr">The retailer’s Together to Zero campaign has seen a handful of stores begin trialling a “bring your own packaging” scheme allowing customers to use reusable containers for items purchased from the deli counter.</p> <p dir="ltr">However, many are puzzled by one requirement of the scheme - the containers must be plastic.</p> <p dir="ltr">A sign displayed in a trial store in Blackwood, South Australia, which asked shoppers to “help reduce packaging” by bringing their own containers for deli workers to fill was shared on Facebook earlier this week by a shopper encouraging others to take part in the scheme.</p> <p dir="ltr">The sign also included requirements that the containers were “clean and intact”, had a “reusable lid”, and weren’t made of “glass or ceramic”.</p> <p dir="ltr">With the banning of single-use bags and plastic tableware, some questioned the sustainability project’s reliance on plastic over more sustainable options.</p> <p dir="ltr">“Shame there’s no glass containers allowed, but still a good move,” one person commented.</p> <p dir="ltr">“I only have glass so it’s completely useless for me,” another shared.</p> <p dir="ltr">“More crap to take to the store,” a third pointed out.</p> <p dir="ltr">Others shared concerns over the condition of containers that people would bring in, as well as the risk of food poisoning.</p> <p dir="ltr">“As much as I love the reusable option. I have fears about this. People will be bringing in manky containers that have sat in their cars for two days to refill,” one concerned person wrote.</p> <p dir="ltr">“How does this cover them for food poisoning?” another asked.</p> <p dir="ltr">Despite the concerns, some were more optimistic about the trial, with one person describing it as a “good start” and another sharing that they would “make a special trip or two” to take part.</p> <p dir="ltr">The trial of BYO containers will be taking place across several South Australian Coles supermarkets, including those in Burnside, Blackwood, Unley, Bridgewater, Mount Barker and Murray Bridge, as well as a store in Kew, Victoria.</p> <p dir="ltr">During the trial, the BYO containers aren’t allowed to be used for deli salads, frozen prawns, barbecue items, hot food, deli express products, or self-serve cheese or platters.</p> <p dir="ltr">A Coles spokesperson said the company was closely monitoring feedback of the trial, telling <em><a href="https://www.news.com.au/finance/business/retail/coles-byo-containers-program-lashed-over-one-detail-with-customers-confused-over-rules/news-story/69032894b46e7174e79e203384850cd0" target="_blank" rel="noopener">news.com.au</a></em> that it will inform whether the scheme is rolled out to additional stores across the country.</p> <p dir="ltr">“As part of our Together to Zero Waste ambition, Coles is always looking for ways to reduce reliance on unnecessary single-use plastic, while giving customers sustainable options to help them complete their shop,” the spokesperson said.</p> <p dir="ltr">“We are trialling bring-your-own containers at a handful of Coles supermarket delis in South Australia, to understand how best to provide this option to customers while continuing to meet stringent food safety standards.</p> <p dir="ltr">“We will be looking closely at how our South Australian customers respond, and the feedback and insights will inform our consideration for potentially rolling this out to more stores in South Australia, or around Australia.”</p> <p><span id="docs-internal-guid-2c7628bd-7fff-be79-f009-18570245750d"></span></p> <p dir="ltr"><em>Image: Facebook</em></p>

Food & Wine

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Did Dad book us into a doghouse by mistake?

<p>There are some things in life that you can’t leave up to dads alone and booking the accomodation for the family holiday is one of them.</p> <p>Kylie Keefe’s dad was trusted with the difficult task and accidentally made a huge mistake. He somehow managed to book a tiny house for the family of 4 grown adults and two big dogs.</p> <p>Sharing the funny mishap on TikTok, which has been viewed over 29 million times, Kylie said: “So my dad rented this Airbnb for four people and two dogs for four nights.”</p> <blockquote class="tiktok-embed" style="max-width: 605px; min-width: 325px;" cite="https://www.tiktok.com/@kyliekeefe2/video/7130339777303498030" data-video-id="7130339777303498030"> <section><a title="@kyliekeefe2" href="https://www.tiktok.com/@kyliekeefe2" target="_blank" rel="noopener">@kyliekeefe2</a> so my dad rented this Airbnb for four people and 2 dogs for two nights <a title="fyp" href="https://www.tiktok.com/tag/fyp" target="_blank" rel="noopener">#fyp</a> <a title="airbnb" href="https://www.tiktok.com/tag/airbnb" target="_blank" rel="noopener">#airbnb</a> <a title="tinyhome" href="https://www.tiktok.com/tag/tinyhome" target="_blank" rel="noopener">#tinyhome</a> <a title="♬ original sound - Kylie Keefe" href="https://www.tiktok.com/music/original-sound-7130339750841617198" target="_blank" rel="noopener">♬ original sound - Kylie Keefe</a></section> </blockquote> <p>Viewers have compared the property to a child’s dollhouse and some even suggested they’d all have to sleep standing up.</p> <p>"That's the dog house," one person commented, while another added: "I'm sure Dad is bragging about how good of a deal he got."</p> <p>Kylie’s stepmum, Erika, shared a tiny house tour, showing a double bed on a mezzanine level as well as two “pullout chairs” which were expected to turn into beds.</p> <p>The property managers of the tiny house, ACL Tiny Houses, later confirmed that Kylie’s dad had accidentally booked for two people instead of four.</p> <p>However the listing said it “sleeps three comfortably”. There are also two other tiny houses nearby that can be booked on the same property.</p> <p>Kylie confirmed that the actual Airbnb was very cute and they were simply laughing at their dad’s mistake.</p> <p><em>Image: TikTok</em></p>

Real Estate

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The rising popularity of keeping reptiles as pets

<p dir="ltr">The scaly little creatures now account for 14% of Australia’s pets. </p> <p dir="ltr">The <em>PETstock 2022 Pet Parent Report </em>revealed the growing trend, with the reptiles and small animal category now as equally as popular as birds sitting at 14%. Other small animals include chickens, turtles, goats, and frogs, with the owners of these animals 62% more likely to have more than one pet. </p> <p dir="ltr">Dr Kate Mornement, Animal Behaviourist, said smaller pets are appealing for those who live in urban areas with less space.</p> <p dir="ltr">“Their popularity may be because they are pets which children can more easily manage and care for, giving them the experience of autonomy and greater responsibility.”</p> <p dir="ltr">“Reptiles and birds can have wonderful personalities and are so interesting to watch. They also provide many of the benefits larger pets provide such as companionship and a connection to the natural world.”</p> <p dir="ltr">Dion Collard, Marketing Manager at PETstock, said there is a trend towards adopting or rehoming pets with more than two of every five pets being adopted.</p> <p dir="ltr">“People are more open to adopting rescue pets identified as most in need too, including older dogs, bonded pairs or cats.</p> <p><span id="docs-internal-guid-38983dce-7fff-f186-0976-170b5614dec2"></span></p> <p dir="ltr">The adoption trend differs between dogs and cats with 58% of dogs more likely to be bought from a breeder, while 61% of cats are rescued or rehomed.</p> <p dir="ltr"><em>Image: Getty</em></p>

Family & Pets

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14 smart small yard landscaping ideas

<p><strong>Leave some space</strong></p> <p>When considering landscaping ideas for a small yard, remember to leave space. It’s easy to overcrowd things and inadvertently create a claustrophobic effect. Here, a seating area has a clear view to the garden, courtesy of a small patch of grass and some unobstructed hardscaping.</p> <p><strong>Layered landscape</strong></p> <p>An easy backyard idea for small yards is to create a layered landscape – just like in nature. Think of a forest with low groundcovers, ferns, shade-tolerant understory shrubs and trees, and the tall overhead trees. You can do the same thing with your small yard landscaping! Use things like groundcovers, bulbs and crevice plants to create a beautiful layered landscape, while maximising your flower bed space!</p> <p><strong>Walls and fences</strong></p> <p>Sure, you want your small yard landscaping to include privacy, so why not utilise surrounding structures like walls and fences? For this small yard idea, vines are the perfect answer – just be sure to pick one that’s not invasive or a garden thug.</p> <p><strong>Vertical gardens</strong></p> <p>A popular trend in small yard ideas is to garden vertically. There are many off-the-shelf products that allow you to grow plants vertically, such as the wall planters seen here. Or you can create something yourself. Either way it creates gardening space out of thin air.</p> <p><strong>Hanging planters</strong></p> <p>Another clever way to maximise space is with hanging planters.</p> <p><strong>Window boxes</strong></p> <p>A more traditional way of maximising gardening space is with window boxes. Naturally, you can attach them beneath your windows. But other small yard ideas include placing them on a porch, around the perimeter of a patio, or hanging from a deck railing.</p> <p><strong>Dwarf plants</strong></p> <p>Growers are continually introducing new cultivars with special characteristics. One of those is a dwarf habit. When considering landscaping ideas, you can grow a tree that matures at 30cm or 25 metres. When you choose the former, you end up with enough space to add companion plants.</p> <p><strong>Columnar plants</strong></p> <p>While you’re considering size and growth characteristics, think about habit as well. Columnar plants, such as this upright pear cultivar, grow straight up. There’s more room to the side, and more light at the bottom for a greater variety of plants. And yet you still get the blooms and the fruit. Win-win!</p> <p><strong>Trailing plants</strong></p> <p>Here’s another shape that will help when looking for landscaping ideas for a small yard. You can run trailing plants down the side of a planter, as seen here, or let them trail from the top of a wall. Either way maximises space and softens a hard surface to help it blend into the landscape.</p> <p><strong>Crevice plants</strong></p> <p>Crevices are ubiquitous to most gardens, so you might as well make use of them. Sedum and other succulents such as Sempervivum are perfect for these spots, which are often on the lean and dry side. They make the space prettier and the hard surfaces less imposing.</p> <p><strong>Narrow spots</strong></p> <p>Along with crevices, most gardens have narrow strips that lack soil and moisture. Rather than fighting the conditions, work with them. One of the small yard ideas you can implement is to plant some tough, vining groundcovers and let them sprawl over the area. Use ivy in shady areas, succulents in sunny spots. A mulch of gravel is a nice low-maintenance addition that keeps plant foliage clean.</p> <p><strong>Containers</strong></p> <p>Let’s not forget containers when thinking about small yard landscaping. They’re more popular than ever – and not just because they maximise gardening space. Containers add greatly to a garden’s character. They allow you to show off your favourite plants. And if you coordinate their colour and arrange them in odd numbers, you create a dashing focal point.</p> <p><strong>Lawn substitute</strong></p> <p>As you saw earlier, a small lawn can be helpful to a small-space garden because it opens up the area and makes it feel less claustrophobic. Well, if you’re not going to be walking on the lawn all the time, you might consider substituting a groundcover. You not only avoid mowing, you also integrate the area into the landscape. With a groundcover, your lawn becomes the garden.</p> <p><strong>Bonsai and miniature garden</strong></p> <p>The smallest yard in the world has room for a garden when the plants are miniaturised. Examples include bonsai, miniature fairy gardens and terrariums. Although usually kept indoors in cold climates, they can holiday outside for the summer in a protected location where they’re not exposed to too much direct sunlight.</p> <p><em><span id="docs-internal-guid-10109d2b-7fff-55c9-ef0b-3a37aaae3da9">Written by Luke Miller. This article first appeared in <a href="https://www.readersdigest.com.au/food-home-garden/gardening-tips/14-smart-small-yard-landscaping-ideas" target="_blank" rel="noopener">Reader’s Digest</a>. For more of what you love from the world’s best-loved magazine, <a href="http://readersdigest.innovations.com.au/c/readersdigestemailsubscribe?utm_source=over60&amp;utm_medium=articles&amp;utm_campaign=RDSUB&amp;keycode=WRA87V" target="_blank" rel="noopener">here’s our best subscription offer.</a></span></em></p> <p><em>Image: Getty Images</em></p>

Home & Garden

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Small town receives "one in a thousand year" flood warning

<p>With water levels continuing to rise during a "one-in-a-1000-year" flooding event on the NSW far-north coast, locals are being warned not to be complacent.</p> <p>Ballina Lord Mayor Sharon Cadwallader told Today she had a sleepless night at a local evacuation centre, fielding calls from her anxious community about what the freak weather event would do next.</p> <p>"Water is unpredictable - you really don't know what it's going to do today," said Mayor Cadwallader</p> <p>"It is an evolving situation so we're monitoring it very closely. We've got some excellent staff working on this as we speak. We really don't know."</p> <p>Ms Cadwallader warns with the volume of water coming down the Wilsons and Richmond rivers, evacuations were a necessary precaution.</p> <p>"We can't rest on our laurels or become complacent about this - Sometimes in Ballina we do see high tides and water build-up in some of our streets," she said.</p> <p>"But not like this. We don't want people to think this is a normal event - It is far from a normal event, it's a one-in-1000-year flood, in fact."</p> <p>Authorities remain fearful the Richmond River will break its banks, with water continuing to spill over and flood the streets of Ballina. Emergency crews have been sandbagging and water could reach up to one metre at street-level. </p> <p>The SES is warning of life-threatening flooding over the next 24 hours with the Ballina Hospital already evacuated overnight.</p> <p><em>Images: Getty </em></p>

Travel Trouble

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10 small (but effective!) ways to slay social anxiety

<p><strong>What is social anxiety?</strong></p><p>If you have an extreme fear of being judged in social situations, if you have a sadistic focus on all the things that can go wrong – nervously blurting out everything you never wanted to say aloud just to fill conversational lulls, or if you scrutinise all the awkward things you think you did or said after the fact, you could have social anxiety. A little social anxiety is normal for everyone, but when it becomes abnormal, it’s a self-serving narcissist hell-bent on your full attention. Social anxiety is especially tough to manage because it’s not just one thing. And it’s a bit contradictory – you have a general distaste for peopling, but also an internal need for … people. But on your terms, and in limited doses.</p><p>Social anxiety is contagious. Sort of. Researchers are learning that anxiety disorders run in families, and that they have a biological basis, much like allergies and diabetes. Anxiety disorders typically develop from a complex set of risk factors that include genetics, brain chemistry, personality, and life experiences. Anxiety, which is equally common among men and women, typically begins around age 13. Anxiety disorders are highly treatable, yet only about one-third of those with a disorder receive treatment.​</p><p>All of this supports a rationale for keeping a blank social calendar from an underground doomsday bunker. However, you can get out there and actually enjoy it! Here’s how.</p><p><strong>Throw a counterpunch</strong></p><p>Do not give in to what the anxiety is driving you to do. Instead, acknowledge it, and say, “Hey, inner angst, I’m the shot caller and I came to party!” Whatever it is that counters the anxiety, do it. Each time you parry your fear, you are ‘rewiring’ your brain and weakening anxiety’s hold on you. According to clinical professor of psychology, Dr Robert Leahy, social anxiety that’s left untreated is associated with an increased risk for alcohol abuse, depression, loneliness, decreased occupational advancement and the increased likelihood of remaining single. That’s no way to live! And that’s why it’s so important to feel and face your anxiety. You can actually do things while anxious and realise that nothing bad happens.</p><p><strong>Expose yourself</strong></p><p>Many studies demonstrate the success of exposure-based therapies for anxiety disorders, according to a large research review Dr Johanna S. Kaplan and Dr David F. Tolin, published in Psychiatric Times. We tend to avoid what frightens us and, in turn, are frightened by what we avoid. To begin to remedy this negative cycle, you can safely expose yourself to your triggers by creating an exposure hierarchy. Write down scenarios that cause you anxiety in order of severity. Perform the easiest behaviour first, and gradually move down the list. Your hierarchy might start with asking a stranger for directions and end with asking your boss for a raise. It doesn’t matter if your boss laughs you out the door. It matters that you actually asked. Social anxiety wants you timid and poor, but you can outsmart it.</p><p><strong>Play reporter</strong></p><p>According to therapist, Mark Tyrell, asking questions makes for great social lubricant when you otherwise have nothing to say in a social setting. Ask open-ended questions such as, “How do you know the host?” Alternatively, try soliciting advice, asking something like, “Anyone seen any good movies lately?” Ask follow-up questions that take the conversation deeper. Asking where the restroom or vodka is located, or when the party ends doesn’t count.</p><p><strong>Give yourself license to chill</strong></p><p>The more you worry and let anxiety rule your life, the more you wire your brain to continue worrying and being anxious – and the more you mentally link anxiety to specific places or events. In Psychology Today, Dr Eric R. Maisel, suggests using a visualisation technique to lessen anxiety: create a mental picture of relaxing. It could be at a beach sunset, watching trees gently sway in a breeze, leaves falling silently in your backyard. It could be the rhythmic swaying of a hammock under a blue sky with the chirping of birds in the background. When you visualise relaxing, try to engage your other senses as well. What does the place smell and feel like? What do you hear? Do it every day for long enough that it becomes as natural as staring at your smartphone.</p><p><strong>Plug your nose</strong></p><p>Try alternate nostril breathing, or yogic breathing. This is a simple, natural breathing technique from Ayurvedic medicine that brings the body and mind into a state of balance and neutrality. It’s been used by elite athletes for decades for managing stress and anxiety. Close one nostril by placing your thumb gently over it. Exhale; then inhale through the uncovered nostril. After each inhale/exhale (a breath cycle), switch sides. Then, leading with your out-breath, do one out-breath followed by one in-breath through each nostril. Repeat this series, alternating nostrils after each inhalation. It will likely be easier to breathe through one nostril than the other – that’s normal.</p><p><strong>Pump-up your jam</strong></p><p>According to Dr Lisa Legault using self-affirmations actually produces measurable results. Pick a mantra, slogan, or verse to psych yourself up for an event, a performance, or just to walk into a party without sweating. Psalm 55:22 is an example of calming scripture: “Cast your cares on the Lord and he will sustain you; he will never let the righteous be shaken.” Or take your inspiration from AC/DC’s lyric: “For those about to rock, we salute you.” Find your own song or chant that calms or inspires confidence as you head to a gathering or performance. Remember, anticipation of a worrisome social situation is usually worse than the actual event.</p><p><strong>Silence 'Boo'</strong></p><p>Boo is the cruel cynic in your head constantly booing you – filling you with worry and doubt. Like the caricature of a critical mother-in-law, but invisible. Counter Boo’s negative rants with truths such as, “you are more than capable of nailing the upcoming marathon/wedding toast/hostage negotiation,” “there are at least as many reasons things will go right for you,” and “you are competent, skilled, and deserve to be happy! Psychologist Dr Ben Martin presents four main types of challenging questions to ask yourself every time you have a negative thought: (1) what evidence do you have for this thinking? (2) Are there any other ways you could look at this situation? (3) Is this situation as bad as you’re making it out to be? And, (4) What can you do to help yourself solve the problem or to feel better?</p><p><strong>Stop giving a #%@! what others think</strong></p><p>Social anxiety is tied to feelings of being judged. But the truth is that the judgements and opinions of others have no reflection on your worth or talents. Social anxiety treatment includes learning to be flawed, while at the same time rejecting the need for approval from external sources. Being a perfectionist is fine in rocket science, but not in real life. According to an American Psychological Association study, we consistently overestimate how much, and how badly, others think of us, causing us to be more inhibited and less impulsive and happy than we could be.</p><p><strong>Press a lever for a snack</strong></p><p>Rather than berating yourself after each social interaction, reward yourself instead. Not with rounds of tequila or tattoos. But commend yourself for attending the event, for being present, and for facing down your anxiety. Each time you counter your anxiety, you whittle away at its power over you, while gaining confidence to step in the ring again. You are taking your life back one endeavour at a time. A tenet of CBT (Cognitive Behavioural Therapy) is the importance of rewarding yourself for exposing yourself to your fears. You deserve the praise, and you will be more motivated to do it again if there are some self-high-fives or frozen yoghurts on the back end.</p><p><strong>Phone a Freud</strong></p><p>If anxiety disrupts your life or daily activities, make an appointment with your doctor or a mental health provider because you may need treatment to get better. Like a receding hairline, social anxiety happens gradually and initially without much notice. Cognitive Behavioural Therapy (CBT) is an effective treatment for social anxiety. Self-medicating is not. Anxiety hates to dance. So get out there and dance.</p><p><em>Written by Jon Patrick Hatcher. This article first appeared in <a href="https://www.readersdigest.com.au/healthsmart/conditions/mental-health/10-small-but-effective-ways-to-slay-social-anxiety" target="_blank" rel="noopener">Reader’s Digest</a>. For more of what you love from the world’s best-loved magazine, <a href="http://readersdigest.innovations.com.au/c/readersdigestemailsubscribe?utm_source=over60&amp;utm_medium=articles&amp;utm_campaign=RDSUB&amp;keycode=WRA87V" target="_blank" rel="noopener">here’s our best subscription offer.</a></em></p><p><em>Image: Getty Images</em></p>

Body

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Reducing air travel by small amounts each year could level off the climate impact

<p>Just before the pandemic, aircraft engines were burning <a href="https://www.iata.org/en/iata-repository/pressroom/fact-sheets/industry-statistics/">one billion litres</a> of fuel a day. But then the number of daily civil aviation flights fell from <a href="https://www.iata.org/en/iata-repository/pressroom/fact-sheets/industry-statistics/">110,000</a> to less than 50,000 during 2020, on average. With the easing of travel restrictions, air traffic is increasing back towards its pre-pandemic peak.</p> <p>Most world leaders and delegates will have flown to Glasgow to attend COP26 – the 26th annual UN climate change summit – in person. But as they haggle over emissions targets to limit global warming to 1.5°C, and not <a href="https://theconversation.com/cop26-what-would-the-world-be-like-at-3-c-of-warming-and-how-would-it-be-different-from-1-5-c-171030">3°C or more</a>, aviation is unlikely to be included in them, given the lack of low-carbon alternatives to long-haul flights.</p> <p>But it should be. <a href="https://iopscience.iop.org/article/10.1088/1748-9326/ac286e">In new research</a>, my colleagues and I calculated that if the aviation sector continues to grow on its present trajectory, its jet fuel consumption will have added 0.1˚C to global warming by 2050 – half of it to date, the other half in the next three decades.</p> <p>Aviation is responsible for 4% of the 1.2°C rise in the global mean temperature we have already experienced since the industrial revolution. Without action to reduce flights, the sector will account for 17% of the remaining 0.3°C left in the 1.5°C temperature target, and 6% of the 0.8°C left to stay within 2°C. Airlines effectively add more to global warming <a href="http://globalcarbonatlas.org/en/CO2-emissions">than most countries.</a></p> <h2>Warming footprints</h2> <p>At the current rate, the world will have warmed by 2°C <a href="https://www.ipcc.ch/report/ar6/wg1/downloads/report/IPCC_AR6_WGI_SPM_final.pdf">within three decades</a>. To quantify how different activities contribute to warming, scientists measure carbon emissions. This is because how much the Earth warms is proportional to cumulative carbon emissions in the atmosphere. This is a very good approximation in many cases, but it is inaccurate for emissions caused by aeroplanes travelling at altitudes of up to 12 kilometres.</p> <p>As well as CO₂, aircraft engines emit nitrogen oxides, water vapour, sulphur and soot, causing <a href="https://www.nature.com/articles/s41467-018-04068-0">contrail cirrus clouds</a> and other complicated chemical reactions in the atmosphere. The sum of these so-called non-CO₂ effects adds more warming on top of the CO₂ emissions. So the total warming footprint of aviation is between two and three times higher than a conventional carbon footprint.</p> <p><img src="https://images.theconversation.com/files/430221/original/file-20211104-21-xa7pet.jpeg?ixlib=rb-1.1.0&amp;q=45&amp;auto=format&amp;w=754&amp;fit=clip" alt="An aeroplane's trail viewed from between two tall buildings" /> <span class="caption">Condensation trails produced by aircraft engines contribute to global warming.</span> <span class="attribution"><a href="https://pixabay.com/photos/architecture-skyscraper-skyline-3984725/" class="source">MichaelGaida/Pixabay</a>, <a href="http://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0/" class="license">CC BY</a></span></p> <p>While a large share of a flight’s CO₂ emissions remain in the atmosphere for many thousands of years, the non-CO₂ effects diminish over time, <a href="https://doi.org/10.1016/j.atmosenv.2020.117834">vanishing within about ten years</a>. So any growth in aviation, measured in global jet fuel consumption, has an amplified impact as both CO₂ and non-CO₂ effects add up.</p> <p>But a decline in aviation can partly reverse some warming, as the non-CO₂ effects disappear over time until only the CO₂ effects remain. Think of the non-CO₂ effects like a bathtub – it fills up when the taps are turned further and further, despite a slow outflow down the plughole. But the same bathtub will eventually empty if the taps are gradually turned down.</p> <p>The non-CO₂ effects of flights on the atmosphere will slowly disappear if fewer and fewer flights are taken, so that aviation’s contribution to warming eventually levels off. In that situation, the increase from continued CO₂ emissions would balance the fall in non-CO₂ effects, and although aviation would still contribute to climate change, the total warming from both would remain constant over time. How much would aviation need to shrink to level off its influence on global warming?</p> <p>Our calculations show that flying does not need to stop immediately to prevent aviation’s contribution to global warming expanding. Flying has already caused 0.04°C of warming to date. But with a yearly decrease of 2.5% in jet fuel consumption, currently only achievable with cuts in air traffic, this warming will level off at a constant level over the coming decades.</p> <h2>When do we really need to fly?</h2> <p>COVID-19 had a huge impact on the aviation sector. Air traffic is still approximately 10-20% below pre-pandemic levels, but is <a href="https://doi.org/10.1088/1748-9326/ac286e">rebounding quickly</a>. Politicians should shift subsidies from flying to more sustainable modes of transport, such as train journeys. And there is much more that can be done.</p> <p><img src="https://images.theconversation.com/files/430217/original/file-20211104-25-1v0sxdb.jpeg?ixlib=rb-1.1.0&amp;q=45&amp;auto=format&amp;w=754&amp;fit=clip" alt="An aeroplane parked at an airport" /> <span class="caption">Forced changes in flying habits due to the pandemic have led some to permanently cut back on flights.</span> <span class="attribution"><a href="https://pixabay.com/photos/airplane-aircraft-airport-travel-4885803/" class="source">Dmncwndrlch/Pixabay</a>, <a href="http://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0/" class="license">CC BY</a></span></p> <p>Lockdowns and the shift to remote working made many people rethink the necessity of flying. People resolving to fly less can contribute considerably to reducing the number of unnecessary flights. Combining in-person and virtual attendance in hybrid meetings wherever possible is a great way to support that shift.</p> <p>Reducing the space that business classes take on aeroplanes is another way to cut the number of flights, as it allows more passengers to travel on one flight.</p> <p>Not allowing airport expansions could also have a big impact. The UK’s Climate Change Committee, an expert body which advises the UK government, has recommended <a href="https://www.theccc.org.uk/wp-content/uploads/2020/12/Sector-summary-Aviation.pdf">not expanding airports</a> to align the sector with climate targets. Yet the expansion of Heathrow airport is currently <a href="https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/explainers-51646562">planned to go ahead</a>.</p> <p>Sustainable aviation fuels, and hydrogen or electric planes, are being developed, but none of these technologies are currently available at the necessary scale. At the moment, there is little chance of the aviation industry meeting any climate targets if it aims for a return to its pre-pandemic rate of growth.</p> <p><span><a href="https://theconversation.com/profiles/milan-klower-879339">Milan Klöwer</a>, Postdoctoral Researcher in Weather and Climate Modelling, <em><a href="https://theconversation.com/institutions/university-of-oxford-1260">University of Oxford</a></em></span></p> <p>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/reducing-air-travel-by-small-amounts-each-year-could-level-off-the-climate-impact-171184">original article</a>.</p> <p><em>Image: Free-Photos/Pixabay</em></p>

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