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Thinking of dabbling in investing? Expert’s 7 things to consider before investing a cent

<p>Investing can be seen as both an art and a science, requiring a blend of patience, knowledge and strategy. It’s also crucial to understand the trade-off between risk and return, coupled with your time horizon. This means you do not invest in a vacuum, and each part of the investing world will impact another. </p> <p>Get your financial situation strong before you commit money to investing. This could be clearing consumer debt (credit cards, personal loans, buy-now-pay-later), funding your emergency fund or even setting up a spending plan so you know exactly how much you have free to invest. What else do you need to consider?</p> <ol> <li><strong>Your ‘why’</strong></li> </ol> <p>What is money to you? What do you believe about money? Why are you investing to start with? These questions must have an answer before you commit money to your investing account. If you’re unsure and want to build wealth with money you don’t need now, that’s also okay, but you need to have some conscious thought about your ‘why’ and your goals, as this is the basis of any strategy that you develop.</p> <ol start="2"> <li><strong>Your mindset</strong></li> </ol> <p>Do you have your own personal conviction about your investing, money and even life?  Your mindset around investing and money needs to be rock solid, so when you hear someone tell you to do something because they do it, you don’t change a thing because your situation is set up correctly for you!</p> <p>This also helps if you’re part of online forums, listening to podcasts or reading investing books. Your mindset needs to be so firm that you can pick hype vs substance when it comes to investing and other opportunities. Just because everyone is doing it, does not mean it’s a good thing for you to do.</p> <ol start="3"> <li><strong>Setting your strategy</strong></li> </ol> <p>An effective investment strategy is personalised and aligned with your financial goals, risk tolerance and investment horizon. Whether you’re saving for retirement, a child’s education or building wealth, your strategy should dictate how you allocate your assets across different investment vehicles. It may be considered essential to have a balanced mix of shares (or ETFs), bonds (or fixed interest) and other assets to mitigate risk.</p> <p>Regularly reviewing and adjusting your portfolio to stay aligned with your goals is also a crucial part of your strategy. Your strategy will help you stay the course if things get rough out there and your emotions are tempted to take over! This goes hand-in-hand with having a sound mindset.</p> <ol start="4"> <li><strong>Ownership structure</strong></li> </ol> <p>Understanding the best ownership structure for your wealth building and investments can have significant implications for taxes, estate planning and asset protection. Options include individual or joint accounts, superannuation, investment bonds, trusts and companies. Each has its advantages and considerations, particularly concerning tax efficiency and control over the assets. </p> <p>Before you pull the trigger with significant wealth (for example, if you were to receive an inheritance), seek professional advice around the ownership of your investment vehicle. This will help you determine the most advantageous structure for your situation.</p> <ol start="5"> <li><strong>Broad-based index funds</strong></li> </ol> <p>Broad-based index funds are foundational to a well-rounded investment portfolio. These funds track the performance of a specific index, such as the ASX 200, S&amp;P 500 or thematic indexes and provide investors with diversified exposure to a wide array of companies. The beauty of index funds lies in their simplicity and effectiveness.</p> <p>They offer a low-cost way to invest in the stock market, reducing the risk associated with picking individual companies. Over the long term, index funds have historically provided solid returns, making them an excellent choice for both novice and experienced investors.</p> <ol start="6"> <li><strong>Valuing and investing in individual companies</strong></li> </ol> <p>For those inclined to take a more hands-on approach with their investing or just to keep the interest alive, valuing single companies is a critical skill.  This involves analysing a company's financial health, market position and growth prospects.</p> <p>Key metrics such as the price-to-earnings (P/E) ratio, earnings growth and dividend yield can provide valuable insights. However, it’s important to remember that ‘stock picking’ requires research, a deep understanding of market cycles and a higher tolerance for risk. </p> <p>Your goal may be to identify undervalued companies that have the potential for significant growth. A note to remember is to have your own guardrails in your life and make it part of your investment constitution that you will not have more than, say, 10 per cent of your portfolio allocated to individual companies.</p> <ol start="7"> <li><strong>Advanced concepts, trading and speculation</strong></li> </ol> <p>The key with advanced concepts, alternative/speculative asset classes, day trading and options trading is again to have solid guardrails in place. Be engaged and dialled in to your investing; however, you need to understand that the best thing you can do for your future wealth is buy and hold good, broad-based indexes for the long term. </p> <p>We love doing advanced strategies and some wild stuff, but we have strong guardrails because these strategies may flush you if you’re not careful, and you don’t want your whole portfolio allocated to such endeavours!</p> <p><em><strong>Edited extract from The quick start guide to investing: Learn how to invest simpler, smarter &amp; sooner by Glen James &amp; Nick Bradley (Wiley $32.95), available at all leading retailers.</strong></em></p> <p><em><strong>Disclaimer: Any information here is general in nature and has been prepared without considering your personal goals, financial situation, or needs. Because of this, before acting on the general advice, you should consider its appropriateness, having regard to your unique situation. You should obtain and review the Product Disclosure Statement (PDS) and Target Market Determination (TMD) relevant to the product before making any financial product decisions. It's also strongly encouraged to seek the advice of a professional financial adviser. </strong></em><strong><br /></strong></p> <p><em><strong>Image credits: Shutterstock </strong></em></p>

Money & Banking

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Why a one-cent stamp is set to sell for millions

<p>An extremely rare stamp that was once bought for a measly one cent is set to sell for millions of dollars, breaking records at a US auction house. </p> <p>While to the untrained eye, the blue stamp seems like any old stamp, the 1868 one-cent Z-grill is actually the rarest stamp in America due to its unique history and rarity. </p> <p>On June 14th, the one-cent Z-grill will be put up for sale by Robert A. Siegel Auction Galleries, marking the first time the rare stamp has been on auction since 1998. </p> <p>Experts from the New York auction house say it could fetch $6 million to $7.5 million (AUD), which would make it the single most expensive US stamp ever sold.</p> <p>The reason for the extraordinary price comes down to the fact that out of the two known Z-grill stamp copies, the one up for auction is the only copy available for private purchase by collectors, while other historic copy is held at the New York Public Library.</p> <p>The Z-grill is unique due to its signature embossed paper, which was introduced to the US postal service after the Civil War to prevent stamps from being reused. </p> <p>Since 2005, the coveted stamp has belonged to billionaire investor and “bond king” Bill Gross.</p> <p>“It’s considered the trophy of collecting United States stamps,” said Charles Shreve, who has managed and built Gross’ extensive stamp collection for years and serves as director of international auctions at Robert A. Siegel Auction Galleries.</p> <p>“There’s only one. If you want to brag, that’s the stamp.”</p> <p>Mr Gross' entire collection is estimated to be worth $22.6 million to $30 million AUD. The top 100 stamps from the collection will be auctioned off on June 14th, while the remaining stamps will be sold on June 15th.</p> <p>“There’s multiple stamps that’ll bring $500,000 or $750,000 (USD) but the (one-cent) Z-grill is the star of the show,” Shreve said.</p> <p>“I just know some people who are lusting for it, and we want to try to get as many people interested in it as possible.”</p> <p><em>Image credits: Robert A. Siegel Auction Galleries</em></p>

Money & Banking

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"Worth every cent": Robert Irwin's I'm A Celeb salary revealed

<p>Crikey! It seems like Robert Irwin is about to make a serious splash in the entertainment industry. The 19-year-old wildlife warrior has just landed a deal to co-host the upcoming season of <em>I'm A Celebrity... Get Me Out Of Here</em> alongside the ever-entertaining Julia Morris, and the paycheck he's bagged is leaving jaws dropped - even those of the crocodiles he's used to wrestling.</p> <p><em>Daily Mail Australia</em>, always on the prowl for celebrity news, <a href="https://www.dailymail.co.uk/tvshowbiz/article-12668557/Robert-Irwins-staggering-Im-Celebrity-pay-cheque-revealed.html" target="_blank" rel="noopener">has uncovered</a> that Irwin is set to pocket nearly half a million dollars for his month-and-a-half-long adventure in the wilds of South Africa. Yep, you read that right; $430,000 for six weeks of living in the jungle and mingling with celebrities who are just a tad less famous than his family's favourite marsupials.</p> <p>Now, you might be wondering, "Why on Earth is a teenager getting paid more than some seasoned celebs?" Well, according to a well-placed source at Channel 10, Irwin's star power is the real deal. They believe he'll be "worth every cent" - a sentiment shared by everyone except maybe the critters he'll be sharing the jungle with.</p> <p>But why Robert? Turns out it's not just his rugged good looks and charming Aussie accent. It's his magnetic appeal and the adoration he commands from fans around the globe. </p> <p>The source at Channel 10 spilled the beans on the reason behind this financial safari expedition: "His pairing with the witty and ever-entertaining Julia [Morris] has all the makings of a dynamic duo, promising viewers an unforgettable experience."</p> <p>So, not only will we get to see Irwin in action, but we'll also witness Julia trying to teach him how to make a proper cup of tea while being chased by hungry lions.</p> <p>In April, we learned that other celebrities on the show are getting paid anywhere from $35,000 to $180,000. The top earner before Robert's arrival was TV legend <a href="https://www.oversixty.com.au/entertainment/tv/kerri-anne-kennerley-heads-to-the-jungle-on-one-condition" target="_blank" rel="noopener">Kerri-Anne Kennerley</a>, with a generous salary of $300,000. That's a lot of khaki shirts right there!</p> <p>The show must've really wanted Irwin because they pulled out all the stops to outbid big names like Sam Pang, Jimmy Rees, Curtis Stone, Beau Ryan, and Tristan MacManus for the role. It wasn't an easy task to replace <a href="https://www.oversixty.com.au/entertainment/tv/darryl-somers-jumps-the-gun-with-major-dr-chris-brown-announcement" target="_blank" rel="noopener">Dr Chris Brown</a>, who is loved by many, but casting agents were impressed with Robert's natural charm during the audition.</p> <p>"He had charisma and spontaneity. He was funny and had amazing instincts," said an insider. "It was actually part of the original brief back when Dr Chris got the job that animal experience was required - which Robert has in spades." So, it's safe to say that Robert's ability to charm a crocodile probably came in handy during the audition.</p> <p>And as for the age difference between Robert, 19, and veteran host Julia Morris, 55, casting agents weren't worried at all. They believe that Robert's maturity and the fact that he can wrangle a croc as well as he can tell a dad joke made him the perfect match for the job. (And, bless her, Morris herself <a href="https://www.oversixty.com.au/entertainment/tv/julia-morris-promises-a-little-less-shameless-flirting-with-new-co-host" target="_blank" rel="noopener">has promised to be very mature also</a>... for once!)</p> <p><em>Images: Instagram / Network 10</em></p>

Money & Banking

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50 cent house hits the market for just under a million

<p>Houses come in all shapes and sizes, but rarely something quite so complex as a twelve-sided coin. </p> <p>However, for this 50 cent inspired property in the New South Wales bush, that was exactly the vision. </p> <p>The Kiora home has hit the market with a price guide of $899,000 to $950,000, and boasts more than a few key features to lure in prospective buyers. From visiting wildlife to breathtaking views of the surrounding landscape, the entire estate promises 28 acres of fun.</p> <p>The main house - otherwise known as both The Dome House and The Tree House - features two bedrooms, a combined bathroom, laundry, kitchen, and open plan living space, as well as a wrap-around deck to enjoy every inch of its surroundings. </p> <p>The second structure, advertised by Domain as ‘Studio 1’, comes equipped with a bedroom, a lounge, a dining room/kitchenette combo, and a study. Additionally, a bathroom can be accessed across a short walkway.</p> <p>Those hoping to embrace the property’s natural surroundings - and the lifestyle that comes right along with it - will be pleased to know that estate also features solar panels, rainwater tanks, pumps, worm farms, vegetable gardens, and even an orchard.</p> <p>“The property is chemical and pesticide free,” the listing notes. “Household scraps are recycled through the worm farms and gardens.”</p> <p>And for anyone worried that this means they’ll be effectively cut off from ‘the real world’, have no fear. A taxi service is available, as well as a nearby school bus pick up location, and “the property is only eleven kilometres from the main Moruya roundabout.”</p> <p>It also sits within walking distance of the Deua National Park - which lies 320 km south of Sydney and 100 km east of Canberra - and river, offering everyone the perfect opportunity to enjoy a picnic, a swim, or simply a relaxing day away. </p> <p>The listing goes on to note that the property had been a permanent residence for its previous owner, and had the potential to be the same for its next inhabitants. </p> <p>However, it would also function well as an “ideal weekend getaway” for people seeking somewhere peaceful, away from the hustle and bustle of the city. </p> <p><em>Images: Domain</em></p>

Real Estate

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Woman “harassed” over previous tenant’s 78 cent bill

<p dir="ltr">A furious Sydney has slammed energy provider Dodo for “harassing” her over an unpaid energy bill belonging to the previous tenant. </p> <p dir="ltr">Since moving into her new rental apartment just two months ago, she has received several urgent notices concerning the “outrageous debt” of just 78 cents. </p> <p dir="ltr">“Who the f*** is running this company?” she wrote in a fuming post to Facebook on Friday, answering her own question, “A pack of f**kin dodos”.</p> <p dir="ltr">“I’ve been in this apartment two months, this is the third – that’s THREE – letter of demand for the outrageous debt of 78 cents owed by the former tenant,” she wrote.</p> <p dir="ltr">The woman then speculated that it cost the energy provider more than the amount owing on the bill to send the letters in the first place. </p> <p dir="ltr">“It’s cost them a sh**tonne more than that in postal costs, let alone the wages of the person I gave an ear bashing to,” she wrote, instructing the company to “bog off”.</p> <p dir="ltr">She then included a photo of the bill in question, which read, “This notice is to advise you that your final electricity amount remains unpaid and is overdue, as a result of your Pay on Time discount has been removed and the total amount of $00.78 is now overdue.”</p> <p dir="ltr">The company’s persistence caused many online to react in a similar way to the recipient of the letter, with many in disbelief at why they don’t just let it go.</p> <p dir="ltr">The woman clarified in a comment she called Dodo after receiving the invoice for a second time, but it seemed her effort had been wasted. </p> <p dir="ltr">“I have called them after the second letter to inform them the dude was no longer living here. They wanted to know my name … and eventually said they’d fix it up,” she wrote.</p> <p dir="ltr">“Maybe they thought they’d give it one last go – after all, it’s the princely sum of 78 cents at stake! Next time I will demand a recompense.”</p> <p dir="ltr"><em>Image credits: Facebook</em></p>

Real Estate

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Why women make up more than 80 per cent of true crime podcast listeners

<p dir="ltr">It’s been a running joke for a while that most true crime podcast listeners are female.</p> <p dir="ltr">But it has now been revealed that young women make up a whopping 80 per cent of true crime podcast listeners. </p> <p dir="ltr">Dr Julia Shaw, a criminal psychologist and co-host of the true crime and science podcast Bad People, said the simple reason was due to women’s experiences.</p> <p dir="ltr">She explained that growing up, women are told to keep an eye out for any danger such as a man staring at you for too long or following you home. </p> <p dir="ltr">“Women seem particularly interested in the intricacies of the criminal mind,” she told The Daily Mail. </p> <p dir="ltr">“There is a real drive to understand the 'why', not just the 'how' of the crime.”</p> <p dir="ltr">Claire Bord, a publisher at Bookouture concurred with Dr Shaw’s statement explaining how easy it was for women to “resonate” with the situation.</p> <p dir="ltr">“These kind of storylines tap into dark themes that resonate with readers because we can see ourselves in these everyday scenarios and then imagine what could happen,” she said.</p> <p dir="ltr">“I also think there are aspects of the dark themes explored in psychological thrillers, and indeed true crime, that can speak deeply to readers who have experienced difficult times in their own lives.”</p> <p dir="ltr"><em>Image: Shutterstock</em></p>

Mind

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Princess Cruises brings back 80 per cent of fleet

<p dir="ltr">With cruise ships gearing up to set sail for the first time in almost two years, Princess Cruises has announced an additional three ships returning to service.</p> <p dir="ltr">The company is welcoming guests back onboard the Crown Princess, Island Princess and Royal Princess.</p> <p dir="ltr">The return of the three additional cruises marks a milestone where 80 per cent of the fleet has resumed cruising since July 2021. </p> <p dir="ltr">“We’re so excited to have three more Princess MedallionClass ships return to service and our shipboard teams are ready to help our guests create a lifetime of holiday memories,” Princess Cruises President John Padgett said.</p> <p dir="ltr">“It’s so gratifying to see tens of thousands of guests each week enjoying their cruise holidays with us and the friendly and attentive service that is a Princess Cruises hallmark.”</p> <p dir="ltr">Island Princess departed Fort Lauderdale on April 27 to celebrate the 55th anniversary of the cruise line.</p> <p dir="ltr">Travellers will enjoy a stunning 14-day Ocean-to-Ocean Panama Canal Voage. </p> <p dir="ltr">The Royal Princess sailed from Vancouver on May 2 for back-to-back northbound and southbound cruises from Vancouver and Whittier.</p> <p dir="ltr">Every sailing includes two days of glacier viewing featuring Glacier Bay National Park, plus Hubbard Glacier or College Fjord.</p> <p dir="ltr">Crown Princess left Seattle on May 7 for a whopping 19, seven-day Inside Passage voyages to Alaska until September 10, 2022. </p> <p dir="ltr">She will then move to Los Angeles for a season of California Coast and Hawaii sailings.</p> <p dir="ltr"><em>Image: Shutterstock</em></p>

Cruising

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Doing these 9 things can cut your risk of dementia by 35 per cent – here’s why

<p><strong>Is dementia actually preventable?</strong></p> <p>Forgetfulness might seem like an unavoidable part of ageing, but you aren’t destined to dementia. In fact, there’s actually a lot you can do to prevent dementia. <em>A Lancet Commissions</em> report from 24 leading dementia researchers says 35 per cent of dementia comes from preventable causes.</p> <p>Follow these steps and you could ward off a condition affecting about 47 million people worldwide.</p> <p><strong>Keep learning</strong></p> <p>Adults who don’t have at least a secondary school degree are at higher risk for developing dementia, according to the report. This could be because more education usually means a higher socioeconomic status, but it could have to do with learning itself.</p> <p>“Cognitive resilience in later life is likely to be enhanced by building brain reserve earlier in life through education and other intellectual stimulation,” write the study authors.</p> <p><strong>Check your hearing</strong></p> <p>After age 55, hearing loss is associated with higher risk of dementia. It’s probably not a cause – older adults are already at generally higher risk for both dementia and hearing loss – but fixing hearing could make cognitive loss easier. For one thing, dementia might be even more stressful for people who can’t hear.</p> <p>Plus, people might disengage socially when they have a hard time hearing, which could speed up any cognitive decline, say the researchers. Hearing loss is sometimes associated with Alzheimer’s as well, though generally, the causes of the two diseases are different.</p> <p><strong>Get your blood pressure down</strong></p> <p>Without a healthy heart, it could be hard for your body to balance out the harmful free radicals in your body. In turn, that could cause oxidative stress and inflammation, which could damage your neurons.</p> <p><strong>Manage your diabetes</strong></p> <p>Having diabetes raises the risk of dementia, though researchers aren’t sure why. The theory is that when you can’t control your blood sugar, more goes to your brain.</p> <p>In turn, that can cause damage that leads to loss of cognitive function.</p> <p><strong>Lose some weight </strong></p> <p>Obesity raises your risk of dementia – possibly because it puts you at risk for high blood pressure and type 2 diabetes. By keeping to a healthy weight, you can cut your risk for all three.</p> <p><strong>Go for a walk</strong></p> <p>This isn’t just about keeping at a healthy weight; a workout itself could cut down your risk. Older adults who exercise are less likely to develop dementia than those who don’t work out.</p> <p><strong>Quit smoking</strong></p> <p>If lung cancer wasn’t enough to make you kick your cigarette addiction, maybe this will: smokers are at higher risk of dementia. Researchers think that a couple things could be at play. For one thing, smoking isn’t healthy for your heart, and cardiovascular problems are linked with dementia.</p> <p>For another, the chemicals in the smoke could be toxic to your brain. What you put in your body has a huge impact on how it performs, especially later in life.</p> <p><strong>Schedule a mental health visit</strong></p> <p>There’s a link between depression and dementia, but researchers aren’t sure which causes the other. Depression might be an early sign in people who already have dementia, but it could also be a separate risk factor.</p> <p>Because depression affects stress hormones, brain neurons and the hippocampus (the part of the brain that deals with emotions and memory), it could increase dementia risk. Some antidepressants decrease the production of amyloid, which are proteins that can build up into plaque.</p> <p><strong>Set up a coffee date</strong></p> <p>Social isolation is associated with dementia. Like depression, though, researchers aren’t sure which one comes first.</p> <p>Either way, spending time with loved ones is a fun way to keep your brain active and raise your spirits – both of which can protect against cognitive decline. Expanding your social circle is another habit that reduces your risk of dementia.</p> <p><em>Image credits: Getty Images</em></p> <p><em>This article originally appeared on <a href="https://www.readersdigest.com.au/healthsmart/doing-these-9-things-can-cut-your-risk-of-dementia-by-35-per-cent-heres-why" target="_blank" rel="noopener">Reader's Digest</a>. </em></p>

Mind

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Maccas to sell 350,000 cheeseburgers TODAY for a whopping 50 cents

<p dir="ltr">McDonald’s Australia is reducing the price of its famous cheeseburger to just 50 cents! Given the cheeseburger is one of the chain’s most popular menu items, Macca’s clearly thought why not treat its customers by dropping the price.</p> <p dir="ltr">Available exclusively through the My Maccas app, the 50 cent deal is available for one day only on Wednesday, April the 6th, and is limited to the first 350,000 cheeseburgers, with one redemption per customer.</p> <p dir="ltr">Following the launch of MyMacca’s Rewards last month, customers now receive 100 points for every $1 they spend at Macca’s. “We want to reward our loyal customers by offering one of their favourite menu items for less,” according to a Macca’s spokesperson. </p> <p dir="ltr">The last time Macca’s offered its cheeseburger for 50 cents was back in 2020 for the 30 day 30 deals, and given how much of a hit it was back then, the same is expected this time around.</p> <p dir="ltr">It comes as the fast-food chain also announced its Chicken Deluxe Range.</p> <p dir="ltr">The limited-time offer includes new and returning menu items to complement the existing Chicken Deluxe Burger. New items include the Double Chicken Deluxe and Chicken Deluxe Share Pack, with fan favourite Bacon Chicken Deluxe also making a welcome return.</p> <p dir="ltr">Lancy Huynh, group brand manager at McDonald’s Australia said the range features iconic flavour combinations unique to Macca’s.</p> <p><span id="docs-internal-guid-d44668fe-7fff-0089-53a6-97399a635cb1"></span></p> <p dir="ltr">The Chicken Deluxe range is available from 10.30am on Wednesday, April the 6th all McDonald’s restaurants nationwide.</p> <p dir="ltr"><em>Image: My Maccas App</em></p>

Food & Wine

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"Not 100 per cent yet": Federer reflects on first match in over a year

<div class="post_body_wrapper"> <div class="post_body"> <div class="body_text redactor-styles redactor-in"> <p>Tennis legend Roger Federer made his great comeback after a 13-month break.</p> <p>He had two operations on his right knee since playing at the Australian Open last year and decided to get back into the swing of things and play in the Qatar Open.</p> <p>Federer beat Dan Evans 7-6 (8), 3-6, 7-5, but said it feels like he has been gone for ages.</p> <p>"It feels like I have been away for even longer than I actually have been".</p> <p>He also admitted he's not at 100 per cent yet.</p> <p>"I'm not 100% yet," he said. "I can feel it. I can see it, you know. From that standpoint, important is to be 100% by the grass court season. I know that. I'm still building up. So this is a steppingstone."</p> <p>The match went for nearly two and a half hours, and the tennis great admitted he was tired by the end of it.</p> <p>"I was very happy with how I was able to handle the tough moments. I didn't feel like my game started to wobble the more important the points got. I think I was able to play how I wanted to play, so I think that's always a great sign and a great feeling to have," Federer said in a post-match video conference.</p> <p>"In practice, it doesn't matter if you miss a backhand down the line, being down break point," he said. "But here it matters a lot."</p> <p>Dan Evans had no bad blood despite losing to Federer, as he can't wait to see what happens next for him.</p> <p>"From a fan's point of view, it's going to be interesting to see how he goes at his age — he's 39, and that's obviously unheard of, that someone is still competing for Grand Slams at that age," said Evans.</p> <p>"It's going to be real good to watch for everybody, to see what happens, see if he wins. I think most people would hope he wins another, probably, Wimbledon," Evans said. "We'd all be pretty pumped if he got over the line at another Slam."</p> </div> </div> </div>

Caring

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25 ways to relax that don’t cost a cent

<p>Relaxation isn’t just a fun thing to do, it’s necessary to your overall health and wellbeing, says psychologist, Lisa S. Larsen.  Yet despite this basic need, many of us are really bad at relaxing.</p> <p> </p> <p>You can thank our modern go-go-go society, she says. “A high-stress lifestyle, which many people lead, puts you constantly in ‘fight or flight’ mode, which can be damaging to your health if there is nothing to actually fight or flee from,” she explains. “But when you employ the relaxation response, your parasympathetic nervous system takes over and helps you rest, digest, and repair yourself.”</p> <p> </p> <p>Relaxation is different for every person – one person’s relaxing day at the beach is another person’s sunburned, sand-in-their-shorts nightmare – so Larsen recommends trying out a variety of things to figure out what gets you into prime relaxation mode. And contrary to popular belief, it doesn’t take an expensive spa day or a trip to another country to make you relax.</p> <p> </p> <p><strong>Go to the botanical gardens</strong></p> <p>Every city offers many local attractions free to the public. And what’s more relaxing than a stroll through a beautifully curated and expertly maintained garden? You get to enjoy all the flowers, trees, and shrub animals without ever having to pull a weed.</p> <p> </p> <p><strong>Build a fort and take a nap in it</strong></p> <p>Forts are a childhood staple, and for good reason: they’re fun! There’s just something so relaxing about snuggling up in a cozy little spot. Make an adult version with a nest of soft blankets, your favourite book, and decadent snacks. For extra magic, string fairy lights across the top.</p> <p> </p> <p><strong>Soak your tired tootsies</strong></p> <p>Foot baths are one of life’s best little luxuries, allowing you to relax in body and spirit. Your feet do all the heavy lifting in your day to day life so don’t you think they deserve a little extra love? You can use a bubbly foot bath if you already own one or simply sit on the edge of a bathtub filled with a few inches of relaxing hot water. Finish off with a little foot massage with scented lotion. (Bonus relaxation points if you can talk someone else into massaging your feet!)</p> <p> </p> <p><strong>Take a swing at your local park</strong></p> <p>Nothing soothes and relaxes a baby like a swinging sensation and, contrary to popular belief, you don’t just grow out of that. Give yourself a gentle rock by heading to the park and swinging under the stars.</p> <p> </p> <p><strong>Go forest bathing</strong></p> <p>‘Forest bathing’ is one of the hottest new wellness trends as simply being outdoors, in nature, offers a host of health benefits, including a deep state of relaxation. Take advantage of this all-natural remedy by walking or hiking through a scenic spot near you.</p> <p> </p> <p><strong>Admire the sunset</strong></p> <p>Sure, the sun rises in the east and sets in the west every day of your life – but this doesn’t mean it isn’t a glorious experience. It’s all too easy to overlook the daily aerial light show, especially as it normally happens during the busiest times of day. So make an effort to sit down, take a deep breath of fresh air, relax, and just watch the sun set on another day.</p> <p> </p> <p><strong>Look through old photo albums</strong></p> <p>Nostalgia can bring back some powerful feelings. Looking through old family pictures or photos can remind you of the comforting sound of your mother’s voice, the safety of your father’s hug, the laughter of your friends, or the peace you found on that island you discovered on that amazing vacation you took years ago. Remembering how quickly life really goes by can help put your daily struggles into perspective, allowing you to relax and go with the flow more.</p> <p> </p> <p><strong>Have some milk and cookies</strong></p> <p>Milk and cookies are a tried-and-true relaxation method and it turns out there’s a scientific reason for that. The carbohydrates in the cookies combine with tryptophan, a calming amino acid found in dairy foods, to induce a powerful feeling of relaxation, according to a study published in Nutritional Health.</p> <p> </p> <p><strong>Tell a favourite childhood story</strong></p> <p>Sharing a favourite memory with a cherished friend or loved one is a great way to relive happy moments while creating new ones. Not only will this bring a smile to your face and help you relax but it’s a great way to help children relax before bedtime.</p> <p> </p> <p><strong>Call a friend</strong></p> <p>Hearing your mum or best friend’s voice has a way of instantly relaxing you in a way a text message or an email just can’t. So, if you need a quick moment of zen, take a moment to call and say hi to a loved one. They’ll appreciate that you’re thinking of them and you’ll get a quick reminder of why you adore them.</p> <p> </p> <p><strong>Sing some YouTube karaoke</strong></p> <p>Happy music triggers happy memories, instantly boosting your mood and relaxing you, according to a study published in Memory &amp; Cognition. Double the effect by singing along to your favourite tunes. You don’t even need a fancy karaoke machine these days, thanks to the millions of free sing-a-long videos on YouTube.</p> <p> </p> <p><strong>Meditate</strong></p> <p>Meditation is one of the most powerful relaxation methods we have, according to a growing body of research. And the best part is that all you need is a quiet place and your mind (and once you get good at it you don’t even necessarily need quiet).</p> <p> </p> <p><strong>Walk your dog</strong></p> <p>Owning a pet has many health benefits, including stress relief and increased relaxation. Simply sitting and petting your furry friend can help you unwind but for the biggest relaxation benefits – for you and for them – take your pup on a walk outdoors.</p> <p> </p> <p><strong>Head to the library</strong></p> <p>Libraries are a free and incredibly useful resource – yet so many of us don’t even have a library card. Going to a quiet, clean library is calming on its own but add in a good book and you’ve got a recipe for hours of relaxation.</p> <p>Even if your local library hasn’t reopened yet, several libraries have apps that allow virtual lending.</p> <p> </p> <p><strong>Fold your laundry</strong></p> <p>Clutter increases anxiety, according to a study published in Current Psychology. So while chores may not be your go-to strategy to relax, doing some light cleaning will allow you to better relax. Plus, some repetitive chores, like folding laundry, can induce a relaxing ‘flow state’ that leads to less stress and greater creativity.</p> <p> </p> <p><strong>Sketch a doodle</strong></p> <p>You don’t have to be an artist to enjoy sketching, doodling, painting, or some other artistic endeavour. One of the main reasons people enjoy it so much is that creating art is innately relaxing, according to a study published in The American Journal of Public Health.</p> <p> </p> <p><strong>Play a sport</strong></p> <p>While some people prefer a solitary run or hike, many people love to relax with others. Playing a group sport, like tennis or a neighbourhood basketball game, can be a great way to get some happy endorphins flowing and have some fun social time.</p> <p> </p> <p><strong>Make some music</strong></p> <p>Do you play the piano? Have a violin sitting in your cupboard? Love the harmonica? Every person has the capacity to make some kind of music. Even if you’re no Mozart or Itzhak Perlman, you can still find a great deal of satisfaction and relaxation in playing your own music. For example, playing the piano changes the way the brain works, helping even amateur pianists become better at tuning out distracting stimuli and helping them to relax, according to a study published in PNAS.</p> <p> </p> <p><strong>Listen to a podcast</strong></p> <p>Podcasts are a huge trend right now, and while some shows (think true crime) may keep you up at night, others are designed to help you relax. Look for a podcast focused on meditation, music, learning, or even bedtime stories to help you find your chill.</p> <p> </p> <p><strong>Have a good belly laugh</strong></p> <p>The process of laughing actually reduces the levels of stress hormones in your body, according to a Japanese study. This makes having a good giggle one of the quickest and easiest ways to relax. Watch a funny video, ask a friend to tell you a joke, look up funny memes, or read your favourite comic.</p> <p> </p> <p><strong>Play a game with a kid</strong></p> <p>You know who never has a problem relaxing? Small children. We are all born with an innate sense of how to chill out but somehow lose that ability as we get older. Get a relaxing reminder by playing a fun game with your kids. It can be physical, like tag, or strategic, like Monopoly, or just silly, like Candy Land. Just make sure you’re not distracted by your phone so you can fully relax in the moment.</p> <p> </p> <p><strong>Have a cup of tea</strong></p> <p>Tea-lovers have known how to relax for millennia. Whether you choose tea or an herbal blend, the combination of warm water and herbs has an immediate soothing effect. Plus, it gives you the opportunity to sit down and take a moment to yourself – just two of the proven health benefits of green tea.</p> <p> </p> <p><strong>Write in a journal</strong></p> <p>Have a hard time relaxing after a stressful day? Pull out your journal! Simply writing out your feelings eases negative feelings and relieves stress, according to a study published in Behaviour Research and Therapy.</p> <p> </p> <p><strong>Read a good book</strong></p> <p>Between texts, emails, and the never-ending stream of content on the internet, most of us read a lot every day. But when it comes to relaxing there’s a difference between reading for work and reading for fun. By picking up a book you allow yourself to get lost in a good story without the risk of distracting electronic notifications.</p> <p> </p> <p><strong>Take a bubble bath</strong></p> <p>Warm water combined with bubbles and perhaps some candles and music are a go-to way to relax after a hard day for a good reason: it works! A bubble bath is the perfect way to shut out the world and let your body and mind unwind.</p> <p> </p> <p><em>Written by Charlotte Hilton Andersen</em><em>. This article first appeared on <a href="https://www.readersdigest.com.au/culture/25-ways-to-relax-that-dont-cost-a-cent">Reader’s Digest</a>. For more of what you love from the world’s best-loved magazine, <a href="http://readersdigest.com.au/subscribe">here’s our best subscription offer</a>.</em></p>

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Global tourism industry may shrink by more than 50 per cent due to the pandemic

<p><span><a href="https://theconversation.com/institutions/university-of-south-florida-1359"></a></span> <a href="https://images.theconversation.com/files/328515/original/file-20200416-192703-1x89lu.png?ixlib=rb-1.1.0&amp;q=45&amp;auto=format&amp;w=1000&amp;fit=clip"><img src="https://images.theconversation.com/files/328515/original/file-20200416-192703-1x89lu.png?ixlib=rb-1.1.0&amp;q=45&amp;auto=format&amp;w=754&amp;fit=clip" alt="" /></a> <span class="caption"></span> <span class="attribution"><a href="http://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-sa/4.0/" class="license">CC BY-SA</a></span></p> <p>Due to the coronavirus, people around the world have canceled their travel plans. Governments and health officials have warned the public to <a href="https://www.cdc.gov/media/releases/2020/s0409-modifications-extension-no-sail-ships.html">avoid boarding cruise ships</a> and <a href="https://www.cdc.gov/coronavirus/2019-ncov/travelers/faqs.html">long flights</a>. <a href="https://www.isitcanceledyet.com/">Major events</a> like conferences, trade shows and <a href="https://www.nbcnews.com/news/world/tokyo-2020-olympics-postponed-over-coronavirus-concerns-n1165046">the Olympics</a> have been canceled or postponed.</p> <p>As a result, many businesses in the travel and tourism industry are likely to find themselves in jeopardy.</p> <p>Predicting the economic impact of the coronavirus right now is akin to participating in a running competition without knowing how long the course is. However, a few things are already clear.</p> <p><strong>Our study</strong></p> <p><a href="https://m3center.org/our-team/">We conducted a study </a> during the third week of March with more than 2,000 travelers from 28 countries. Via Amazon Mechanical Turk, we asked respondents about their travel behaviors during the pandemic.</p> <p>Our study showed that 63.8% of the travelers will reduce their travel plans in the next 12 months. More than half canceled their business travel immediately due to the coronavirus.</p> <p>Results of our study predict that, compared to last year, the travel industry, which includes businesses such as airlines, hotels and restaurants, will shrink by 50% in 2020, which would mean a significant loss of jobs and revenue.</p> <p>The number of international travelers could shrink from <a href="https://www.e-unwto.org/doi/pdf/10.18111/9789284421152">1.4 billion</a> to fewer than 1 billion people. That would be the first time the international traveler number has fallen that low since 2015.</p> <p>We also asked respondents to rate their perceived image of China and Italy, two of the countries hardest hit by the pandemic. Interestingly, U.S. travelers’ image of China and Italy has deteriorated. The image of China was damaged most significantly, as some people blame China for the spread of the virus.</p> <p>However, we expect that this image may recover soon, as research shows that travelers have a <a href="https://doi.org/10.1080/19368623.2011.647264">short memory about the negative aspects of a destination after a disaster</a>.</p> <p><strong>Sizing up the impact</strong></p> <p>The travel industry has faced many challenges in the past, including the 9/11 attacks and the Great Recession, but none are similar in magnitude to the coronavirus. For example, the travel industry <a href="https://link.springer.com/chapter/10.1057/9780230100060_7">shrank by 31.6% after 9/11</a>.</p> <p>In the U.S, the travel and tourism industry <a href="https://www.selectusa.gov/travel-tourism-and-hospitality-industry-united-states">generated US$1.6 trillion in 2017</a> in economic output.</p> <p>A study from Tourism Economics, a company that consults in the tourism sector, predicts that the U.S. tourism industry will lose <a href="https://www.cnbc.com/2020/03/11/coronavirus-travel-industry-could-lose-24-billion-in-tourism-from-outside-us.html">at least $24 billion</a> in 2020, thanks to a widespread loss of spending at restaurants, hotels, theme parks and more.</p> <p>The World Travel and Tourism Council, which represents the global private sector of Travel &amp; Tourism, <a href="https://www.weforum.org/agenda/2020/03/world-travel-coronavirus-covid19-jobs-pandemic-tourism-aviation/">predicts up to 50 million jobs</a> in the global travel industry could be lost.</p> <p>While the economic impact of the coronavirus is significant, its impact on people’s social interaction, too, will likely be felt for years to come.<em><!-- 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 --></em></p> <p><em><a href="https://theconversation.com/profiles/faizan-ali-1032118">Faizan Ali</a>, Assistant Professor, <a href="https://theconversation.com/institutions/university-of-south-florida-1359">University of South Florida</a> and <a href="https://theconversation.com/profiles/cihan-cobanoglu-1033454">Cihan Cobanoglu</a>, McKibbon Endowed Chair Professor, <a href="https://theconversation.com/institutions/university-of-south-florida-1359">University of South Florida</a></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/global-tourism-industry-may-shrink-by-more-than-50-due-to-the-pandemic-134306">original article</a>.</em></p>

International Travel

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Public health expert warns coronavirus “could infect 60 per cent of world’s population”

<p>A leading public health expert who spearheaded the fight against SARS has issued a warning, saying that close to 60 per cent of the world’s population could become infected by the coronavirus.</p> <p>Professor Gabriel Leung, chair of public health medicine at Hong Kong University, is an expert on coronavirus epidemics and played a key role during the SARS outbreak in 2002 and 2003.</p> <p>Sitting down with<span> </span><em>60 Minutes</em><span> </span>on Sunday, he said that COVID-19 is “certainly more infective (than SARS), and it’s also very difficult to try to control it”.</p> <p>“The big unknown now is really how big is the iceberg,” he said.</p> <p>There have now been over 106,000 confirmed cases around the world and close to 3,600 deaths since the outbreak began in December, with a mortality rate of around 3.4 per cent.</p> <p>“I don’t know, but I’m suspecting that (there are many more people infected),” he said.</p> <p>“Everybody is susceptible. If you assume that everybody randomly mix with each other, then eventually you will see 40, 50, 60 per cent of the population get infected.”</p> <p>At current mortality rates for COVID-19, that could mean between 45 and 60 million deaths worldwide – in the first wave alone.</p> <p>“We have to prepare for that possibility that there is a second wave,” he said.</p> <p>In Australia, a third person died due to the virus in a hospital overnight, with authorities reporting the total number of cases sitting at 79 as of Sunday evening.</p> <p>Professor Leung said it was likely there were many more undetected cases.</p> <p>“For every death you would expect to see 80 to 100 cases,” he said.</p> <p>“So if you start seeing deaths first before you start picking up large numbers of cases the only conclusion that one can reasonably and scientifically draw is that you hadn’t been testing nearly early enough or extensively enough. Unless you go and test, you’re not going to find.”</p> <p>He said it didn’t appear that any country had been “completely successful at 100 per cent containment and driving back into the wild”.</p> <p>“There is now an emergency going on and what we must do is very rigorous infection control,” he said.</p> <p>“Now is the time to really pull out all the stops, put everything you got into it to fight it. We have to give it the whole-of-government approach. Give it all you got, throw everything at it quick and early and hard. That will buy you sufficient time and if you’re extremely lucky, you might even be able to contain it.”</p>

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Australia's threatened bird species decline dramatically by 59 per cent over 30 years

<p>Australia’s threatened birds declined by nearly 60% on average over 30 years, according to new research that reveals the true impact on native wildlife of habitat loss, introduced pests, and other human-caused pressures.</p> <p>Alarmingly, migratory shorebirds have declined by 72%. Many of these species inhabit our mudflats and coasts on their migration from Siberia, Alaska or China each year.</p> <p>These concerning figures are revealed in our world-first <a href="https://tsx.org.au/tsx/#/">Threatened Bird Index</a>. The index, now updated with its second year of data, combines over 400,000 surveys at more than 17,000 locations.</p> <p>It’s hoped the results will shed light on where conservation efforts are having success, and where more work must be done.</p> <div class="embed-responsive embed-responsive-16by9"><iframe class="embed-responsive-item" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/tAYQO-sNQp0"></iframe></div> <div class="embed-responsive embed-responsive-16by9"><strong>Bringing conservation efforts together</strong></div> <p>The index found a 59% fall in Australia’s threatened and near threatened bird populations between 1985 and 2016.</p> <p>Migratory shorebirds in South Australia and New South Wales have been worst hit, losing 82% and 88% of their populations, respectively. In contrast, shorebirds in the Northern Territory have increased by 147% since 1985, potentially due to the safe roosting habitat at Darwin Harbour where <a href="http://www.nespthreatenedspecies.edu.au/Project%205.1.1_2018_Lilleyman%20et%20al.pdf">human access to the site is restricted</a>.</p> <p>Habitat loss and pest species (<a href="https://theconversation.com/for-whom-the-bell-tolls-cats-kill-more-than-a-million-australian-birds-every-day-85084">particularly feral cats</a>) are the most common reasons for these dramatic population declines.</p> <p>Many of Australia’s threatened species are monitored by various organisations across the country. In the past there has never been a way to combine and analyse all of this evidence in one place.</p> <p>The Threatened Species Recovery Hub created the index to bring this information together. It combines 17,328 monitoring “time series” for threatened and near threatened bird species and subspecies. This means going back to the same sites in different years and using the same monitoring method, so results over time can be compared.</p> <p>Over the past year the amount of data underpinning the index has grown considerably and now includes more than 400,000 surveys, across 43 monitoring programs on 65 bird species and subspecies, increasing our confidence in these alarming trends.</p> <p>About one-third of Australia’s threatened and near threatened birds are in the index but that proportion is expected to grow. As more quality data becomes available, the index will get more powerful, meaningful and representative. For the first time Australia will be able to tell how our threatened species are going overall, and which groups are doing better or worse, which is vital to identifying which groups and regions most need help.</p> <p><strong>Finding the trends</strong></p> <p>Trends can be calculated for any grouping with at least three species. A grouping might include all threatened species in a state or territory, all woodland birds or all migratory shorebirds.</p> <p>The 59% average decrease in threatened bird relative abundance over the last 30 years is very similar to the global wildlife trends reported by the 2018 <a href="https://wwf.panda.org/knowledge_hub/all_publications/living_planet_report_2018/">Living Planet Report</a>. Between 1970 and 2014, global average mammal, fish, bird, amphibian and reptile populations <a href="http://theconversation.com/tipping-point-huge-wildlife-loss-threatens-the-life-support-of-our-small-planet-106037">fell by 60%</a>.</p> <p>One valuable feature of the Threatened Species Index is a <a href="https://tsx.org.au/tsx">visualisation tool</a> which allows anyone to explore the wealth of data, and to look at trends for states and territories.</p> <p>For instance, in Victoria by 2002 threatened birds had dropped to a bit more than half of their numbers in 1985 on average (60%), but they have remained fairly constant since then.</p> <p>We can also look at different bird groups. Threatened migratory shorebirds have had the largest declines, with their numbers down by more than 72% since 1985. Threatened terrestrial birds, on the other hand, have decreased in relative abundance by about 51% between 2000 and the year 2016, and show a relatively stable trend since 2006.</p> <p><strong>Making the index better</strong></p> <p>The index is being expanded to reveal trends in species other than birds. Monitoring data on threatened mammals and threatened plants is being assembled. Trends for these groups will be released in 2020, providing new insights into how a broader range of Australia’s threatened species are faring.</p> <p>This research is led by the University of Queensland in close partnership with BirdLife Australia, and more than 40 partners from research, government, and non-government organisations. Collaboration on such a scale is unprecedented, and provides extremely detailed information.</p> <p>The index team are continuing to work with monitoring organisations across Australia to expand the amount of sites, and the number of species included in the index. We applaud the dedicated researchers, managers and citizen scientists from every corner of the country who have been assembling this data for the nation.</p> <p>We’d also like to hear from community groups, consultants and other groups that have been monitoring threatened or near-threatened species, <a href="http://www.nespthreatenedspecies.edu.au/3.1%20TSX%20data%20usage%20findings%20factsheet.pdf">collecting data</a> at the same site with the same method in multiple years.</p> <p>The Threatened Species Index represents more than just data. Over time it will give us a window into the results of our collective conservation efforts.</p> <hr /> <p><em>This article also received input from James O'Connor (BirdLife Australia) and Hugh Possingham (The Nature Conservancy).<!-- 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; text-shadow: none !important;" src="https://counter.theconversation.com/content/128114/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: http://theconversation.com/republishing-guidelines --></em></p> <p><em><a href="https://theconversation.com/profiles/elisa-bayraktarov-411460">Elisa Bayraktarov</a>, Postdoctoral Research Fellow in Conservation Biology, <a href="http://theconversation.com/institutions/the-university-of-queensland-805">The University of Queensland</a> and <a href="https://theconversation.com/profiles/jaana-dielenberg-557036">Jaana Dielenberg</a>, Science Communication Manager, <a href="http://theconversation.com/institutions/the-university-of-queensland-805">The University of Queensland</a></em></p> <p><em>This article is republished from <a href="http://theconversation.com">The Conversation</a> under a Creative Commons license. Read the <a href="https://theconversation.com/australias-threatened-birds-declined-by-59-over-the-past-30-years-128114">original article</a>.</em></p>

Family & Pets

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Alan Jones’ radio show revenue down by 50 per cent following Jacinda Ardern comment

<p><span>Alan Jones’ 2GB morning radio show has lost around half its advertising revenue following brands’ boycott over the host’s comments about New Zealand Prime Minister Jacinda Ardern.</span></p> <p><span>More than 80 companies – including Big W, Bunnings, Bing Lee and ME Bank – have pulled their advertising from Jones’ program since he commented in August that Ardern should have a sock shoved “down her throat”.</span></p> <p><span>According to <em><a href="https://www.smh.com.au/business/companies/alan-jones-advertising-boycott-likely-to-cost-1-million-20190831-p52mqh.html">The Sydney Morning Herald</a></em>, the ad boycott had cost 2GB about $1 million in lost revenue in September, and the amount could rise up to <a href="https://www.msn.com/en-au/news/australia/alan-jones-radio-show-revenue-down-by-50pc-as-boycott-bites/ar-BBXfdWb?li=AAgfLCP">$6 million on an annualised basis</a>.</span></p> <p><span>Jones re-signed a two-year contract worth $4 million a year in May. In August, Nine chief executive Hugh Marks said the shock jock is worth <a href="https://www.smh.com.au/business/companies/macquarie-could-survive-the-loss-of-alan-jones-nine-ceo-hugh-marks-20190822-p52joo.html">10 per cent of Macquarie Media’s total revenue</a>.</span></p> <p><span>The comment on Ardern was the latest in a string of on-air blunders for Jones. In 2012, <a href="https://www.abc.net.au/triplej/programs/hack/alan-jones-boycott-data-shows-drop-in-ads-for-2gb/11487166">more than 70 companies pulled their advertising</a> after Jones suggested that Julia Gillard’s late father “died of shame” over his daughter telling lies in parliament, costing the network as much as $80,000 a day.</span></p> <p><span>In 2018, Jones apologised to Opera House CEO Louise Herron after suggesting she <a href="https://womensagenda.com.au/latest/alan-jones-influence-cant-stop-the-100000-plus-supporting-louise-herron/">should be sacked</a> for refusing to have a horse-racing promotion projected on the building’s sails.</span></p>

News

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New study shows 80 per cent of Aussie household water goes to waste

<p>As regional Australian towns face the prospect of <a href="https://www.smh.com.au/national/nsw/plan-c-is-a-problem-a-town-without-ground-water-nears-day-zero-20191022-p53334.html">running out of water</a>, it’s time to ask why Australia does not make better use of recycled wastewater.</p> <p>The technology to reliably and safely make clean, drinkable water from all sources, including sewage, has existed for <a href="https://www.applied.org.au/wp-content/uploads/2019/04/drinking-water-through-recycling-full-report.pdf">at least a decade</a>. Further, <a href="https://www.pc.gov.au/inquiries/completed/water-reform/national-water-initiative-agreement-2004.pdf">government policy</a> has for a long time allowed for recycled water to ensure supply.</p> <p>The greatest barrier to the widespread use of recycled wastewater is community acceptance. Research from around the world found the best way to overcome reluctance is to embrace education and rigorously ensure the highest quality water treatment.</p> <p style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://images.theconversation.com/files/298470/original/file-20191024-31434-187ua6o.jpg?ixlib=rb-1.1.0&amp;q=45&amp;auto=format&amp;w=1000&amp;fit=clip"><img style="display: block; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;" src="https://images.theconversation.com/files/298470/original/file-20191024-31434-187ua6o.jpg?ixlib=rb-1.1.0&amp;q=45&amp;auto=format&amp;w=754&amp;fit=clip" alt="" /></a> <em><span class="caption">In 2006 Toowoomba voted against introducing recycled water, despite extensive drought gripping the area.</span> <span class="attribution"><a href="https://www.flickr.com/photos/allanhenderson/2351100815/in/photolist-nQkp38-4zL1mX-aDPpEZ-aDPpLV-fEdSCh-hvcdT7-nQiamA-o7ESdb-fEdQK7-NyMorG-o7Mtex-hvcFhN-nMBXnf-29iZvnt-uobZDu-uEkpLu" class="source">Allan Henderson/Flickr</a>, <a href="http://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0/" class="license">CC BY</a></span></em></p> <p style="text-align: left;"><strong>Why not use stormwater?</strong></p> <p>Many people are happy to use recycled stormwater, while being reluctant to cook, drink or wash with recycled household wastewater. But there are technical, cost and supply issues with relying on stormwater to meet our country’s water needs. Stormwater has to be cleaned before it is used, the supply can be irregular as it is reliant upon rain, and it has to be stored somewhere for use.</p> <p>On the other hand, household wastewater (which is what goes into the sewerage system from sinks, toilets, washing machines and so on) is a more consistent supply, with <a href="https://blogs.ei.columbia.edu/2011/04/04/from-wastewater-to-drinking-water/">80% or more</a> of household water leaving as wastewater.</p> <p>Furthermore, wastewater goes to treatment plants already, so there is a system of pipes to transport it and places which already treat it, including advanced treatment plants that can treat the water to be clean enough for a range of purposes. There are strong economic, environmental and practical arguments for investing more effort in reusing wastewater to meet our water supply needs.</p> <p>This water can be used for households, industry, business and agriculture, greening public spaces, fighting fires, and topping up rivers or groundwater.</p> <p><strong>The water cycle</strong></p> <p>Technically, all water is recyled; indeed we are drinking the <a href="https://www.xplorationstation.com/">same water as the dinosaurs</a>. Put very simply, water evaporates, forms clouds and falls as rain, and is either absorbed into the earth and captured underground or filtered through rock and goes back again into oceans and rivers.</p> <p>When we capture and reuse water, we are not making more water, but speeding up the water cycle so we can reuse it more quickly.</p> <p><a href="https://images.theconversation.com/files/298473/original/file-20191024-31471-1tnktt1.jpg?ixlib=rb-1.1.0&amp;q=45&amp;auto=format&amp;w=1000&amp;fit=clip"><img src="https://images.theconversation.com/files/298473/original/file-20191024-31471-1tnktt1.jpg?ixlib=rb-1.1.0&amp;q=45&amp;auto=format&amp;w=754&amp;fit=clip" alt="" /></a> <span class="caption">Not pictured: the many, many animals and people every drop of water has passed through over millennia.</span> <span class="attribution"><span class="source">Wikimedia Commons</span>, <a href="http://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-sa/4.0/" class="license">CC BY-SA</a></span></p> <p>We do already <a href="http://www.awa.asn.au/AWA_MBRR/Publications/Fact_Sheets/Water_Recycling_Fact_Sheet/AWA_MBRR/Publications/Fact_Sheets/Water_Recycling_Fact_Sheet.aspx?hkey=54c6e74b-0985-4d34-8422-fc3f7523aa1d">reuse wastewater</a> in Australia, with many parts of regional Australia cleaning wastewater and releasing it into rivers. That water is then extracted for use by places downstream.</p> <p>Despite this, there have been significant community objections to building new infrastructure to reuse wastewater for household use. In 2006, at the height of the Millennium drought, Toowoomba <a href="https://www.bbc.com/future/article/20160105-why-we-will-all-one-day-drink-recycled-wastewater">rejected the idea</a> entirely.</p> <p>However, since then a scheme has been <a href="https://www.watercorporation.com.au/water-supply/our-water-sources/recycled-water">successfully established</a> in Perth. We must examine these issues again in light of the current drought, which sees a number of Australian regional centres facing the prospect of <a href="https://meltwaternews.com/ext/mediac/213698325.pdf">running out of water</a>.</p> <p><strong>Lessons from overseas</strong></p> <p style="text-align: center;"><em><a href="https://images.theconversation.com/files/298467/original/file-20191024-31453-10p3sbb.jpg?ixlib=rb-1.1.0&amp;q=45&amp;auto=format&amp;w=1000&amp;fit=clip"><img style="display: block; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;" src="https://images.theconversation.com/files/298467/original/file-20191024-31453-10p3sbb.jpg?ixlib=rb-1.1.0&amp;q=45&amp;auto=format&amp;w=754&amp;fit=clip" alt="" /></a> <span class="caption">Singapore has had enormous success in reusing wastewater for all kinds of purposes.</span> <span class="attribution"><span class="source">EPA/HOW HWEE YOUNG</span></span></em></p> <p>Despite initial reluctance, many places around the world have successfully introduced extensive wastewater recycling. Places such as Singapore, Essex, California, New Mexico, and Virginia widely use it.</p> <p>Recent research from the <a href="https://www.wsaa.asn.au/publications">Water Services Association of Australia</a>, working with other research bodies, found several key lessons.</p> <p>Firstly, the language we use is important. Phrases like “<a href="https://www.afr.com/companies/toilettotap-back-on-the-agenda-as-nsw-looks-again-at-recycled-water-20180919-h15kqh">toilet to tap</a>” are unhelpful as they don’t emphasise the extensive treatment processes involved.</p> <p>The social media and news outlets can play an significant role here. In Orange County, California, wastewater was introduced through a slow process of building acceptance. Influential individuals were enlisted to explain and advocate for its uses.</p> <p>Secondly, communities need time and knowledge, particularly about safety and risks. Regulators play an important role in reassuring communities. In San Diego, a demonstration plant gave many people the opportunity to see the treatment process, drink the water and participate in education.</p> <p>We need to go beyond information to deep consultation and education, understanding where people are starting from and acknowledging that people from different cultures and backgrounds may have different attitudes.</p> <p>El Paso successfully introduced wastewater through strong engagement with the media and significant investment in community education, including explaining the water cycle.</p> <p>Finally, quality of the water needs to be great and it needs to come from a trustworthy source. The more it happens, and people know that, the more likely they are to feel reassured.</p> <p>It’s clear the public expect governments to plan and act to secure our future water supply. But we can’t just impose possibly distasteful solutions – instead, the whole community needs to be part of the conversation.<!-- 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; text-shadow: none !important;" src="https://counter.theconversation.com/content/125798/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: http://theconversation.com/republishing-guidelines --></p> <p><em><a href="https://theconversation.com/profiles/roberta-ryan-172068">Roberta Ryan</a>, Professor, UTS Institute for Public Policy and Governance and UTS Centre for Local Government, <a href="http://theconversation.com/institutions/university-of-technology-sydney-936">University of Technology Sydney</a></em></p> <p><em>This article is republished from <a href="http://theconversation.com">The Conversation</a> under a Creative Commons license. Read the <a href="https://theconversation.com/80-of-household-water-goes-to-waste-we-need-to-get-it-back-125798">original article</a>.</em></p>

Domestic Travel

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Important driving technique 95 per cent of Aussies don’t know

<p><span style="font-weight: 400;">As many Australians get their licence out of necessity due to the sheer size of the country, it’s safe to say that they generally think they’re pretty knowledgeable when it comes to driving. </span></p> <p><span style="font-weight: 400;">However, there is one important skill that a large majority have never even heard of.</span></p> <p><span style="font-weight: 400;">New research done by Ford Australia has found that 95 per cent of Australian drivers don’t know about the “Dutch Reach”.</span></p> <p><span style="font-weight: 400;">This revelation comes as Ford offers its free Driving Skills for Life (DSFL) course as part of a push to help new and young drivers boost their skills behind the wheel.</span></p> <p><span style="font-weight: 400;">The Dutch Reach is a simple technique where a driver uses their far hand to open the car door. That forces drivers to look behind and check for cyclists as they reach over their body. </span></p> <p><span style="font-weight: 400;">Ford Australia and New Zealand CEO Kay Hart said the results said that there’s a serious need for more education around skills that can improve cyclist safety.</span></p> <p><span style="font-weight: 400;">“We know from our research that many drivers don’t feel confident driving around cyclists and that many cyclists are nervous being on the road with vehicles,” Ms Hart said to </span><a href="https://www.news.com.au/technology/innovation/motoring/on-the-road/important-driving-technique-that-95-per-cent-of-aussies-dont-know/news-story/a682dad698fba72954e9f5d5a74288fb"><span style="font-weight: 400;">news.com.au</span></a><span style="font-weight: 400;">.</span></p> <p><span style="font-weight: 400;">“That’s why it’s so important to include a driver-cyclist safety component in DSFL this year.”</span></p> <p><span style="font-weight: 400;">A massive 68 per cent of cyclists said that they were concerned every time a vehicle passed them on the road. </span></p>

Money & Banking

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Chaos in stores as BIG W launches 80 per cent off sale

<p>BIG W has launched a massive clearance sale with thousands of items heavily discounted, some up to 80 per cent off.</p> <p>The budget department store has had a tough run this year, with the announcement in July that 30 of its stores would be closing.</p> <p> Some items available in the clearance sale start from just $1.</p> <p>Discounted brands include the much-loved Dyson, with the brand’s vacuums reduced to $449. The Dyson V7 Origin cordless vacuum has had $200 slashed off the price, making it available at $399.</p> <p><img style="width: 0px; height: 0px;" src="https://oversixtydev.blob.core.windows.net/media/7830426/big-w-body.jpg" alt="" data-udi="umb://media/2b576de8d5e94b9a8162bf2e769eb9fa" /></p> <p>A huge range of toys are available in the clearance sale, including Lego, Marvel and Disney brands available at a large discount.</p> <p>Bedding, beauty products, exercise and fitness gear, camping equipment and luggage are also included in the sale.</p> <p>There’s 40 per cent off on Covergirl, Maybelline, Max Factor X and L’Oreal cosmetics as well as 30 per cent off Logitech computer equipment.</p> <p>If you finally want to get into meal prepping or just have a better way to store your food, the department store is offering ½ price on Décor food storage.</p> <p>The clearance sale is online and in store and is available while stocks last. Some deals are only available until the 19th<span> </span><span> </span><span> </span><br />of September, so get in quick!</p>

Home & Garden

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Massive BIG W flash sale with 50 per cent off major brands

<p>Big W has revealed a surprise flash sale, with significant discounts on electronics, appliances and various goods.</p> <p>The discount department store has slashed 50 per cent off major brands, including Sony, Dyson and Tefal.</p> <p><img style="width: 500px; height: 196.664px; display: block; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;" src="https://oversixtydev.blob.core.windows.net/media/7829821/bigwflash.png" alt="" data-udi="umb://media/adc791f1503a4072a7f321f1c1aa4b84" /></p> <p style="text-align: center;"><em>Big W's Flash Sale is on until 11.59pm tonight.</em></p> <p>Among the biggest savings is the Sony 65” Ultra HDR Smart TV, which has been reduced by $750 to come in at $999. Sizeable price cuts have also been applied to Viano 55” Smart LED LCD TV, which was marked down by $320 to come in at $379.</p> <p>Other household appliances are also discounted – Dyson Hot &amp; Cool Fan Heater is down from $599 to $399.</p> <p>Gadget enthusiasts can enjoy markdowns on Fitbit watches, which are now $239 apiece. Cameras are also on offer, with Canon EOS 3000D DSLR Camera going from $599 to $399.</p> <p>Some kitchen items are also included in the flash sale, such as Breville Nespresso coffee machine – which was brought down from $299 to $169 – and NutriBullets for $199.</p> <p> There are also hairdryers, luggage, slow cookers and Tefal frypans going for up to 50 per cent off.</p> <p>The sale, which is on now, ends tonight at 11.59pm.</p>

Home & Garden

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