IT IS easy to wonder if we as individuals can do anything at all about climate change.
However, I was heartened by your report of the two women who are focusing on the positives of what some people are doing, "Rising above climate of fear" (WT, December 9).
Over the last few years, we have tried to change some of the habits instilled into us in the name of good housekeeping, especially in the saving of power and water.
Since being entirely responsible for our own water supply via tanks, we only wash dishes about once a day.
We stack the day's dishes neatly on the sink and wash them in the morning. I certainly don't feel embarrassed when visitors call for a chat and cuppa.
As we are a household of only two, I now do what used to be the weekly laundry once a month.
I soak soiled articles and underclothes the night before the event. No one has even hinted that we look less immaculate than anyone else!
We have a twin-tub washing machine, which is primitive by today's standards, but uses less water.
The greywater from the machine, as well as that from the once-a-day washing, is run through grass filter and waters our vegetables garden.
My husband obtained discarded hot-water cylinders from his favourite shopping place - the council tip - and cut them in half in which to grow our vegetables.
These are hooked up to the greywater by a handy bloke-designed watering system.
Our extensive shady garden is watered solely from the sky.
Plants are propagated by seed and cuttings in a shade house, and water to get them growing is collected in containers under every piece of iron or shade cloth on the property.
No old paint buckets, ice-cream containers or receptacles of any description find their way into our recycle bin, which is only put out about once a month.
A recycled fridge makes a good tool cupboard, an upturned chair frame provides a rack for rubber boots, and converted wheelbarrows and fridge backs provide good garden seating.
We have no need for air conditioning in summer as our windows are covered by day with lined curtaining and opened at night.
Power points not in use are always turned off and clothes are always air-dried on a clothes line, or inside by the fire if it is raining.
I was amazed to learn recently that clothes lines are banned in some areas, and 80 per cent of US households have a tumble dryer.
We are constantly thinking about ways to save energy and water and although we can't stop climate change by ourselves, we can at least try to do our bit.
Melva Graham, Harcourt, Victoria
- Living in a material world
I AM worried about the materialistic world my grandchildren are growing up in.
Anna Geldenhuys, Nerang, Qld
- Climate concern
AN ISSUE that is important to me is climate change.
Belinda Bonello, Englorie Park, NSW
