Eating organic – is it better for you?

Fruits and vegetables

While we might take some care over our diet, and try to eat healthy food, we often don’t know what was done to the food before we purchased it (unless we grew it ourselves!)

One issue is pesticide use, and the residues that might end up in the food we eat. While most recognise that there is a need to use pesticides and other chemicals in food production (at least to some degree), the use of chemicals is often one of the reasons many prefer organic food.

But does eating organic really make a difference? A study from Sweden says it does – after eating organic food for two weeks, the pesticide levels in their bodies was reduced markedly.

The links below have more information on this study:

The Organic Effect YouTube video

The Organic Effect Report

Further links on this topic are below:

Food – pesticides and other chemicals – Better Health Channel

Eating organic food significantly lowers pesticide exposure: study (www.theconversation.com)

 

Posted by Peter Verrion. To keep up to date with information about conservation issues, please subscribe to the blog at https://clmconnections.wordpress.com/

Reptile Workshop and Hands-on Encounter (Kerang, Wedderburn & Glenlyon)

Free Reptile Workshop and Hands-on Encounter With Snakeman Raymond Hoser

Details:  North Central Catchment Management Authority (CMA) invites you to attend a free workshop for Landcarers and their families to learn about the management of reptiles in the north central region and help us all co-exist.
Get up closer than ever before to touch, hold and experience The Snakeman’s stunning array of snakes, lizards, turtles and frogs.

Snakeman Raymond Hoser has written definitive books and scientific papers on reptiles and other wildlife. He will safely guide you through your encounter with the cold-blooded critters, including humanly de-venomised snakes, so you and your Landcare group know the correct course of action should your paths cross while working on a project.

Raymond will also provide valuable information on how to encourage some of our reptilian friends to thrive through the use of tools including frog ponds and turtle habitat. Expand your knowledge on species, habitat and management tools with this fun, friendly and interactive workshop.

If you’re interested in coming along to one of these no cost and spectacular evenings, please RSVP by the 27 February to North Central Catchment Management Authority on 03 5448 7124 or email amelia.morris@nccma.vic.gov.au with your name and number of people attending. Places are limited and light refreshments will be provided.

DATE: Tuesday 21 April 2015
LOCATION: Kerang and District Community Centre 49 Wellington Road, Kerang.
TIME: 5.30pm  – 7.30pm 

DATE: Wednesday 22 April 2015
LOCATION: Wedderburn Community House 24 Wilson Street, Wedderburn
TIME: 5.30pm  – 7.30pm 

DATE: Thursday 23 April 2015
LOCATION: Glenlyon Hall Daylesford-Malmsbury Road, Glenlyon
TIME: 5.30pm  – 7.30pm 

Click here to download the workshop brochure (PDF).

For more information on the snakes of Victoria, feel free to visit http://www.whatsnakeisthat.com.au/vic.html

Posted by Michael Luke. To keep up to date with information about conservation issues, please subscribe to the blog at https://clmconnections.wordpress.com/

Land Management careers survey

We need your help to educate prospective students about careers in Land Management.

The Integrated Land Management Curriculum for Victoria (ILMCV) is currently developing a careers and education/training information website to inspire and educate prospective students on the many possible careers that exists in land management and what qualifications are needed to get them there.  

Our market research has shown that prospective students have a relatively poor understanding of potential careers in land management and with your help we plan to change this. We are after information on the latest roles that exist in land management careers, what type of qualifications are needed to obtain these roles, the activities that would be expected of someone in this role, e.g. on a typical day.  In particular, we are interested in finding out the link between the level of qualification attained and the corresponding roles that exist within a career.    

In this survey you will be asked to tell us about a career pathway you are familiar with, and outline possible roles that a Diploma, Advanced Diploma, Bachelor, Graduate Certificate/Diploma or Masters graduate would be suited to at an entry level.

This survey should take about 15-20 minutes and will available until the 20th of February 2015. Here’s the link: https://www.surveymonkey.com/s/Land_management_careers

Information provided in this survey will be used to create up to date information on land management careers for prospective students that are linked directly to qualifications that will get them there, and will be published on a soon to be created website.  

Your privacy will be protected. The survey responses are completely anonymous, and any identifying information (e.g. to receive a gift) will not be connected to your responses.

Be in the chance to win a prize! 

The first 100 properly completed surveys will each receive a $10 Coles Group and Myer Gift Voucher.

This survey could be undertaken multiple times however you will be limited to a maximum of 2 gift vouchers per person.

What is the ILMCV?

The ILMCV is an initiative aimed at fostering and strengthening collaboration and cooperation between tertiary education providers of land management education and training in Western Victoria to enhance opportunities for Western Victorians to undertake and complete tertiary education and training. The ILMCV consortium comprises The University of Melbourne, Federation University, Bendigo TAFE, Sunraysia Institute of TAFE, Timber Training Creswick and South West Institute of TAFE.  Courses outlined in this survey are either currently available or being developed as part of the project. ILMCV is funded by the Victorian Department of Education and Early Childhood Development.

For further information please feel free to contact the Program Director Antanas Spokevicius via e-mail: avjs@unimelb.edu.au or phone: 03 5321 4153

Thank you very much for any help you can provide us!

The ILMCV Team

Posted by CLM Connections admin. To keep up to date with information about conservation issues, please subscribe to the blog at https://clmconnections.wordpress.com/

Links to recent articles:

Below are some links to recent articles we have come across – we thought you may be interested:

Data shows human pressure on Earth reaching critical level

How Reducing Food Waste Could Ease Climate Change

‘Project Eyes’ tackles pirate fishing with satellites and algorithms

Green miles: collecting energy from traffic

 

Posted by Peter Verrion. To keep up to date with information about conservation issues, please subscribe to the blog at https://clmconnections.wordpress.com/

What can we do? Have your say

We recently come across some articles that lead us to ask ‘what are we doing?!’ The articles are linked below:

Ocean Life Faces Mass Extinction, Broad Study Says (NYTimes)

Scientists: Human activity has pushed Earth beyond 4 of 9 ‘planetary boundaries’ (Chicago Trubune)

What can we do? Is there one simple action, or is there a range of activities and actions we each need to take.

Take the poll below and let us know your thoughts. If what you think isn’t listed, add your preferred option(s) to the comments:

 

Posted by Peter Verrion. To keep up to date with information about conservation issues, please subscribe to the blog at https://clmconnections.wordpress.com/