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Organic farming

A distant shot of the Byron Bay lighthouse, the cliffs and ocean.

I was the manager of a farm called ReGenesis in New South Wales. It was an organic farm. Organic farming is when no artificial chemicals are used on the soil and plants. We grew fruit and vegetables and sold them to local restaurants and pubs. The farm had small cows that helped keep the grass short. We also planted trees for harvesting and replaced native bush and plants. The farm was a beautiful place to work. It was near the ocean. After a long day of work I would go for a swim at the beach.

Posted by: Barney Nolan, on 19/03/12

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Saving energy and money

An old fashioned screw-in lightbulb

A report from the Australian Bureau of Statistics recently looked at the cost of living. It suggests energy costs have not risen in real terms for the past 20 years. But I do not fit into the category of an average Australian. My bills now seem very high. I now earn a lot less than I used to. I also have much higher bills from being at home more. I have tried to reduce my electricity consumption. I have installed fans, curtains and sky-lights. But I would like to do more. I would like to hear your tips for saving energy and money.

Posted by: Camille Condon, on 23/09/11

4 comments - last comment on 22/01/12

Why I love gardening

An orange tree next to broccoli plants in a suburban backyard

My backyard was overgrown with weeds. I had to get to work. I grew to enjoy gardening. Digging up vegetable beds made me feel like I was putting some effort into life. Pruning distracted me from health problems. Weeding and watering helped me think of solutions to problems. I also enjoyed experimenting in the garden. I discovered the healing properties of the weed spurge. Gardening engaged my senses, especially touch. I became more aware of the environment. I also had delicious fruit and vegetables to eat and share.

Posted by: Graham Clements, on 31/08/11

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Saving with a disability

A drawing of a pink piggybank with a one dollar coin above its money slot.

Having a disability is expensive. There can be a lot of medical costs. We also tend to earn less money than the average. It makes saving money a real challenge. I try to save as much money as I can. I want to be independent from my parents. I also want to no longer need the Disability Support Pension. I am saving for a house, car and holidays. I try to not spend money on things I do not need. I would feel proud to be financially independent. I want to be seen as a valuable member of society.

Posted by: Carl Thompson, on 23/08/11

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Blooming good results

Potatoes, radishes and other winter vegetables grown in the Sprout Community garden

You do not need your own land to start gardening. You can get involved in a community garden. A community garden lets people grow food and other plants. It is also a chance to stay active and meet other people. I recently joined some neighbours to create a garden at our local train station. Working together was fun. There is a similar project at Thornbury station called Sprout. Their garden has flourished. Food from the garden is sold at a stall on Thursdays. There are many other ways of turning unused space into gardens.

Posted by: Jen Hargrave, on 10/08/11

1 comment - last comment on 10/08/11

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