Melbourne Week 1: An Environmentally Conscious City

     Hello all! This post hits near and dear to my heart, as much of what I do ends up becoming a reflection on how our actions as groups of people affects our world around us. I constantly find myself asking, are we doing the right thing? Are we doing enough? Is there a better way to do it? In Cincinnati, I'm proud to say we've started to frame these questions correctly, and I believe we are on the right path and beginning to make the right choices. Upon first stepping foot in Melbourne, I was blown away by the variety and depth of environmental consideration this city takes. There are varying levels of commitment and progress, but the one which struck me first - and hardest - was the everyday choices that citizens, families, business owners, and local governments all make to decrease their negative impact on the environment around them. The following is only a slice of the immense sustainability pie being baked here, but I hope you all view my observations the same way in which I did, with positive optimism.

Recycling. Everywhere.

It's harder for me to find a recycling bin than a trash bin in Melbourne.

     Recycling is certainly something I think most Americans take for granted, don't use properly, or don't use at all. We have home recycling, like many countries, but if I am ever out on a walk, in the city center, or really anywhere outside my house (or campus), it is nearly impossible to find a simple recycling can. I must either resort to throwing something recycling in the trash, or carrying recycling around until I get home. It's nowhere on the streets, seldom in restaurants, and begrudgingly absent in most offices and work areas.

      To most, recycling is something "that society should do, but not me." It's a sad fact, but most regard it as an inconvenience. Why would I recycle something when I already have a bin for trash? I could go on and on about the issues and errors in this statement, but I'm here to talk about the beauty of Melbourne's recycling system. Like Cincinnati, Melbourne touts a co-mingled recycling program, where all types of recyclables can be put together. What's the difference then? Accessibility. From my observations after a full days adventure around the city, Melbourne actually has more recycling bins than trash bins. And they are everywhere. Street corners, parks, bathrooms, coffee shops, corner stores, sport stadiums, and everywhere in between.

I wouldn't be surprised if the mentality here is, why have a trash bin when you can recycle anything, anywhere? 

Water Conservation and Efficiency

     None of Melbourne's everyday sustainable choices are that surprising. However, they are incredibly effective. Melbourne, a part of the Victorian Region, has experienced serious drought for the past several decades. The city has responded appropriately and swiftly, and thus, has coped effectively with this water shortage. Melbourne's Federal Square is a main gathering place for its citizens. Hosting community events, concerts, performances, and being surrounded by art galleries and other local attractions, it has a high visibility for tourists and city-dwellers alike. 

     On my group's wander through Melbourne, I found myself ogling the small sign positioned above each stall and urinal in the community space's bathroom: "This toilet is flushed with sustainable rainwater collected  at Federation Square." I honestly was speechless. The foresight and planning which had surrounded this space was phenomenal.

     Another note on sanitary water use, I have yet to see a toilet or urinal in Australia that is not dual flush. It's not an impressive feature to any Aussie, I'm sure, because it is expected and understood as the right choice. This kind of consciousness about environmental choices is a hope of mine for Cincinnati and the entire United States.

Architectural Sustainability and Adaptive Reuse

Seaside buildings, adaptive reuse, and forward-thinking renovation.

     Stepping off the Melbourne train at Southern Cross station, any tourist would be floored with their architectural feats. Perhaps more subtle, but still incredible (in my opinion) is the architectural consideration which help to passively control changing weather conditions. Vertical shading, optimally places windows, and other innovations help to control the heat exchange and minimize energy cost for buildings.

     I am studying at Deakin University's Geelong campus (about an hour from Melbourne), which is in the process of renovating all its buildings, taking special considerations for its specific climate and weather patterns. The most impressive part of these building designs, however, is the reuse of the old buildings on their site. Geelong saw massive economic success from the mid 19th century until the 1950s due to the wool industry. Massive manufacturing buildings sprouted along its harbor area to accommodate the trade. After this success waned, these buildings were vacated, and have remained so until recently. The buildings have now been refurbished and reused by Deakin University to find new homes for its growing student body at this campus. 

The Environmental Mentality 

While there is more than one meaning in this street art, its commentary on the environment rings true.

     "Mother of Christ, save me from this toxic city full of parasites." While this message, etched above a famous alley known for its street art, may seem to dispel all the praise I've given to Melbourne, it really shows the tenacity and forwardness of Melbourne's citizens. Yes, they have made massive accomplishments as an environmentally conscious city, but its citizen know there is much more to be done. Furthermore, these citizens do not expect their government to simply make all of these choices, but instead take matters into their own hands.
     In downtown Geelong, more than "solar energy solutions" small business sits between coffee shop and novelty stores, thriving just as much as any other small business. Families tout huge solar panels, covering their roofs. I find rainwater barrels in every other garden in the neighborhood. Bike lanes command a section of nearly every street. It is a beautiful place to live.

     What's exciting about this post, to me, is that I am only talking about the citizen-level of environmental contributions. Stay tuned for my investigation of city level projects in my next post!