SDG 7: Clean energy

I have decided to plant a tree on every occasion in my life. I commit to secure the future of our coming generation by planting and gifting a tree on my birthday, parents birthday, siblings anniversary to my dogs birthday. I chose to plant Areca palm or gift money plant as these oxygen increasing plants benefit the lifestyle by improving the air quality in and around the house.I chose to spread the awareness of securing the future with this small deed on your special day.

Completed the building science training for net zero energy home design offered by solar decathlon US.

As an upcoming engineer, my aim is to create environmentally sustainable net zero-energy homes which can generate as much renewable energy as it consumes

I was inspired by Monash's "One Step" Campaign, because it illustrated how we have so many opportunities throughout the day to live a more sustainable lifestyle. Therefore, this is basically my journey. And I will post about choices that I feel are significant to MY LIFE AS A STUDENT and how my current situation presents me with every day choices to live a more sustainable or, as my title suggests, make choices while being conscious of their effects on the world. I am starting with... walking to school or taking the bus from the Bus Loop! (I haven't purchased a bike, as all of my classes are in the evening and I'm not comfortable with biking in the dark) YAY for lower carbon emissions!

By only cooking meals that are vegetarian/pescatarian (and cooking at home more often than eating out), my overall meat intake will drastically reduce. Though it is theorised that going fully vegetarian can cut one's carbon footprint in half (which is an amazing incentive to do so), it is unlikely that everyone will be able or willing to make this drastic change, due to habitual eating patterns and different biological needs. However, the 'flexitarian' option provides a perfect and realistic solution, since it allows for the consumer to enjoy the occasional 'meat' meal whilst remaining vegetarian for the majority of the time. Thus, by even just reducing one's meat intake (and not cutting it out completely) we can massively improve our current environmental situation, in a way that is realistic and very achievable. Therefore, by pledging to ensure all the meals I cook at home are pescatarian/vegetarian (while still allowing myself to pick a meat meal if I so wish when eating out), I am exercising a perfect example of the flexitarian diet and how easy it can be for everyone to jump on board - now, even those who think they can't live without meat can get involved and make a huge difference!

Actively seeking to make the work office environmentally friendly and promoting activities supporting eco-friendliness.

Many people may not aware that Australia burns a staggering amount of fossil fuel on grass cutting every year. Each lawn mower emits the same amount of greenhouse gases of 40 cars. We all love our lawns, but it is about time for us to consider clean energy lawn mowers. While solar panels are becoming more assessable and AI robotics technologies are maturing. I pledge to apply my engineering and business knowledge to develop a solar powered autonomous grass cutting robot, along with my student-run robotics team. Supporting sustainability through innovation.

According to VISTA (Victorian Integrated Survey of Travel and Activity), the average trip in Metropolitan Melbourne is 8.9 km. That's only 40 minutes on a bike! But the fact is that only 3% of university/TAFE commuters in the middle suburbs use bikes, compared to 31% in the inner suburbs. My pledge is to learn how to register for sharebikes and start riding more between locations on and off campus to save time. It's a fun way of getting your daily dose of exercise and to reduce carbon emissions. You get 180 minutes free daily and there are options to park the bike many places around campus. If more people ride, pressure on local public and private transport will be reduced. As they say: "Reserve, release, ride and return". It's that easy.

To protect the environment, we should never buy food with useless packages wherever you go. Also, get the right amount of food and stop food wastage, especially when part of Australia is now under drought and it is our responsibility to protect our golden soil and wealth for toil.

Enjoy the scenery of the world most livable city by taking trains and Yarra Trams. The enjoyment is irreplaceable! This experience is always better than driving alone.