The days lengthen, the semester winds down, the global economy is in free-fall and the worst ain't over--how grateful am I for veggie boxes & backyard gardens? For our funny little community, bound & determined to see out the storms (even if they last a decade).
There's grim fascination in watching the world fly apart and seeing how this whole financial crisis directly impacts the people in my life, and myself. I can't help thinking there's a better way to do things, something that perhaps demands integrity on the part of all participants, a system in which exploitation isn't 'profitable'. I also can't help thinking that this financial hoopla is connected to much, much deeper problems within the structure of our society, our values. I mean really, what is money worth anyway?
What do you reckon? Do you think change is on the horizon? Is it a pipe dream or social evolution?
Bet you know which side I fall on.
And with that bit of money musing, the good word:
News
from Andrew
Exams and 'Summer veggies'
In two weeks UNSW students will begin their study/exam period. From then on, the co-op will only be open on Thursdays until university resumes in (early March, I think?) 2009. So, to clarify, Wednesday the 22nd of October (week 12) will be the last non-Thursday we will be open until early 2009. We hope to see you around to share in the lovely community vibe - and great food! - over the university break!
Boxes
Our box situation is getting drastic! Ok, perhaps I'm being a little dramatic. We have many large boxes in the shop taking up a lot of space and we'll probably have to recycle some of them soon. If anyone has a use for a few of these, please feel free to take some. A few of our styrofoam containers have already been taken and used for worm farms and as potting containers - the possibilities are endless!
But while we have an over abundance of large boxes, we are desperately short of the boxes which are perfectly sized for our $20 orders. A few people have responded to my previous call out for A4 boxes - the boxes which fit 5 reams of paper - which has helped immensely, but the number of $20 orders are still increasing - we had 32 last week! If anyone is able to pick up boxes this size from printing areas on-campus on their way to the co-op, it would be much appreciated. Also, if you'd like to be a regular box collector - what an awesome job title! - it can count towards volunteer hours. Another option is for you to bring along reusable bags to take your vegetables home in. The Thursday morning vegetable team will love you for it!
Management Committee & Coordinator Positions
Hear ye, hear ye! It is time again for those of you keen to get more into the co-op to come forth & nominate yourself for summer/next year's management committee or coordinator positions. We are very very keen to have new people on board, so if you're curious, please contact one of the current coordinators for more information.
Believe me you will be trained, so even new people should be fearless & dive on in.
Contact: Andrew, Angela, Gemma, Lauren
Nominations open 4 December.
Critical Thinking
Eating lots meat? Can't give up cheese? (*waves her hand in the air*) Ever wonder what all the vego-vegan fuss is about? Well, it's actually about climate change, poverty, deforestation, water pollution, and a host of other issues. Please have a look at the excellent editorial--attached--by our own Melissa Hurt to start your week off in a bit of contemplation.
This is so timely for two reasons:
*the IPCC (see community section) & others frequently recommend decreasing animal product consumption to benefit the environment
*meat & dairy are expensive! Think of all the yummy veggies & lentils & beans you can buy with the money you save!
Please note: Thoughtful Foods love you no matter what diet you follow. Well, we might have some questions about canibalism, but you know what I mean. Ain't no judgments here.
Veggies
An important reminder from your Thursday volunteer crew!
It is important to pick up veggies by 5pm on Thursday. If you are unable to do this please ring the co-op on 9385 6097 by 5pm.
Phone calls will no longer be made to remind people to collect their veggies, and those left behind will be taken to a charity for donation.
In other excitement
(from Andrew)
Thanks to our lovely Thursday morning volunteers, we managed to have the vegetable boxes distributed, filled and labelled before 11am last week! That's got to be a record! Thank you to everyone who's been around; the level of support has made this busy end of the semester run very smoothly.
Eggs
Are on for really this week. Order 'em from loverly Lah--emails in by Monday, or in the shop Tuesday morning.
Darling Lah, an additional dozen for me this week?
Community
(Humor me gang, I'm sleepy so this is the quick & dirty community news!)
IPCC Chair Speaks: 23 October
Don't miss the head of the Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change give it to us straight after we award him an honorary doctorate. He's a great speaker, very candid. I sincerely encourage everyone to come.
Doors at 6:30. He speaks at 7:30 I do believe.
Scientia's Leighton Hall in the middle of campus. See you there!
Permaculture Design Course
Flyers are attached, but here's the sum-up: Lovely Loki permie extraordinaire is teaching a 12-week (Saturdays only) permaculture design course. Check it out:
- 12 Saturdays, 9am - 7pm from October 18th to January 10th (excluding December 27th)
- The course is modular - which means that if you miss a day, you can pick it up at the next PDC.
- Fully catered (morning and arvo teas, lunch and dinner)
- Located in Marrickville - approx 10 mins walk from Sydenham station.
- Cost is $80 waged, $70 concession/unwaged or $800/700 for the 12 days up front
Free Yoga!
Tyler is still (so far as I know) doing free yoga sessions Thursdays at 2:00pm right out on the lawn in front of Thoughtful. Just rock up in comfy clothes--mats & meditation are provided.
If your keen to dive into more local yoga, check out Tyler's Yoga in Daily Life Kensington studio. Loads of classes for all levels.
Goodnight my someones
My loves, I am exhausted. It's been a big week & weekend. I hope yours was wonderful, and the coming week more wonderful still. Remember, losses and gains are all about perception; perception doesn't just impact reality, it is reality. I think that means we're supposed to maintain perspective, and live fiercely every day. There's nothing to fear, eh?
With love and dreams of fresh-picked berries,
Meghan