And that means you, and I, and everyone we know! Is global warming a thing? It’s a moot point! Because what IS undisputed is that we must look after the planet better than we are right now. The earth’s resources, in their current state, are not limitless! That’s a no brainer. For example, hands up […]
Fiona Lake Blog
Looking after the planet is everyone’s responsibility
October 15th, 2021Irrigation schemes in Australia
January 30th, 2020Irrigation is vital in Australia; it’s the only way we can produce a lot of our food, due to our naturally erratic rainfall. And in dry years, it’s the only way a lot of livestock can be kept alive, or fattened. But it’s very frustrating to hear politicians and others yet again spruiking the idea […]
Why do cities exist and bushfire protection
January 3rd, 2020It seems many Australians need a good think about why large towns and cities came into being because the fundamental reasons why are still relevant today. But rarely discussed. A reminder of the principal reasons may help more thoughtful decisions be made about where and how to live. When looking for a house to live […]
Quality merino wool jumpers, coats, skirts, blankets
November 15th, 2019I wrote this blog post listing Australian wool clothing makers who are online because surprising numbers of people end up on my website after searching for Australian Merino wool-related subjects. Many are looking for woollen garments or information. So here’s a useful shortlist of some of the better-known retailers and manufacturers, so you can do […]
Australia’s corporate cattle stations – management standards
June 12th, 2019I began photographing Australia’s largest cattle stations in northern Australia – above the Tropic of Capricorn – in 1984. Many of which just happen to be owned by companies rather than families. I’ve since visited more than seventy cattle stations spread between Cape York Peninsula, Central Australia and the West Kimberley. There isn’t anyone else […]
Meat eating is good for human health & livestock can be good for the environment
January 25th, 2019Below are a variety of research/study sources from around the world plus some well thought out personal opinion pieces that refute misinformation portrayed as truth by those intent on eradicating all meat from the menu. Please note more references are added to this blog post as they are discovered, and sometimes links to articles may be broken, […]
Time to directly challenge misinformation from animal rights activists
June 28th, 2018Looking to Europe & the UK, we often see what filters down to Australia – good or bad. There are 18,000 butchers in France and there has been a string of attacks on butchershops. The UK Telegraph newspaper story, “French butchers issue plea for police protection from vegans after a spate of attacks” quotes the […]
Care for the environment – like charity – must begin at home
February 12th, 2017Pheasant coucals are one of Australia’s most splendid birds. They are quirky characters with disproportionally long tails, a habit of engaging in disorganised, ungainly dances in bare spaces that include roads, and a hauntingly memorable call. I heard a pheasant coucal long before I ever saw one, several decades ago, in the thick vegetation lining […]
Meat Free Monday supported by the South Australian Government
April 16th, 2015Today I discovered the South Australian Government is now listed as a ‘partner’ on the “Do Something” Meat Free Monday “Foodwise” website. I’ve previously written about the Meat Free Monday campaign. It purports to help the health of the planet and relies on the endorsement of celebrities who are too distracted or too busy to […]
Argentina’s Beef Industry.
February 25th, 2015In 2006 Argentina was the world’s third largest beef exporter (behind Brazil, then Australia). 9 years later, production levels have been slashed and export levels remain way down the list. Why? Largely because in 2006, the Argentinian Government had the bright idea of currying favour with voters by reducing the domestic price of beef. How […]