We Are What We Do…

To Celebrate The Launch Of ‘Change The World For Fifteen Bucks’

A group of key Kiwis have shared their comments on what they can do to help change the world…

The following people were given a copy of Change the World for Fifteen Bucks, each chose an action they would like to do or currently do. Here’s what they are doing to help Change the World.

Claire Chitham

Action 2: Decline Plastic Bags Whenever Possible

It’s excellent to see more and more people finally using cloth carry bags for their shopping. I always keep a spare bunch of them in my car since I’m forever stopping off at our local organic shop or butchers. If I have to go to the supermarket I always have them with me. And you still end up with the odd plastic bag at home somehow which gets recycled as bin liners etc. It’s an easy way to do a little bit to help our planet. Plastic sucks!!!

Petra Bagust

Action 45: Give Your Number To Five People In Your Street

I just love this page, its tactile, good looking and the truth. We all benefit if we live in community. If you don’t want to give your neighbour your number, have you thought about moving? I really want to plant myself in the neighbourhood where I live, (we’ve just moved and the loss of two of our old neighbours was keenly felt.) Some stories I’ve heard about great neighbours make me jealous… so I am going to try and be one, so I can have some. Hmmm. “Hello! Anyone home?”

Leigh Hart-That Guy

Action 26: Give Blood and

Action 8: Having A Bath With Someone You Love

I will do it as often as they recommend, I don’t want to over do it. I chose it because its a very immediate and tangible way of making a difference and a family medical experience in hospital last year has made me think about this side of things a little more.

This will either enhance or put strain on my damage depending on who I choose to bath with.

Mike Havoc

Action 12: Turn Off Appliances At The Mains and

Action 31: Turn Off The Tap While Brushing Your Teeth

I don’t want to be part the generation who ruins it for the rest. Quite the opposite. If I can start by unplugging unused appliances from the wall and not leaving a roaring tap on whilst brushing my teeth, then I reckon I can be part of a change straight away! We know how to fix it we just have to do it.

Leah Panapa

Action 11: Get Fitter Feel Better

Walking is great! Whether round the block of your neighbourhood, along a beautiful beach or through our many reserves and bush! It is just as pleasurable if you go by yourself - I like to be nosey and see what the neighbours are growing in their front gardens - or with a partner/friend.

You don’t have to even “power-walk” to feel the benefits…a gentle walk can still get the body feeling more alive.

Lana Cocroft

Action 3: Read A Story With A Child

Reading Change the World for Fifteen Bucks with the Kids. We practice most of the things written about but it’s good for them to know other people think about all these important things too. I honestly believe if we create a sense of awareness in our children, they are the future and the world will become a better place.

Jane Kiely

Action 3: Read A Story With A Child,

Action 26: Give Blood,

Action 15: Register As An Organ Donor,

Action 7: Grow Your Own and

Action 5: Smile And Smile Back

Reading Change the World for Fifteen Bucks reinforces my actions and I can honestly say, I am an organ donor, I do give blood, I grow my own veggies (courgettes that turn into marrows!!), I turn the tap off when brushing my teeth (as do my two sons) and I endeavour to make someone else’s day more pleasant when I can, it is not hard and it makes me feel good!

Milan Borich and Kate Elliott (Pluto)

Action 24: Look Up

Kate and I enjoy the vastness of the universe and to try and appreciate it, we turn off all the lights and lie on our deck to admire in awe the insignificance of the human race and the glory of all the galaxies that make up the unknown universe.

Laurie Foon (Star Fish)

Action 8: Have A Bath With Someone You Love

I’ve been enjoying having a bath with the kids and we can fit three of us in there, so it makes sense for us! What a great way to change the world.

Jay-Jay Feeney

Action 2: Decline Plastic Bags Whenever Possible

I can’t even believe plastic bags are still being made. I feel very guilty if I forget my reusable bags when I go to the supermarket. It would be great if we all felt this way and tried to remember as often as possible. Then, before you know it plastic bags will be out of business!

Dom Harvey

Action 45: Give Your Phone Number To 5 People In Your Street

I have lived in the same place for over 2 years and I only know one of the neighbours.

I am going to take this action for a number of reasons.

1. Everybody needs good neighbours (like the song says)

2. One of them has a pool which I might be able to use.

3. When my wheelie bin is full I will be able to put my overflow into their bin if I know them.

Sure, a little selfish on my part but I will repay the favours by clearing out their junk mail when they go on holiday.

Mike Puru

Action 44: Be A Tidy Kiwi

Something comes over me when I bend down and scoop up a rubbish bag or a circular that’s flying down the street. It’s easy and makes you feel good. Most people just walk over rubbish and think - well I didn’t drop it so I’m not going to pick it up. Once one of those bloody supermarket bags got sucked into my car and melted on the exhaust leaving a burning smell for about 4 months - once that happens you’ll always be a tidy Kiwi!

John Aiken

Action: 26 Give Blood and

Action 35: Write To Someone Who Inspired Me

The reason I’ve chosen these activities, is that both of them require you to take some time out of your day to do something that is going to directly assist someone else. We often see people doing wonderful things on a daily basis that inspires us - but we don’t thank them and reinforce them for their efforts. Likewise, I’ve often walked by the Blood Bank stations but not stopped to lend them a hand. Time for a change!