When "Green" was inbuilt in Australia

There was a time when Australia felt naturally greener—when our neighbourhoods breathed easier, and everyday life quietly worked in harmony with the environment. Somewhere along the way, much of that simple wisdom was lost.

A few glimpses from past:

• Poles carved from trees, not metal – In older suburbs, electricity and utility poles were made from giant tree logs. They spared our use of iron, steel, and aluminium, and they were practical—anything could be nailed, tied, or fixed without special tools.

• Lights that respected your time (and power bills) – Staircases and other common areas in old apartment buildings had push-button lights that stayed on for just 30 seconds, then switched off automatically. They saved electricity without needing anyone to remember to flick a switch.

• Cooktops that didn’t burn gas – Homes often ran on electric coil cooktops, avoiding the cost and infrastructure of gas pipelines, and sparing the use of natural gas altogether.

• Ventilation powered by the wind – Rooftops spun with little metal “wheelies” that kept air flowing through restrooms and kitchens. No freshair fans, no electricity—just the steady work of a breeze.

Back then, it wasnt called “sustainable design.” It was simply the way things were. Perhaps it’s time we remembered that living lightly on the planet doesn’t always require new inventions—sometimes, it just means reviving the wisdom we once had.

Getting Indian cities cleaner

As Suma and I continue discussing the perils and problems of Bangalore traffic and the breakdown of municipal waste management — where sidewalks are being loaded up with garbage — the solution that comes to mind is the same one we have discussed in the past. Sometimes, I am not sure whether I am stuck in a time warp or experiencing a mental freeze, unable to look beyond this particular solution I’m about to mention. But it still seems like the most logical one.

The solution, in this case, is regular and proper cleaning of drains and removal of dust and sand from roadside areas, especially on every urban road. It is a regular three step process:

Clearing sand and dust: 

Now, removing doesn’t just mean picking it up and throwing it away — it has to be sifted through a fine seive to remove the trash and dust so remaining should be properly disposed of in landfills and topped with green cover so that the sand doesn’t blow away.

The process of clearing the dust from roads to be a two step process, one is the obvious dust that gets accumulated by the roadside because of pressure of passing vehicles and the other is clearing the roads with fine steel brushes used by labourers when a new layer of road is built.

If fine steel brushes cannot be used then towards end of day, recycled water should be used to water down the roads, the natural incline of roads will ensure dust flows off into the drains.

Any person would say that in parallel we need to stop new dust from accumulating by controlling dust discharge from construction sites, it is easier said than done in India and hence should be kept separate.

Controlling flying sand:

Loose sand in cities and towns to be controlled by greening those areas with grass or local bush that can hold the soil together. Use mulch in places of low sunlight, the idea is sand has to be held down. Whilst it will reduce the pollution, it will also improve the aesthetics of the location

Have STP plants in every major suburb 

STP plants to be created in every major suburb to locally handle and treat the sewage. The treated water to be then reused in industrial establishments in addition to being used for local municipal work like cleaning the roads or watering the local green pastures.

Clearing trash:

The trash that remains should be segregated into organic and inorganic waste and disposed off in below manner:

• Organic waste to be used to generate bio gas and compost, both of which can be sold to earn revenue
• Non - organic waste to be segregated into waste that the recycling local industry can use and sold to them again to earn revenue
• The non recyclable waste to be burnt to convert energy as is being done in many cities globally, again earn revenue

Clearing drains:

Drains need to be repaired so that automatic drain cleaning machines can do the work and need of manual labourers is eliminated for humanitarian reasons and also to bring more efficiency. 

Openings that allow water or sewage to flow into drains need to be closed with wire mesh to prevent trash from going in, very common in countries like Singapore.

The type of machines to be used can be one of below or combination of below:

1. Sewer Suction Machine
2. Jetting Machine (or High-Pressure Jetting Machine)
3. Combined Jetting and Suction Machine
4. Robotic Drain Cleaning Machine
5. Hydraulic Sewer Cleaning Machine

Once the above five steps are done regularly then the cities will achieve a minimum level of cleanliness which can be further enhanced.

Sidhu wife diet

 

Drinking only high-pH water (around pH 7) throughout the day
• Warm lemon water first thing in the morning, with a spoonful of apple cider vinegar and raw garlic
• Raw turmeric, neem leaves and tulsi (holy basil) consumed daily
• Herbal concoction instead of regular tea: cardamom, basil, mint, ginger and cinnamon
• Intermittent fasting: last meal by early evening and first meal at 10 am
• Berries (blueberries, strawberries, blackberries) and sour fruits for antioxidants
• Fresh juices: beetroot with amla and carrot; pomegranate and pumpkin
• Nuts and seeds: walnuts, Brazil nuts or almonds with makhanas (fox nuts)
• Healthy fats: avocado or coconut cream; cooking oils limited to cold-pressed coconut or almond oil
• Salads amounting to about 1% of body weight daily
• Legumes (lentils, rajma, chana) while avoiding refined carbs, sugars, dairy products and packaged foods

Every morning, Sidhu gave his wife a concoction of warm water, raw turmeric, garlic, and apple cider vinegar. After half an hour, he provided her with a mixture of neem leaves and basil. Dr. Navjot Kaur Sidhu's Diet Backed by Ayurveda

She took lemon water, raw turmeric, apple cider vinegar, Neem leaves, & Tulsi in the diet. Fact Check: Sidhu's video claiming neem leaves, turmeric, apple vinegar, lemon vinegar and intermittent fasting can cure cancer is false and misleading

Other Components:

• The diet chart included lemon water, turmeric, apple cider vinegar, walnuts, juice made from beetroot, carrot, and amla, among other items. Can diet cure cancer? Experts warn against relying on just diet
• He also shared the detailed diet plan, which included alkaline water, a concoction comprising cardamom, holy basil, (tulsi), mint, ginger, and cinnamon, intermittent fasting, a concoction of turmeric, lemon water, and neem leaves, fruits, vegetables, nuts, and seeds. Can Neem, Turmeric, Lemon, Beetroot Cure Cancer? Sidhu & Wife Face ₹850 Crore Legal Heat Over Diet Claims - myKhel

What Was Eliminated:

• He said they removed sugar and milk from her diet Dr. Navjot Kaur Sidhu's Diet Backed by Ayurveda and eliminated sugar, dairy, and wheat.

India’s Urban Water Crisis: A Man-Made Problem Sustained by Profit and Policy Paralysis

The water crisis plaguing Indian cities is not a natural calamity—it’s a crisis born out of government apathy, bureaucratic inefficiency, and a lack of political will. This is not a matter of resource scarcity; it's a consequence of mismanagement.

Compare India with China—both countries face similar challenges: vast populations, rapid urbanization, and varying climate conditions. Yet, while Indian cities like Chennai and Bangalore regularly make headlines for severe water shortages, Chinese cities rarely appear in global lists of "water-stressed cities." Why? Because in China, long-term urban planning, strict water recycling standards, and enforcement mechanisms ensure basic water security for urban populations.

In contrast, cities like Bangalore, where large parts of the population now rely on water supplied by private tankers, reflect a parallel economy where water is no longer a public good but a profit-making commodity.

The Water Tanker Economy: Who Really Benefits?

Water tankers in cities like Chennai are often owned or controlled by businessmen or local politicians. Here's the business model: a one-time investment in a water truck fitted with a tank can turn profitable within months. Let’s break it down:

• One water tanker delivers approximately 6 trips per day.

• Each trip earns around ₹1,000–₹1,200.

• That’s ₹6,000–₹7,200 per day, translating to over ₹1.8 to ₹2.1 lakhs per month per tanker.

• The investment in the tanker pays off within a year, after which it's pure profit.

This profit motive becomes a perverse incentive for those in power not to solve the crisis. As long as water scarcity exists, there's demand. And as long as demand exists, there's money to be made.

Misuse and Overconsumption: The Unspoken Reality

The average urban household in India consumes far more water than is necessary, largely due to outdated infrastructure and cultural habits. For example:

• A single toilet flush can waste up to 20 liters of potable water.

• Showering instead of using a bucket can increase water usage by 60–70%.

• Many households consume 30,000+ liters per month, and yet pay barely ₹300 per month in water bills.

In countries with water stress, this kind of pricing and consumption model is unsustainable.

What Can Be Done: Repricing and Recycling

India needs a differential water pricing model—one that promotes conservation and discourages overuse.

Here's one approach:

• Drinking and cooking water: Cap consumption at 10 liters per person per day, and price it higher (e.g., ₹1 per liter).

  • For a family of 5, that’s 1,500 liters/month = ₹1,500/month.

• Non-potable uses (washing, bathing, flushing): Supply recycled water at a much cheaper rate, say ₹0.01/liter.

  • For 28,500 liters/month = ₹285/month.

This model would encourage families to:

• Use potable water only where necessary.

• Switch to recycled water for everything else.

• Understand the real cost of water.

Is Recycling Infrastructure a Challenge? Not Really.

In India, labor is cheap and readily available. Builders are already installing complex plumbing systems in high-rises. A separate pipeline for recycled water, supplied by local treatment plants, is entirely feasible.

Governments have the legal and administrative tools to mandate and enforce this—especially in a country where unauthorized construction and regularization are rampant. If authorities can enforce demolition orders, they can certainly enforce dual-pipeline systems—provided there’s the political will.

The Core Issue: Apathy, Not Ability

India does not lack water. It lacks the mindset and mechanisms to manage it. The problem isn't infrastructure, money, or manpower. The problem is a broken system sustained by vested interests.

Until we break this nexus between water scarcity and profit, and implement real reforms in pricing, planning, and recycling, Indian cities will continue to run dry—while water tankers run rich.

Why Fines Should Hurt (a Little) : Rethinking Accountability Through Everyday Inconvenience

Let’s face it—we’ve all seen it happen. Someone jumps a red light, parks illegally, or skips paying for a train ride. They get away with it. Maybe once, maybe multiple times. The fines? Easily ignored. And that’s where the problem lies.

When fines are disconnected from real consequences, they lose their sting. What if we could change that?

The Real Problem with Penalties Today

In most places, fines are treated as standalone punishments. You get a ticket. You ignore it. Life goes on.

But what if unpaid fines actually disrupted your daily life? What if breaking the rules meant you couldn’t renew your driver’s license, update your passport, or register a property? Suddenly, that minor violation has lasting consequences—and that’s the point.

How It Should Work: Linking Fines to Real-World Services

Imagine this:

• You have five unpaid parking fines.

• You go to renew your license.

• You’re told: “Sorry, you must clear your outstanding fines first.”

It’s not cruel—it’s consequential. The same way actions have consequences in life, rule-breaking should lead to tangible inconvenience.

This model can extend far beyond traffic fines:

Property Transactions

No fine clearance? No property registration or sale. Want to transfer your apartment? Better check your fine history first.

Government Services

Whether it's Centrelink payments or business registrations, unpaid fines should show up as red flags. Those receiving welfare support could have fines deducted in small increments, maintaining fairness while reinforcing accountability.

Public Transport Violations

Turnstile jumpers at train stations are rarely fined in the moment. But now with facial recognition and smart surveillance, fines could be issued automatically. Offenders receive a notice, and unless paid, future trips are blocked or more expensive.

This isn't just possible—it’s already being tested in some cities.

The Key Ingredient: Pain That Scales

We don’t want to bankrupt people—we want them to feel the right amount of discomfort. A $200 fine may be painful for one person and pocket change for another.

Solution? Income-based fines.

High earners get proportionally higher fines. And at tax time, any unpaid penalties are automatically deducted. Everyone feels the pinch—fairly.

Accountability by Design

People often say, “You can’t legislate morality.” That’s true. But you can design systems where compliance is the path of least resistance, and non-compliance is just too inconvenient.

By linking fines to essential services—licenses, passports, property deals, tax returns—we’re not punishing people. We’re reminding them that rules exist for a reason, and that breaking them creates discomfort not just for others—but for themselves too.

Final Thought: The Discomfort That Drives Change

Inconvenience is a powerful motivator. If ignoring the rules means you can’t drive, fly, buy, sell, or get paid—people will pay attention.

And if that leads to safer streets, better public transport, and more respectful communities, isn’t it worth a little discomfort?

---

Have thoughts on this? Agree? Disagree? Drop them in the comments—I’d love to hear your perspective.

Sunenergy

Here’s his exact method:

• Start sun gazing during sunrise or sunset

• Begin with 10 seconds a day

• Add 10 seconds daily until you reach 44 minutes

• Always stand barefoot on earth (grounding)

He called it:

The HRM Protocol

The future in 5 years

The Future in Five Years

There was once a young man named Andrés, who, on his 25th birthday, was dissatisfied with his life. Although he had big dreams, his days slipped between distractions and bad habits. One day, his grandfather, a wise and respected man, gave him simple but powerful advice:

"Who you will be five years from now depends on the books you read, the food you eat, the habits you build, the people you hang out with, the physical activity you do, the money you invest, and the sacrifices you make."

Intrigued, Andrés decided to take these words seriously and change his life, building a future worthwhile.

The books that you read

Andrés began to devote time to reading every night. He went from reading light novels to books that taught him about leadership, finance, and personal development. In one of those books, he learned that "Life gets better when you improve your decisions." Inspired, he took notes and applied what he learned, cultivating his mind with new ideas.

Result: After a year, his thinking became more strategic, and his decisions began to reflect his newfound knowledge.

The food that you eat

He left fast foods behind and opted to learn how to cook healthy recipes. He researched nutrition and understood that his body was his most important tool. She incorporated fruits, vegetables and proteins into her diet, quickly noticing an increase in her energy and well-being.

Result: His mind was clearer, and he no longer felt tired in the middle of the day.

The habits you build

At first, building habits was difficult, but Andrés started with small steps: waking up early, writing down his goals for the day, and practicing gratitude each morning. By repeating these actions, they became part of their daily routine.

Result: Andrés became more disciplined and productive, making progress on projects that previously seemed impossible to finish.

The people you hang out with

Andrés evaluated his relationships and realized that some people in his circle did not share his values. Even though it was difficult, he decided to surround himself with friends who motivated him and who also worked on his goals.

Result: His new circle inspired him to grow, and together they challenged each other to achieve new achievements.

The physical activity you practice

One day, a friend invited him for a run. At first, he couldn't complete a kilometer, but he persisted. Later, she signed up for a gym and found exercise a way to release stress and strengthen her body.

Result: Andrés not only improved physically, but he also gained more confidence in himself.

The money you invest

Inspired by his readings, Andrés learned about investments. He started by saving a small percentage of his salary and then invested in an indexed fund. He also took a course to learn how to manage his finances better.

Result: In five years, he had accumulated solid savings and generated passive income, allowing him to achieve goals such as travel and study.

The sacrifices you make

Andrés understood that success requires letting go of some things. He gave up meaningless party nights, reduced time spent on social networks and focused on activities that added value to his life.

Result: Although the sacrifices were uncomfortable at first, he felt more satisfied to see the results.

Andrés 5 years later

At 30, Andrés almost didn't recognize the young man he was five years ago. Now he had a fulfilling life: he was surrounded by supportive people, felt strong and healthy, had a business he was passionate about, and a solid financial future.

At a family reunion, his grandfather asked him, "What did you do to get here?" "

Andrés smiled and replied: "I followed your words." I read, I ate better, I built good habits, I took care of who I let into my life, I stayed active, I invested in my future and I had the courage to make sacrifices. " w