What is everyone doing with their stimulus package?

The Australian government from the 1st of April, will be handing out the next stage of the stimulus package.  Up to $900 will be going to tax payers who have earned less than $100,000.00 last financial year (assuming you have your June 08 tax return done in time).

 

Regular readers will probably already know what I would suggest i.e. buy Australian made and owned products.  Also if the products could also benefit the environment like water tanks, fixing leaky water taps, water wise shower heads, compost bins etc that would be the topping on the cake for me.

 

There has been so much debate about the government’s fiscal policy to stimulate Australia’s economy, that I wondered what bloggers and readers were planning on doing with the money they received?

 

Thought it would be interesting to create a poll which will collect data on this subject anonymously.

 

I am interested in everyone’s thoughts?  Please leave a comment if you have anything further to add.

A Green Economy

With all the economic uncertainly in Australia and the world, everyone really has two attitude choices on how they will deal with the current situation.

 

1)       Become overwhelmed, depressed and anxious about the ever increasing media reports.

2)       Be aware and perhaps cautious but ultimately deciding upon a reflective and positive attitude.

 

I say reflective attitude, as this is the perfect time to stop, think and reflect on what we individually have been doing in the past and what we would like to change for the future.  Use this time to look inwardly at your values, goals and life.

 

As a teenager when the ad campaign for ‘Buy Australian’ came out in the 80’s, I have been forever influenced.  ‘Hey true blue, don’t say you’re gone……….” are lyrics etched in my memory. 

 

The campaign was simply encouraging people to buy Australian made products.

 

So in my reflective and positive attitude I wish to encourage all Australian’s to remember the ‘Hey True Blue’ advertisement and buy Australian made.

 

Buying Australian is one requirement on new items I buy.  Here are some more requirements:

 

1         Australian made & owned company

2         Environmentally friendly made

3         Recyclable packaging

4         Products not tested on animals

 

 

Here are two examples of my recent purchases:

 

 

1)         Bought comfortable work shoes from Gilmore’s Comfort Shoes. Gilmore’s Comfort Shoes is an Australian owned business.  My shoes were Kumfs that were New Zealand made shoes (does Australia make comfortable shoes for ladies?).  I say if you can’t by Australian by New Zealand! 

 

I was impressed by Gilmore’s service.  They even gave me a free calico bag (great environment choice).  They asked if I need the shoe box as they could reuse it (another great environment choice).

 

The only problem was when I got home Mini & Cooper argued over who was going to sit on the bag (they are like two year olds).

 

 

2)         Bought Simply Natural Oils organic herbal shampoo.  Australian made & owned, recyclable packaging and not testing on little white fluffy bunnies.  Yay happy with that!