The Top Ender Magazine June July 2022 Edition

Do we really need more reasons to LOVE LEGO?
In 2018, we started making a range of sustainable LEGO
elements from sugarcane to create polyethylene, a soft,
durable and flexible plastic. Sugarcane grows at the same rate
as we use it, is sourced sustainably using guidance from our
partner WWF and doesn’t compromise food security.
Because we want our products to be durable and safe for
generations of children, this plant-based plastic is not
biodegradable.
We work with our sugarcane suppliers to ensure we meet
the Responsible Ethanol Sourcing Framework, which is based
on best practices. Our sugarcane is also certified by thirdparty
standards and is third-party audited. It seemed only
natural to make ‘botanical’ elements first, so we made leaves,
bushes and trees – plants from plants!
More than 100 LEGO elements are made from sustainably
sourced polyethylene. Although these represent just over 2%
of the 3,600 elements available for designers, it is the first
important step out of many on the journey towards using
sustainable materials by 2030. We are continuing to
experiment with many different materials as we expect the
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LEGO bricks of the future could be made from both
plant-based and recycled sources.
Our ambition is to make LEGO® bricks from
sustainable sources by 2030 without compromising on
quality or safety. This is a bold ambition as it requires
creating entirely new materials. For the LEGO Group,
a sustainable material must be responsibly produced,
using renewable or recycled resources, generating little
or no waste, use sustainable chemistry and be fully
recyclable at the end of its life, while meeting our high
standards for safety, quality and durability. We are
joining forces with suppliers, research institutions and
other industries to develop these new materials for
LEGO bricks of the future.
Since we launched plant-based bricks, they have been
included in more and more LEGO sets. For example,
the LEGO Ideas Tree House, a concept devised by a
LEGO fan, contains 185 sustainable bricks including the
treetop canopy, which has interchangeable sets of
green summer leaf elements and yellow and brown fall
leaf elements.
Extracted from the LEGO Website
www.lego.com/en-au/sustainability/environment/
sustainable-materials
Check In to Reconnect
Living in the Territory has its benefits and challenges. 'Mango
madness' is real, services can be in short supply and we are
at the 'top end,' so it’s reasonable to feel pretty isolated
from the rest of the country.
Living here can take a toll on our bodies, our energy levels, our
mental health and emotional wellbeing like no other posting. Layer
these challenges with defence organisational needs and we can see
relationships and individuals really struggle.
What we know is the importance of community and a sense of
belonging to help us thrive, especially when we can't be close to
family. Defence spouses have led the way in creating new friends
and social groups with every posting. Personnel and families learn a
level of resilience that non-defence families rarely need to. What we
want to do is foster that resilience and acknowledge living here is,
at times, a different ball game. It’s important to check in with
yourself and monitor your coping skills - consider some of the
following strategies to keep you feeling good:
TRIH is so excited to announce a pilot program
providing sexuality education for parents and
caregivers - boosting their skills and confidence.
Have you ever felt completely out of your depth and
awkward talking about intimacy with your partner? Imagine
the thought of discussing it with your children... What we do
know is that the messages children receive at home from
their families and caregivers shapes the thoughts, feelings and
even physical responses to intimacy and healthy sexuality.
If you would like to take part in this pilot program, we are
currently taking registrations for upcoming sessions:
1st session – 15th June 5:30-7:00pm
2nd session – 20th June 5:30-7:00pm
Harry’s Place – 1 Willeroo Street, Tiwi
Remote access is available
Suitable for “tweens” aged 12-15 years.
›› A good sleep routine of no less than 7-8 hours is essential.
›› We have some of the most amazing fresh food here, vary
your diet and include fermented food to support a good
gut microbiome.
›› Plan ahead for exercises and the wet season because
some weeks are tougher than others. Supplements like
magnesium can help.
›› Drink up to 2 litres a day - dehydration can make you feel
agitated, confused and lethargic. Staying hydrated will
improve mental functioning and help you to feel your best.
›› Ensure you know what activities you can do to reenergise
your energy bucket. Watching 10 seasons on Netflix
doesn’t reenergise, it is a check out coping strategy but
when you turn the TV off you are not reenergised.
›› Check out time. Allow yourself some time each day to
just check out and unplug for a manageable amount of
time. Just 15 minutes of mindful activities like reading or
colouring in can be a helpful boost.
›› Quality time in relationships. Every day we need to feel
truly connected. People think this requires big gestures like
date night or holidays. 'Rituals of connection' are things
like walking the dog together, cuddles in the morning for
5 minutes before you get up or a hug while the kettle
boils. These snippets in a day allow us to acknowledge
our partners and check in.
›› Keep alcohol consumption within the recommended
guidelines.
›› Reach out for support. Social media groups, defence
resources like Open Arms and local counselling supports
are all available.
Life in the Top End does afford us many free and unique
opportunities to relax and get out bush or go fishing. With the
challenges come many benefits to a slower pace and a more
holistic approach to life.
Written by Nina Booysen
Clinical Psycho Sexologist, Mental Health
Social Worker. BA Psych, Grad Dip
Community Counselling, Masters STI's HIV
and Sexual Health Counselling, Masters
Social Work - Professional Qualifying.
Territory Relationships and Intimate Health
0422 858 363
nina@trih.com.au
trih.com.au
Please send an email to
admin@trih.com.au or call 0422 858 363. If you are in crisis, please contact either Lifeline on 13 11 14,
QLife (LGBTQIA Specific) on 1800 184 527, Beyondblue on
1300 224 636, or Emergency Services on 000.
Enjoy!
50 The Top Ender | Tri-Services Magazine Incorporated JUNE/JULY 2022 51