In a coup for collingwoodfc.com.au, Harry O’Brien has signed on to contribute an exclusive column each week throughout season 2007. Harry will tackle topics related to anything from the environment, politics, social issues and of course football.

For his much anticipated first column, Harry visited teammate James Clement to find out what Jimmy has done to help our embattled state overcome crippling water restrictions.


HARRY’S HEADLINE – TEARING UP THE TURF
As the world’s homeostatic stability continues to plummet, this issue dominates the news. Environmentalism is the most covered issue in mainstream media, receiving more coverage than the ‘war on terror’. Today we are seeing the many effects of our neglect and lack of care towards our environment. Floods, tornadoes, temperature increases, cyclones, drought… the list goes on.

In Australia one of the major environmental issues faced is drought. Victoria is very heavily water restricted. Long live the days when Dad tells you he will pay you 10 bucks to wash his car on a sunny day. The sad reality is that we only have ourselves to blame. Another reality is that we are the only ones that can do anything about it.

James Clement, acting Collingwood captain, two time All Australian and Copeland trophy winner, is taking his hard-nosed approach on the football field and applying it to contribute to tackling Victoria’s diminishing water supply. Having ripped up his backyard, Jimmy has opted for water conservative plants and has laid ‘Tiger Turf’, a synthetic grass. This great alternative to normal water-consuming grass of average households is the perfectly manicured lawn every homeowner dreams of. Jimmy explains how at first he was sceptical however once seeing the simple the process was, he was wanting to install it as soon as possible.

“It is unlike the traditional astro-turf which looks like carpet. A lot of preparation goes into it. They first lay down a road base, lay down the turf and then fill it with a rubber substrate”, said an excited Jimmy.

It is absolutely amazing as it does not appear nor feel artificial. As Jimmy described, in a footy context it is the “perfect surface.”

Having a young family himself, Jimmy enjoys the benefits of his new lawn with his dog Gus and his daughter, Annabelle. Not only does the ‘Tiger Turf’ save water, it also has many other advantages for its owners. For those with families, it is perfect for the kids because not only will they be able to play on the lawn as they would normally, Mothers will no longer have to be forever trying to scrub away those horrible grass stains.

Saving thousands of dollars on water and lawn maintenance Tiger turf makes for the perfect new age product in this drought ridden country.

For those interested in Tiger Turf call Paul on 1300-752-279 or go to www.lifestyleturf.com.au

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