Issue link: http://ihouse.uberflip.com/i/130778
THE CULTURE CORNER What's for tea? Special Report from New Zealand I imagined cultural adjustment in New Zealand would be easy since I speak English like the majority does in this country (English, Maori and NZ Sign Language are Breidi Truscott Roberts the official languages). Or so I thought. Surprisingly, one of the main challenges—in addition to learning how to drive on the other side of the road—has been deciphering a new set of vocabulary. Swimsuits are now 'togs,' friends are 'mates,' flip-flops are 'jandals,' and a 'plunger' is actually a French press for coffee. The kiwi that I know from home is called a 'kiwifruit' here and Kiwi actually refers to a native bird as well as the people who live in New Zealand. I recently went to a BBQ at the house of a new 'Kiwi mate' of mine and wanted to learn more about this thing called 'tea.' Certainly I know what tea is—but it was more the concept of a meal named 'tea,' about which I inquired. Like the British, New Zealanders call 'tea' a break from work for minimeals. However, the main meal of the day is often called 'tea' and eaten around 5-7pm. I asked my friend, "So, it's like dinner?" "Yes," he said, "it is the same as dinner. And you might be confused when ordering an 'entrée' because in New Zealand 'entrées' come before the 'main,' even though I know in the US you know them as appetizers.'" "OK let me get the meals straight. You have breakfast, morning tea, lunch, then 'tea' in the evening?" I clarified, "Do you also have something called 'supper'?" Notable Alumni Help California Eliminate Toxic FlameRetardants in Furniture I-House alumna Arlene Blum (IH 1967-68) has been a longtime advocate for reducing unneeded and toxic flame retardants in furniture. IH Alumnus Jerry Brown (IH 1960-61), Governor of California, has taken a strong lead in changing flammability standards to make sure our furniture will be both fire safe and healthy. Blum says, "Thanks to Brown's leadership we will be able to buy safe and healthy couches by fall 2013 I hope! This is a huge triple-win for our health, our environment and fire safety." See Blum's interview from KQED Today at youtube.com/ihouseberkeley, or visit arleneblum.com. n I-House takes the Challenge! I-House is working with UC Berkeley on strategies to achieve "Zero Waste by 2020." Following suggestions from the Chancellor's Advisory Committee on Sustainability (CACS), I-House is not only composting food waste but now recycles all paper towels throughout our 50+ restrooms, and has adjusted purchasing policies to identify vendors and products with recyclable and compostable packaging. These efforts are in addition to increased resident education on recycling, energy and water saving strategies, and adding more thoughtfully positioned recycling bins (batteries, clothes and electronics) throughout IH. "Students are really supportive," says CFO Shirley Spiller, "and that gives me confidence Zero Waste by 2020 is attainable at I-House." n "Supper comes after 'tea' and involves some sort of 'pudding.'" "You mean to say you have pudding every night?" "Well, 'pudding' can be any kind of post-meal treat even though you probably think of it only as a sweet dish with a custard-like consistency," he replied. "So 'pudding' means any kind of dessert?" I asked, and he confirmed. "Does anything else come with this dessert course?" "Why, tea, naturally!" he said, just as I thought I was beginning to understand. It goes to show, cultural differences can be confusing–and a reminder for us all to have patience with visitors unfamiliar with our culture. An outsider's perspective can shine a light on our own humorous idiosyncrasies. Please pass the pudding! 4 International House Times Photos by Larnie Macasieb Residents like those above are helping implement ambitious efforts to reduce, reuse & recycle as part of UC Berkeley's Zero Waste by 2020 program.