He is not the first one to say it, but Australian senator Steve Fielding has made international headlines by pointing out that divorce increases the carbon footprint of a family because at least one member moves out and has to find new accommodation and new utility services. “We understand there is a social problem (with divorce), but now we’re seeing there is also an environmental impact as well,” he said in a speech on the government’s stimulus package. “Mitigating the effects of resource-inefficient lifestyles such as divorce helps to achieve global environmental sustainability and saves money,” he added.

Mr Fielding, from the state of Victoria, is the only (and first) member of the Family First party in the Australian federal parliament. He is one of 16 children. He and his wife Susan have three children. ~ Brisbane Courier Mail, Feb 24