Forum posts to 'General Discussion'

Re: You can't 'be green' in a recession

Serena — Thu, 15 Jul 2010 14:02:36 +0100

It's also where growing food in local gardens and allotments really starts coming into its own. We dug up most of our lawn 6 months ago and now we're enjoying courgettes, green beans, broad beans, strawberries, raspberries, fresh salads, beetroot, carrots, peas and new potatoes at very low cost.

People also start depending on one another more when times get tougher, which can revitalise communities. It's wonderful how sharing gardening tips, lawn mowing for compost, and fresh vegetables can really get people communicating again.

So, yes, I reckon we can actually become far greener during a recession.

Posted to: You can't 'be green' in a recession Show Thread | Post Reply

Copenhagen Climate Summit

Matt Edworthy — Wed, 11 Nov 2009 11:56:53 +0000

Hi - The Copenhagen Climate Summit is coming up in December (6th to 18th). What should we as Biosphere Community members be doing (if anything) to put pressure on world leaders to sign up to meaningful carbon emmission targets invloving developed and developing nations? I have signed up to the 350.org campaign (based around keeping worldwide carbon levels to the 'safe limit' of 350 parts per million or less). What are you doing? Is it more about local action and doing what we can rather than relying on govermentmts that seem to put economic development ahead of climate change concerns?

Tell me what you think!

Posted to: Copenhagen Climate Summit Show Thread | Post Reply

Re: You can't 'be green' in a recession

Matt Edworthy — Thu, 10 Sep 2009 17:21:34 +0100

I agree - you can make sensible, sustainable choices at any time. Buying in season, local produce doesn't cost any more. In fact, the out of season produce often costs more as it is transported in from other parts of the world with all the associated carbon footprint. Other things though like buying energy efficient light bulbs and insulating your home can cost up front, even if they save money in the long term. Help is often available from energy suppliers and local authorities - look on your energy bill, on this website or on the Devon.gov website. They often have lots of info.

Posted to: You can't 'be green' in a recession Show Thread | Post Reply

Re: You can't 'be green' in a recession

Maribel Steel — Sat, 20 Jun 2009 01:43:27 +0100

Surely there are advantages to buying really well grown local produce. These advantages will become more relevant in the future as the real cost of energy and transport starts to be felt. But for now, the nutritional and taste advantages far outweigh the extra cost. We have several farmers markets here in Melbourne and to be fair, the value varies tremendously. There are always those who seek to capitalize on the idea of meeting the grower, and who charge accordingly. There are others who want to give something to the community that promotes health and a sense of global responsibility in the face of changing conditions. We can be trained, or train ourselves, to do almost anything, including develop new habits of growing and sharing our own food, no matter how big or small our gardens. (Herbs and vedgies grow well in pots too) changing the mindset is the key. Work regards from chilly Oz - Harry and Maribel Williamson

Posted to: You can't 'be green' in a recession Show Thread | Post Reply

You can't 'be green' in a recession

Matt Edworthy — Mon, 15 Jun 2009 11:18:52 +0100

When we are all worried about our jobs and the cost of living, how can we be expected to spend more being sustainable? Buying local stuff costs more and so does buying organic. Go to any supermarket and see!!

Posted to: You can't 'be green' in a recession Show Thread | Post Reply