Green living

We're all worried about the environment these days. After all there's quite a lot to be worried about.

Well the old saying goes "Charity begins at home."

I'd like to add that "Green living begins at home." or at least, it should do!

Now I know that many people are taking a share of responsibility for the problems the planet is facing.

Some people give to charities such as Greenpeace to help defend our oceans against illegal fishing.

Some people support re-cycling. They sort their rubbish, re-use and repair wherever possible and send only the tiniest amounts of waste to landfill.

Some people religiously turn off every light on leaving a room and every appliance at night, so they are not causing more global warming through unnecessary carbon emissions.

These are all thoroughly worthwhile approaches.

But there are so many other ways we can all contribute.

Now, I don't for a minute believe that it is all down to the individual. No, not at all. Governments have to get more pro-active in fighting climate change. Businesses have to take their share of responsibility for the waste they produce. Schools and hospitals have to do their bit; television and the media all have vital roles, of course.

But still, individual people and families in their own homes can make a tremendous difference. And they can make a difference without compromising their wealth or their health.

Yes, it means change...but mainly change for the better.

I believe that green living does not have to be hard work. Rather, it can be enjoyable and fun, a journey taken with friends, an exploration of new ways of living; ways of living which can involve us in our communities, with our families and neighbours for a richer life in all senses.

The Rio conference on climate change Agenda 21 exhorted us to "Think globally, act locally."

If we review our lifestyles to make them greener we are doing just that. Especially if we get together with other like minded members of our community to help make it happen.

Examples, you say?

Set up a food co-op. Create a community furniture project to recycle or re-use furniture and household items for disadvantaged groups. Join a community arts project. Support your local farm shop or organic food shop. Buy fair trade and organic produce. Start a community garden - organic and wildlife-friendly, of course!

There are endless examples of things which could be done - so think up your own and have fun making them happen.

Some areas really have got their act together and are now linking up all the green initiatives which are happening in their neighborhood. One I found recently is the Urban Alliance for Sustainability in California http://www.uas.coop/.

I'm sure there are many more worldwide - I'll post a few examples as I find them. I think this will be another big step in making human life more sustainable. We need to be sharing our eco-wealth and ideas!

Me? I'm joining my local food co-op for starters! After that, developing an eco centre would doubtless be excellent fun. Something to be busy with for a few decades!

www.livegreenlivesmart.org has a 50,000 green homes initiative which they are seeking to implement in the US and elsewhere.

The World Willife Fund (WWF) Switzerland is planning to create eco-communities in Geneva to counter over-exploitation of the Earth's natural resources.
It is in negotiations with three of the city's communes to construct thousands of homes meeting the strict ecological standards of its One Planet Living (OPL) label. This is an initiative which will also be pursued in other countries, too, including South Africa, China and the US.