June 8th 2007
Tonight heralded the first public meeting of Transition Mayfield. Two great speakers came along to share their experiences. Our thanks to Mike Grenville Journalist and Forest Row TT member and Ben Brangwyn Co Founder of Transition Project. It was a good turn out and this is where Mayfield starts to build a more sustainable future - together. A small acorn was planted tonight!
Transition Mayfield is about positive, sustainable community action. Here are a few suggestions of what we can do to make individual changes.
No effort, planet saving superhero making stuff!
If we each choose to do our bit and opt to do just one of the following just once a month it will have a colossal effect on stopping global warming and bringing nature back to equilibrium. Please choose one and make it your 12 times a year activity. Easy! These are minimal actions and of course you can choose to adopt any of the things listed permanently. Pick up your halo and off we go!
'''Turn off your applicances; TV, Video, Microwave, Washing Machine, Dishwasher. A study in Scotland reveals that a whopping 8% of C02 emissions are used just for the standby mode alone. Takes 10 seconds. Useful websites www.environment-agency.gov.uk
Enjoy a vegetarian meal
Reduce your showering time by one minute and the water temperature by 1degree
Use a washable cleaning cloth and ditch the disposable wipes. They are not kind to the environment. Where do you think they all end up?
Flush the toilet every second use. Of course agree with those you share the house with and only when its a number one!
Have a candle night and do not use any lights. Romantic for all you couples and wannabees!
Reuse your plastic water bottle
Buy the product with LESS packaging
Shop at you local grocer and pass on all those savings you have made from the big supermarkets to keep your local shopkeepers in business.
Eat only seasonal fruits and veggies
Eat locally produced products
Reuse your jam jars as storage
Use a hot water bottle and a jumper to keep warm instead of turning up the heating (or cuddle up - much more fun!)
Buy in bulk and reduce the packaging, need to use the car, time spent shopping
Have a swap party with your friends - swap clothes, books, DVD's, cars, houses..... possibilities are endless and it will save you lots of money and it could be fun.
Use a herbal remedy instead of reaching for the chemical option (obviously not for serious diseases but here you could eat healthy and take more exercise to reduce symptoms)
Recycle
Rent the DVD or Video instead of buying it and having it sit on your shelf for years (unless of course you will watch it more than once)
Make your own lunch/dinner instead of precooked convenience foods. You will feel so creative! Cook for friends too.
Chop your own vegetables instead of buying a plastic bag full of stuff chopped a week ago. Save on packaging.
Use recycled loo roll
Eat Organic
Leave your hair to dry naturally and leave the hairdryer in the drawer
Only boil the water that you will need
Plant a tree
Use energy saving light bulbs'''
Just one from the list will make a difference and it will make you feel good that you are actively doing your bit. You could even get the family together to think of other ways. Designate an action to each of them. All of the above could help. I do not profess to be the most energy efficient human being on this earth and know for sure that I could do a whole lot more and I promise I am working on it but I am human too and I am not perfect.
Thanks, its your world and our planet.
Lisa xxx