Why Me? Why Now?

There is a lot of hollow talk from sceptics about hippie lifestyles and back to nature, most said in a derogatory fashion as a way of avoiding engaging seriously with the debate. Such talk implies we have a choice about our freedom to prioritise whatever lifestyle we want and make infinite choices about how we live - and, of course, for many people this is still the case. FOR NOW…

But not for long. That vast range of choices will diminish. If not for us, probably for our children. Almost certainly for our children's children.

Is that a fair future they will inherit?

Theare Are Alternatives

Some we can bring about ourselves by what we do in our every day lives, if we act collectively. Some we can bring about by lobbying those in power and those who run multinational companies to stick to agreements about the reduction of CO2 emissions. We managed to prevent the complete destruction of the ozone layer from CFCs due to the positive, determined action of ordinary people as well as those in power. The result: the ozone layer is now 'healing' itself.

Climate Change and Global Warming - these are larger problems with more devastating consequences. But collective action on a concomitantly greater scale will make a difference. ACT LOCAL and as you act think of its impact on the Globe as a whole. Never before has Marshall McLuhan's idea of the Global Village been more apt. What we do in the South of England does have repercussions on the other side of the world.

So - lobby for alternative energy sources - wind, wave, solar and water power. If serious money was put behind these forms of energy then they would make a difference.

So - lobby for greener cars and a more sensible use of all the different forms of transport that use up the world's limited resources and pollute it at the same time.

So - encourage safer, more protected cycle lanes so that people return to the bicycle not just for recreation but to go to work every day.

So - if you have to use a car, ask whether you can give someone you know a lift who would otherwise be using another car; for example, when you are driving your child/being driven to school?

So - how long have you put off installing that insulation you always intended to get by convincing yourself that what you saved would never cover what you had paid for it.

And I am sure you can add to this list many times over.