Sustainable Living

In 2005, all UK Government departments committed to the sustainable development strategy, 'Securing the Future'; however, it is up to each individual department to produce their own sustainable development action plans. These therefore differ by agenda & region.

On the UK government website for Sustainable development, it is stated that...

"The commitments made in 'Securing the Future' have now been met and, in fact, many expectations have been exceeded" but then goes on immediately to admit that "Despite this significant progress, we cannot say that we are developing sustainably". (Defra)

           ...is it just me, or is that whole paragraph just a direct contradiction of itself?

It is a sad fact that, whilst the 'powers-that-be' are twiddling their thumbs and re-vamping their websites (all paid for on 'expenses' of course), the few of us who want to make a difference NOW are still having to fight battles, in order to pursue sustainable developments and low-impact lifestyles that our Governments should be fully encouraging (if not, pushing) the implementation of.

However, whilst resistance to change is still strong from local councils, small groups of pioneers are pushing this issue forward in brave & groundbreaking ways. (Read article from The Guardian)

I would like to mention here one particular eco-village project which I have had the fortune to be able to personally experience and which this year has been featured in a BBC News article about eco friendly living.

Coed Hills Rural Artspace, in the picturesque village of St.Hillary, is possibly the most relaxed, family friendly & awe inspiring place i have ever had the pleasure of staying.

If you are looking for a place to learn new skills, ask questions about permaculture, renewable energy or community living, express your creative side or just have a chilled out day- this is the place to go!!!

It is justifiably described on the Vale of Galmorgan Council website as...

" Wales’ leading venue for art in the environment."

There's a green woodworking area and blacksmith, printing, mosaic, and textile workshops, artist studios, stone circle and woodland sculpture trail. There are also many courses and events run throughout the year.

Some of the skills you can learn there include stone masonry, woodland art & sculpture, bender making, yurt making, metal work, wood carving, drumming and percussion, bushcraft, sacred geometry, woodland cookery, treehouse building, low-impact building and permaculture.

"The community is happy to engage with visitors, sharing their knowledge of, and enthusiasm for sustainable living" Coed Hills Website

From 10am until dusk, all year round, the woodlands are open to walkers and there's even a cafe where you can grab a cuppa and have a chat.

I cannot recommend this place more highly as somewhere to see real people making real differences NOW!!!!

TLIO ('this land is ours' ) campaigns peacefully for access to the land, its resources, and the decision-making processes affecting them, for everyone, irrespective of race, gender or age

The lammas project are creating an ecovillage in Pembrokeshire which will aims to become a demonstration model for low impact living.

Generating Power:

An interesting an informative article about recent advances in solar-power technology: Nationalgeographic.com

Waste Disposal:

wastexchange is a B2B stock exchange for waste recycling. "The place where waste producers can be matched with waste recyclers."

Bishopsgate Iron & Steel Co Ltd. are environmentally conscientious disposers of waste and are licensed to transfer and dispose of various types of waste.

Permaculture & Sustainable Living:

sustainablestuff offer a unique reference point on living a greener life.

www.greenliving.co.uk a website about positive lifestyle choices

www.permaculture-magazine.co.uk

www.i-sis.org.uk Biodynamic Farming www.biodynamics.in

www.afsl.org.uk Action for Sustainable Living (AfSL) is a charity that helps
people to live more sustainably, focusing on simple changes that will
make the world a better place to live in.

Educational:

s.l.a.g. is a pioneer of behavioural change schemes in higher education in the UK and has been a template for other universities. S.L.A.G.'s objective is to make students change their lifestyles so they are more environmentally sustainable.

Get a free lesson plan for teaching young people the importance of sustainable living at : www.teachingenglish.org.uk "This lesson introduces young learners to the concept of sustainable living. Students will become aware of being able to make a difference in protecting the environment. The plan works in small groups as well as a whole class."

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