Why Bother Lying?

Would you turn down a holiday here, just so you could call yourself sustainable?

This raises a few questions, is this all a front? Am I kidding myself into thinking I'm sustainable? Do I even really care, or am I somehow convincing myself that by switching off the odd light, and wearing an extra jumper that I am actually making a difference?

 Honesty is the best policy...

Would you rather drive (or drive in the future) a Ford/Renault car or an Audi/Mercedes/BMW? 

I'd go for the latter, I already know that I am totally unsustainable when it comes to my modes of transportation, and I never hesitate to quickly jump in the car. Cycling is an option, yes but its certainly not one that appeals to me . Speaking as a driver, I think cyclists are largely a nuisance  on the road, and actually terribly unsafe. So I'd opt for the Audi on this one - well built,  aesthetically pleasing - and SAFE (unfortunately this cannot be said for a bicycle, as sustainable as it may be.)

Would you honestly rather live in a small flat in a city centre or a bigger house, with more space, perhaps in the country?

A bigger house, in the country, with land + character and all the other perks of country living. I  know this causes issues again of being rather isolated (meaning cars are generally a necessity), yet in a way this does provide opportunities for sustainability in other ways. i.e. growing your own fruit and vegetables and living within walking distance to local shops and amenities - something you wouldn't have if you lived in a small flat. Having grown up in this environment, being surrounded by fields and farmland, I wouldn't want to trade in this lifestyle for "The Big Smoke" and think that living in the countryside can provide more opportunities regarding sustainability.

Would you prefer your next holiday to be in Norfolk or Wales or do you fancy a trip to Thailand/South Africa/California/Greece? 

As lovely as parts of Britain are, I'd definitely have to go for Thailand/South Africa/California/Greece. Holidaying abroad is definitely something that I'd hate to sacrifice, and is something I've been fortunate enough to experience. However I am aware that flying is extremely bad for the environment, and this is a rather big issue. Particularly being a geography student I have a huge interest in seeing the world, and I think just looking at pictures and reading about countries (this would be the sustainable option) Isn't really enough... 


Would you go as far as swap your new smart phone for the cheapest handset in Tescos? 
No ? How would I keep up with NILE on the go?  
But honestly, having  a friend who has recently had an accident involving a smart phone, and a washing machine -which inevitably resulted in the classic "Tesco £10 phone" I think actually the perks are amazing, incredible battery life, no fear of being mugged, cheap and actually extremely robust. Nevertheless I must admit I have become heavily reliant upon my iphone, and its array of applications, that in fact help me out on a daily basis. I admit I would definitely struggle to give it up.


Would you give up shopping for clothes for a year? 
No - well I suppose I could, but I literally don't think this is possible. We are hugely influenced in society by fashion and the media, and the retail industry is vast. Shopping is seen as a necessity to (admittedly) the majority of women, but men too - whether or not they choose to confess this . Also not forgetting if people gave up shopping, our countries economy would steadily collapse , and  garment manufacturers in developing countries who reply upon it to earn a living would lose out considerably. I'm not trying to make this acceptable - because it isn't. However I think there is more here to be considered, than simply cutting down on "retail therapy." 


Would you stop eating bananas, oranges and out of season fruit? 
This would be particularly difficult. I very much enjoy fresh fruits and vegetables that cannot generally be grown in Britain, and so reply upon them out of season.  So not having these would be difficult. Its also important to me to maintain a healthier lifestyle, and therefore not buying fresh fruits, even in the form of juices and smoothies would be a challenge, and saying that I could live without them would most definitely be lying! I could suggest growing my own, however with my plant rearing skills, I think eventually this would become a rather bigger problem than just buying out of season fruit.


Are you so naive and innocent that you think wind farms, tidal power and solar energy can possibly supply our needs in the future? 

I think people's perceptions, habits and attitudes need to be changed first, as this will be the most influential factor. With this  along side all other sustainable efforts this can then aid our needs in the future - but I do think we have a long, long way to go.

The verdict?


As you can see, I have come to realise that I am actually, really, a very unsustainable person. Admitting defeat is not an option. We cannot carry on "compromising the needs of future generations." (Brundtland Report 1987) It is clear that even myself, I am definitely more unsustainable than I am sustainable. So what is the problem?   

As mentioned in my first post we live in a society that is very much about the present, material possessions seem important while they last, annual holidays to a hot far-away destination are "expected," along with following fashion, and driving a nice car. It is simple, we need to change our attitudes. I am certainly not categorising everyone here, there are people who live extremely sustainable lifestyles, my Auntie and Uncle being a classic example here of people living under the term of the "Eco-Warrior." They live a very self sufficient lifestyle in which they grow all their own fruits and vegetables, have traded a car for two bicycles, make their own clothes, and supply their own energy. I have grown used to the "recycled" birthday cards, and horrendous "home-made apple juice" (which actually resembles sweet-ish water). Yet one thing is for sure there have been one too many occasions now when we hear "oh yes they've been knocked off their bicycle in Oxford again" and "yes he's broken his leg- in two places this time." Despite these pitfalls, (which as expected are cycling-related) it is clear to me that sustainability on a personal level is achievable - most definitely. But I certainly fall into the first category here, the "unsustainable liar type."...


So yes, I do my bit - minute as it is on the grand scheme of things, but it is a start, and if anything I am now aware of how my actions are "negatively" affecting our planet. 
We cannot continue to bury our heads in the sand, and it is certainly not too late to give up. Yes some damage has most definitely been done, and can this be reversed? -  Probably not, but we most  certainly can change our actions, to preserve our planet for future generations.  


Lets start by telling the truth...
 
"The starting point for a better world is the belief that it is possible."  -  Norman Cousins   

An Inconvenient Truth?

THIS IS REAL. (Rudi Caeyers Arctic Photography)

"I've been trying to tell this story for a long time and I feel as if I've failed to get the message across." Al Gore (2006)


"An Inconvenient Truth." Is this just something we feel inclined to shy away from, to avoid the powerful notions of the hugely asked question, well is this really happening to us? Shall we just ignore it a bit longer, because that seems the easiest thing to do.


In the documentary we see Al Gore, previously Vice President of the USA, hit the subject head on.
"There are people who hold this at arms length because if they acknowledge this and recognise this the moral imperative to make the big change is inescapable." Al Gore (2006)

The Climate Change Crisis is something that can no longer be ignored, it rightly so, deserves to be acknowledged, we cannot go on compromising the futures of generations to come, but it is how we go about this that matters. "An Inconvenient Truth" examines Climate Change (CC) in a very disputable way, it is no other than a hugely shocking piece of film, in which Gore uses a large power point with pictures, graphs, maps to portray this, you name it Al Gore has used it (even photographs of dying polar bears make an appearance.) Perhaps this is what we need...

But how much does a politician really know about Climate Science? Al Gore correctly tries to deter the critics by using data to reflect hard facts, referring to the rise in carbon dioxide levels, and the overall heating of the planet. Generally a feeling of exaggeration cannot help to be felt- particularly as he has no qualms about using what I can only describe to be a crane-like lift to demonstrate this drastic warming. Is this being blown out of proportion to gain public attention? Or is this a political tool? One cannot help but question whether he has an ulterior motive. Without the  obvious digressions within the film, one could easily be fooled. But its his reminiscence of the 2000 election, and the sly political remarks that are made, that bring light to this. And so I cannot help but doubt the facts.  Gore wastes no time showing us the horrendous effects of Hurricane Katrina and ice shelves collapsing, but are glaciers really melting that rapidly, and are sea levels really going to rise by 20ft? Well the answer is yes, but many of these points have been altered, and made a fraction ambiguous.

In may 2007 the documentary was challenged by a high court judge, echoing that Al Gore had actually made 9 "Inconvenient Truths" that were rather inaccurate, or an adjustment from the truth. Here is a link, for those who wish to actually read in detail :

The nine points: fact or fallacy?                                                     ( National Geographic)

So what does this tell us, well the judge ruled 9 inaccuracies overall, officially. And most of those either seem ambiguous or contentious, so it cannot be proved 100% incorrect or as to whether it was an over exaggeration. However i think it is fair to say that the minor in-discrepancies don't discount the general idea and the majority of the science in it is correct, If anything he offers the point of view  towards the worst case scenario, so it is by no means impossible. This is i think in many ways a strength, it was an alarming shock-factor that keeps you engaged, what if it is slightly exaggerated -this is potentially what we need, ideas and scenarios are often what we need to enlighten an interest in something - particularly if they seem a fraction far-fetched, or of the "unlikely" category. Nevertheless "The judge ruled that the film can still be shown in schools, as part of a climate change resources pack, but only if it is accompanied by fresh guidance notes to balance Mr Gore's "one-sided" views." (Adam, D. 2007)


So what? If Gore is trying to gain attention here , putting his political aspirations aside, we all know in one way or another it's worked. Regardless of his motives, the message however,  is clear - if we don't do something, then we are compromising the futures of further generations, lets think FIFTY years here, and not five hundred - that's certainly a scary thought, but most certainly a realistic one.

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"You see that pale, blue dot? That's us. Everything that has ever happened in all of human history, has happened on that pixel. All the triumphs and all the tragedies, all the wars all the famines, all the major advances... it's our only home. And that is what is at stake, our ability to live on planet Earth, to have a future as a civilization. I believe this is a moral issue, it is your time to seize this issue, it is our time to rise again to secure our future." Al Gore 

Is Hanslope a Sustainable Community?

Hanslope is where I live - still! And the place in which I grew up. It is, in fact the largest village in North Buckinghamshire with a population exceeding 3988 (2001 census profile) Although set in rural countryside, surrounded by fields and farmland, it is in fact only 10 miles away from Milton Keynes, a growing city with vast employment opportnities, and  a modernistic lifestyle. In addition to this, it is within close proximity to the M1; so a great commuter belt to London - another reason why people settle here. It is also  more commonly known to be home to Her Majesties Government Communications Centre, ( Hanslope Park) that deals with the whole of the UK's National Security, nicely secluded into nearby woodland, unless otherwise known, you wouldn't be aware of its existence, and in fact its importance. Nevertheless it employs hundreds and thousands of people from all over the world, contributing hugely to the local economy of the area.

So is Hanslope a sustainable Community?

well firstly what exactly is a sustainable community? and what are the indicators?

Sustainable communities are...

♦ Economically prosperous;

♦ Have decent homes at a price people can afford;

♦ Safeguard the countryside;

♦ Enjoy a well-designed, accessible and pleasant living and

working environment;

♦ Are effectively and fairly governed with a strong sense of community.

Sustainable Communities Plan (2003)

Community is Key in a village and Hanslope definitely excels here. With a number of local amenities, including 2 village shops, a Butchers, a wine specialist, FOUR pubs, a florist, an equestrian centre and a village hall. A community atmosphere is most certainly present. There are also a vast number of clubs and organisations as shown on the village website. Having these societies and clubs enables different people from the village and community to integrate with one and other including the youth and the elderly, thus creating a strong  community in which people are fully active and involved. Having locals shops and amenities also means that community ties are strengthened, people become loyal to the local businesses and support them against larger chain supermarkets,  building on the local economy, yet also helping the environment by walking to the local shops instead of getting in the car and driving to a larger supermarket, which in today's society is almost definitely the "norm." Of course i'm not suggesting that everyone in Hanslope buys their meat from the local butcher, but a great majority of people do because they believe it is perhaps more "sustainable" and also they have loyalties with the local farmers etc.

Homes in Hanslope vary steadily .Generally houses are larger on bigger plots of land, as there is less competition for land. However different housing types are apparent from larger old stone buildings  to your average 3-4 bedroom houses, and then smaller dwellings. If you look at the Office for National Statistics page on the  Accommodation Types in the Hanslope Park Ward, you can see that the largest number of people live in an unshared dwelling, with the majority of people having 5 or more rooms per dwelling.

There has also been a new development called Cuckoo Hill Rise, in which a number of new houses were built in 2009 to help cope with the growing expansion within the village, and consequently the high demands for cheaper housing. Here social housing has been integrated amongst 3,4, and 5 bedroom plots as a bid to become more sustainable and to integrate the community and the levels of affluence within the village. Has this been successful? Yes and no, of course with this there are always concerns, but no major incidents or cases of anti-social behaviour have been reported. The Hanslope Parish Plan has produced a policy "Taking account of the strong concerns expressed by residents" to ensure that all future housing is appropriate for the needs of the village and outlines certain aspects that need to be taken into consideration, in order to make the village more sustainable.

Housing is however not exactly environmentally friendly. Most houses are old, or dated in their heating systems and don't deliver environmentally sensitive approaches to energy consumption. Solar panels are rare, in fact most likely extinct (however i don't want to rule this one out as i cant speak for everyone!) As a result no houses are of  BREEAM/Eco Homes excellence standard. As a result unsustainable! There are no agendas set in place to achieve this, only those that apply to new builds, and this as we know can be found anywhere - its policy, and common place procedure nowadays.

The countryside has been safeguarded and most of the land around Hanslope is owned by Local farmers or the FEOFFEE estate. It has been pretty much unspoilt  as there are no other developments other than Hanslope Park, which again is well hidden amongst woodland. No bypasses have been built or A roads, and as a result it remains pleasantly unspoilt. Decide for yourself...

Sunset from Hanslope.

"Spotted the setting sun from my home, by the time I'd driven out to a likely vantage point the sun had hidden behind a big cloud. Not sure if I'm disappointed or not."

Ian. L's photo stream

Overall it is safe to say that as a community, Hanslope is pretty sustainable. It is well governed by the parish council who meet once a month, and hold open meetings every 6 months, to discuss issues within the community, and  who have produced an informative and sound parish plan in which to outline such issues and ways in which they can be overcome. 

Additionally It has good transport links to Milton Keynes and Northampton by bus, and furthermore to Wolverton in which train links to London can be utilised effectively, reducing fuel emissions and encouraging people to be more environmentally sensitive and generally more green.  

Hanslope Park contributes largely to the areas economy bringing in residents and commuters, but also by utilising local businesses, amenities and services, making local shops such as the newsagents flourish.

Community activities and clubs (of which there are plenty) help bring different social groups together, aiding social integration, but also just help make Hanslope a safe and friendly living environment. The central green and duck pond make it a perfect village atmosphere that we would associate with the traditional village life, and although, perhaps slightly behind in modern technologies regarding eco-homes,  its really  not too shabby at all!

How sustainable am I ?

Firstly lets decipher exactly what is sustainability?
A definition i like to use is as follows "Sustainability is a new way of thinking about an age-old concern: ensuring that our children and grandchildren inherit a tomorrow that is at least as good as today, preferably better." (http://www.gogreenva.org/?/green_glossary) 
And so I think to myself exactly how sustainable am I ?


On the surface if asked this question I'd probably respond by saying "well yes pretty sustainable" referring to the numerous things I feel I recycle, the number of times I walk back up the stairs to turn my light off, or even add another jumper instead of turning on the heating, but then hypocritically I get into my (probably very unenvironmentally friendly) car and drive somewhere that really, when I think to myself, i could have walked to. But how sustainable really is my lifestyle? Well i can think of many positive ways in which i try to be sustainable but then when i think about the negatives they much outweigh  the few positives.


I think my worst attribute when considering my own sustainability is my car. The fact that possibly not a day goes by when i don't use it. However in my defence, i live in a small village where public transport is literally awful and yes cycling is possible- but it would mean getting up at nought o clock to cycle to uni, arriving utterly exhausted and not in a good frame of mind to work, then by the time i get home, it'd be time to leave again and so it goes on!  These are the things that i struggle with, it's not laziness or me being delusional its literally to me just reality. 
I am aware that yes, it would be totally sustainable for me to cycle more or even use public transport, however i feel that unless these procedures are put in place for us to do so and to encourage people to use them then its no wonder most of us give up and get straight back in our cars. If you read Milton Keynes Council's "A world class vision and strategy for Milton Keynes"  It seems the vision  to have "reliable, accessible, integrated and safe network of sustainable transport options" is there, it just needs to be implemented properly to encourage people to use it. According to the Government's Department of Transport's  National Travel Survey 2009 "Between 2006 and 2009, 81% of all long distance trips were made by car."  This is pretty bad, and very much i feel illustrates this idea of cars being convenient and always the "easy option." If you had to travel to somewhere over 10 miles away would you cycle, bus, or car? It's pretty obvious which i'd pick.


I think it would be extremely hard for someone to say they were entirely sustainable. For instance, there would always be a downfall. We can recycle and plant trees until our fingers are literally green, but then we can go home and drink tea that isn't always ethically produced and that has most-likely been shipped halfway across the world before it even gets to sit on a supermarkets shelf- which again is unsustainable, and then how does it get to our cupboards?
 In every aspect of my life i can see ways in which i can be more sustainable.  Consumerism is another key player in this I'm certainly not sustainable when it comes to clothes and material possessions. In the words of my wise and i suppose fairly "old" father he says we live in a throwaway society and a "now" generation. We cannot simply hold on to something it has to be replaced imminently, and the other is simply thrown away. With clothes though i must say they always go to the charity shop, but still this cannot by any means disguise this "throw away" attitude, and giving to charity does not by any way make me feel okay for this, but i suppose at least they aren't going to landfill. In this particular article from the telegraph it is apparent that "textile waste from council tips has risen from 7% to 30%," pretty shocking if i'm honest!! This really brings to light how unsustainable consumerism is and our want and need for the new, the desirable, and the "now". This is suppose links back to our "Western" roots and the societies we live in, can we help it? Im trying!!




On a more positive note when it comes to putting tea bags and fruit peels into compost, and shopping at the village shop i never struggle, or even sorting paper and card into pink bags, but still can i even call this sustainable? London 2012 olympics have basically hit the nail on the head here stating "sustainability' is far more than being 'green'. It's ingrained into our thinking – from the way we plan, build and work, buy, to the way we play, socialise and travel; ultimately everything that we do"  so am i really sustainable? Yes i'd say i do my bit, but really- it's definitely not alot.

Rethink | Sustainability