Not the usual Green party meeting in Woodrufts organic cafe - business was kept to a minimum then two discussions - the first on Transition Towns and the second on the canal.Transition Towns - whats that then? Well I am a member of a new group that is looking at this idea - two other Greens at the meeting this evening were also supporters - Martin Whiteside and Molly Scott-Cato - we wanted to share the exciting developments with other members - infact this evening a website about it goes live here. Mind don't get too excited as the Stroud entry has not started yet.
In a nutshell the idea is to explore how to prepare for a carbon constrained, energy lean world.
Totnes is the first example in this country - see more about that here. It originally comes from an idea from Kinsale in Ireland - this is a wonderfully exciting project that I came across well over a year ago when I was asked to help with Cainscross Parish Plan - some of the ideas were included in that Plan which is still to be published.
It will be great to take this project forward and I would urge anyone interested to get in touch - this is not a Green party initiative although clearly a fair few Greens are involved - this is more about involving and reaching many different people. It is at a very early stage but talk is about setting up sub-groups to look more at particular issues. Here were some first thoughts of groups:
1. Energy group: this could focus upon conservation, the potential for local renewable generation and energy security. It could also look into ways of improving access to more sustainable transport fuels, such as biodiesel and bioethanol. It is possible that these fuels could be provided via a co-operative enterprise.
2. Food: this group could draw on a wealth of initiatives and knowledge already having an impact in this area. Local food links are good in this area, but they will need to be improved further.
3. Money: this group could explore the potential for a “parallel” currency in this area and develop the “timebanks” idea
4. Education/training/skills group: this group could be involved with carrying out a skills audit (to assess what we already have), facilitating educational events around the theme of climate change, peak oil and relocalisation, etc, as well as investigating the potential to develop new skills and areas of expertise in this area.
5. Building group: this could look at ways of driving up standards for new-build as well as retrofitting existing housing stock, etc.
6. Consumption audit: we are currently looking to develop a consumption audit that would highlight the energy use – both direct and embodied – associated with day to day activity. This could act as a useful tool sourcing activities with a lower energy (and carbon) footprint.
7. Textiles: local food is relatively easy to obtain, but clothes and other fibres are not. A group has already met to look into ways of reusing and recycling textiles in this area, as well as processing new materials from a sustainable (hopefully, Hemp) source.
8. Local authority liason group: the local authority could both help and/or hinder the transition process. This group could work with the local authority in key areas, i.e transportation and planning, etc.
9. Communication: reaching others
The other topic for the evening was a lively discussion re the canal regeneration: many issues raised including:
- concerns about the route near Capel Mill (see photo) - either it has to go through a costly landfill or a cheaper route that ruins a beautiful river cliff
- the need for a multi-user trail that included cycling: there was a strong determination that this must go ahead
- the fact that the boatyard has been asked to leave the site by British Waterways and told it can't come back
- the potential loss of other employment land/small businesses etc
- plus lots about the potential and advantages
An action plan was formulated to take some of the issues forward - then it was down to the pub and plenty more talk.
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