Outreach
Gwynedd
A co-ordinated response to Agenda
21
for the people of Gwynedd
GWYNEDD 21. An introduction to the aims of the group
TOWARDS A LOCAL AGENDA 21 STRATEGY
SO WHAT IS AGENDA 21? An explanation of the basic concept.
KARL HENRIK ROBERT - The Natural Step
FOX FIRE A concept in cultural recording
SMALL IS BEAUTIFUL - BIG IS SUBSIDISED. A review
WHAT DO WE MEAN BY ‘INWARD INVESTMENT’?
GWYNEDD 21 An
introduction to the aims of the group
This is the first issue of a magasine, produced by members of a new group, to help foster and promote the principles of Agenda 21 in Gwynedd. The project has grown from initial meetings held by Mantell Gwynedd, in Porthmadog, to bring together those working with voluntary organisations who share a concern for the future sustainability of the planet, and who wish to promote an Agenda 21 strategy for Gwynedd.
The formal aims of the group have yet to be defined, but a suggestion may be as follows:-
1. Form new voluntary group called GWYNEDD 21 with a written constitution and stated aims
2. Invite an active membership, who pay a subscription, and agree to support and facilitate our aims
3. Produce and circulate promotional leaflets, and Outreach Gwynedd magasine
4. Arrange regular members meetings
5. Seek charitable status, if considered necessary
6. Seek additional funding
7. Create a web site
8. Publish a range of practical guidance leaflets
9. Form local cells, each with a convenor, and local development officers
10. Form a central committee, to which all cell groups can send two representatives, and which may co-opt any members as officers
11. Set up a means to promote the exchange of services and artefacts
12. Publish lists of local suppliers of sustainable products and services
13. Make contact with other Agenda 21 initiatives throughout the world
14. Collect and disseminate information on good practice
15. Create a mobile promotion vehicle to visit schools, communities and other public events throughout Gwynedd
16. Run a regular event or fair to promote Agenda 21, and sustainable projects throughout Gwynedd.
If you share these aims, and wish to further this work, then please join
the group by returning the membership application form on the rear page of
this magasine.
TOWARDS A
LOCAL AGENDA 21 STRATEGY
FOR GWYNEDD
As we step into the 21st century, we are faced by what is probably the most important challenge to the evolution of mankind that has ever taken place. In fact, it is not just a challenge to the future and evolution of mankind, (as if that was not significant enough), but we face a challenge to the whole process by which the future structure and viable existence of this globe depends.
We hold together this important task; to achieve the future viability of the planet we call earth, and to safeguard its potential to provide the sort of human life that we want for all further generations. What task could be more important?
If we look at the present state of the world, it is clear that whilst many areas appear to be prosperous and secure, the majority of people living to-day suffer un-necessarily through economic deprivation of one sort or another. For a minority of people to be rich and well supplied, a much larger number of people have to go without bare necessities. We can deplore but understand this happening in the distant past, but it is still happening as we move towards the 21st century.
To provide for the aspirations of a minority, forests are being cut down, landscapes are being levelled, seas are being polluted, and countless species are becoming extinct. We still talk about global warming and the effects of ozone depletion as if it will all be resolved by a technical quick fix just before any real threat to human life occurs. Isn’t it just like the smoker who still denies that it is the cigarette his hand which has caused his fatal cancer? But by the time the fatal truth is realised, it is too late.
The uncontrolled destruction of the world’s resources, and the poverty and suffering it is causing, cannot escape our attention. The greed of the developed and wealthy nations causes poverty throughout the third world. But it is not only the people of our present age that suffer. Inevitable suffering is also brought to future generations, our children, and their children.
If we care about people, then we must also care for the resources that are needed to provide an acceptable standard of living. If those needs are met by the sacrifice of resources that cannot be replaced for future generations, then the future of the human race as we know it is put at risk.
So often it is money and power it brings that prevents us from doing what we know in our hearts to be right. We are all becoming slaves to the commercial process, and do not see the long term effect of our actions. It seemed that a short term cost benefit justifies untold environmental damage. It will be through the way that we use money, or rather chose not to use money that the most significant changes can be made.
It is the urgency of the global situation, that brought people together well before the World Summit Conference held in Rio in 1992. A proposal was drafted to achieve a change, upon which the future of life as we know it depends. It is that vision of a way to achieve a viable future that became known as Agenda 21. It is now up to us to implement it, for without out real action, well prepared words will do nothing.
The Rio conference was so important because most nations signed up to AGENDA 21, thereby making a commitment to the implementation of a process through which real changes in our lifestyles can be made, not by governmental legislation, not by Acts of Parliament, not by Local Authority enforcement, indeed not by any form of imposition, but by just the opposite process. By the encouragement of willing change, though conscious decision, each person committing themselves to that process of change. For it was realised by the writers of AGENDA 21, that the long-term and worth while process of change can only be achieved through the touching of every human heart.
AGENDA 21 works at three absolutely interdependent levels, globally, nationally, and locally. It is our task to consider the implementation of our response to the local Agenda 21. Every local authority in Britain must propose a strategy for the implementation of the aims of AGENDA 21, by which all development and consumer led processes will become sustainable. That means that these processes can go on for ever, meeting the needs of local people, without any risk of depleting future resources. It may seem a tall order, but it is not so very long ago that this whole area was sustainable. Welsh communities were able to meet all their own needs using local resources and materials. To re-achieve that situation will now mean very great changes. But that does not mean going back to the stone age, and all becoming hill billies. We have not got into this mess because of technology, but rather the way that we use it. Many of the technologies of by gone ages are still relevant to the future, and can be rediscovered. The future will be in combining the appropriate use of new and old technologies. Many of the technologies of by gone ages are still relevant to the future, and can be rediscovered. The future will be in combining the appropriate use of new and old technologies.
This process of change must be achieved though personal willingness and not by the enforced adoption of any trite formula. A sustainable future for this planet, and the life it supports, will not be achieved by simply buying a more efficient car, or using a low energy light bulbs, or by cycling to work occasionally. Things have gone too far for such a simple response. But each of these things might make a small change. We all have to look at what we are doing with our lives, with our landscape, with our money, with our time, with our families and with our friends.
AGENDA 21 is not just about economics or the so called process of "Greening the planet". It will encompass the environment, economics and culture. If we are to achieve sustainability then we must protect and understand the environment upon which we depend for our material needs. If we are to be able to operate together for the common good, then we must devise new economics to facilitate the release of human endeavour and the creation of real wealth. If we place any value in the human being, then we must protect and foster culture, and all that makes human life vivid and inspiring. For it is in being able to give to others and in being appreciated that we value ourselves. The AGENDA 21 process seeks a sustainable future that is exciting, innovative, caring and culturally rich.
In Wales we treasure our environment, and call it ‘Gods own country’. Most parts of Wales are also economically insecure, we think deprived, and in need of economic stimulation. This is also an area of very great cultural richness, in many ways unique within the British isles. So all three facets of AGENDA 21 are especially relevant to the people of Wales.
One might therefore expect the Gwynedd Council to be especially motivated in the implementation of the AGENDA 21 process. Sadly, the situation seems to be just the opposite, we are now very much behind. Indeed, so far behind almost to be non starters. Yet this is not through any lack of effort, enthusiasm or determination by a very large number of people, who have spent many hours preparing a whole strategy for the implementation of AGENDA 21. Two years ago these worthy documents were produced by local people through the old Gwynedd Council. It is my belief that this work should now become the basis and foundation of a new initiative.
The task that immediately faces us is to bring into existence an infrastructure, extending throughout this county, that will touch every group, every business, every government department, every school, every person. Our task is to bring an awareness of the importance of the AGENDA 21 process, and the opportunities it brings to everyone.
This may involve new technologies and old ones. It may involve every form of creative activity, and means of communication. Above all, it will be all inclusive. AGENDA 21 is for everyone, there is no escape, for in the salvation of the earth, every person counts. One thing is certain, business as usual will achieve nothing
John Nicholson Porthmadog 18th February 1999.
This introductory talk was first given at a meeting convened by
Mantell Gwynedd at Porthmadog, to bring representatives of the voluntary
sector together in a response to Agenda 21. From this it was proposed to
form a new voluntary group, itself affiliated to Mantell, to promote a broader
understanding of Agenda 21, and facilitate an integrated strategy towards
a more sustainable economy. This first issue of OUTREACH is the beginning
of that process.
SO WHAT IS
AGENDA 21
An explaination of the basic concept
It is an active process, to which nations and their people commit themselves, to bring about necessary changes in the world, that could not be achieved by any other way. Although we have through technology, science, medicine and commerce all the tools and facilities to meet everyone’s needs, it seems that we still behave as our ancestors did in the time of the hunter gatherer. We compete and fight against each other for resources and power. This process simply creates poverty, and robs the planet of its future. The cost of this greed can be seen by the levels of poverty that still exist in an age when the technologies are available to provide everyone’s needs. We cannot allow the continued division of the world’s population in to the rich and the poor.
How did this process come about?
Many nations signed up to AGENDA 21 at the Earth Summit held in Rio in 1992. It started a world wide process of public consultation and commitment, in which people in every area are asked to consider the long term implications of their actions, and come forward with an agreed strategy for sustainable existence. This would mean that local needs would be met as far as possible from local resources, that poor nations would not have to sell their resources to pay debts, and the whole world would become more equitable, without rich nations exploiting the poorer ones.
What is sustainable development?
A sustainable lifestyle is one which, if emulated by everyone, can continue indefinitely. It is not just another name for environmental protection. It is achieved by meeting human needs from local resources, thereby reducing wasted energy in transporting goods and materials. It reduces pollution, and safeguards non-renewable resources without compromising the right of future generations to meet their own needs.
Why is public participation so important?
Many of the problems we now face are caused by "top down" governmental processes, in which the voters are at the bottom, supposedly choosing representatives to govern on their behalf. But really they become a commodity to be manipulated thereby maintaining the power of those at the "top". Accessing and empowering grass roots involvement and creativity are the key to unlocking our global predicament.
This process of change is not to be made by those in power through Acts of Parliament, or legislation, or enforcement, but by the willingness of individual people. Part of the process will be developing an awareness and understanding of the issues, and then inviting a response. We can all take part in that process, and if we care about the life prospects of future generations, then we must respond.
There is no fixed formula or recipe that will bring about the necessary changes. It is no longer a matter of using a different washing up liquid, or swapping to unleaded petrol, or using low energy light bulbs, (but all of these choices may help fractionally). There is now a need for very dramatic changes, which can only happen through people working together, sharing ideas and resources, and challenging our economic structure.
Three realms; ecology, economy, ethics
Care and understanding of local ecology is essential to protect the resources available to provide for the future. This means enhancing the diversity of our landscape and ecosystems, the variety of agriculture, old buildings, and the marine environment. We must control and reduce pollution and the dumping of waste.
Our local economy should be less dependent upon the provision of our needs though companies or sources that are outside this area. Instead, we need to concentrate on the generation of real wealth that is built into the fabric of the whole community rather than being owned and controlled by a small percentage of people. A diverse economy is a healthy economy.
The ethics and creative expression of the whole community should be expanded, so that we have a greater sense of belonging to the area. This way people will not turn to vandalism or drugs, but will feel part of their community and its future identity.
The four basic principles of sustainability
1. Not using natural resources faster than they can be replaced.
2. Not producing wastes faster than they can naturally be broken down.
3. Not reducing the productive capacity of the planet or the great diversity of its plants and animals.
4. Using resources fairly and efficiently to meet the basic needs of everyone
for food, shelter, clothing and a good quality of life.
Examples of good practice
Myths about Agenda 21
It is not a document, prepared by the local authority, that sets out all kinds of promises to save the planet, most of which will never be followed. It is not an opportunity to expand new commercial businesses. It is not a certificate or award for environmental improvements. It is not an excuse for the promotion of new businesses.
Our strategy
A great deal of preparation work has already been done by local people under
the old Gwynedd Council, and this should be used as a foundation for the
future. Our next step is to set up a means to communicate with all throughout
the county who already share an interest in forming community Agenda 21 groups
or cells. We will form a new network to which people can join and receive
information, and hold local meetings to exchange ideas and resources. We
will publish a news letter and a range of leaflets covering all aspects of
sustainable development, including information on meetings, activities and
ideas, with examples of good practice. We have established a web site and
e-mail address through which people can communicate. If you support these
aims, then join us.
It is a method of agriculture based on the teachings of Rudolf Steiner, and is the oldest non-chemical agricultural movement, pre-dating the organic agriculture movement by some 20 years. More than simply avoiding chemicals, Biodynamics seeks to actively work with the health-giving forces of nature.
To understand how Biodynamic methods work, it is necessary to ask: "Can the Earth heal itself, or has the waning of the Earth’s vitality already gone too far?" No matter where on the earth we stand, signs of illness in trees, in our cultivated plants, in the water, even in the weather are seen. Organic agriculture rightly wants to halt the devastation caused by humans; however, it has no cure for the ailing of the Earth itself. From this another question arises: "What was the original source of vitality, and is it available now?"
Biodynamics is a science of life-forces, a recognition of the basic principles at work in nature, and an approach to agriculture which takes these principles into account to bring about balance and healing. Biodynamics is an ongoing path of knowledge rather than an assemblage of methods and techniques.
To fully understand plant life we must expand our view to include all that affects plant growth. Plants are utterly open to and formed by influences from the depths of the earth to the heights of the heavens. Therefore our considerations in agriculture must range more broadly than is generally assumed to be relevant. Everything in nature reveals something of its essential character in its form and gesture. Careful observations of nature, in shade and full sun, in wet and dry areas, on different soils, will yield a more fluid grasp of the elements. So eventually one learns to read the language of nature.
Plant life is intimately bound up with the life of the soil, and this vitality
supports and affects the quality and health of the plants that grow in it.
Therefore, one of Biodynamics fundamental efforts is to build up stable humus
in our soil through composting. We gain our physical strength from the process
of breaking down food. The more vital our food, the more it stimulates our
own activity. Thus, Biodynamic farmers and gardeners aim for quality, and
not only quantity. Chemical agriculture has developed short-cuts to quantity
by adding soluble minerals to the soil. The plants take these up via water,
thus by-passing their natural ability to seek from the soil what is needed
for health, vitality and growth. The result is a deadened soil and artificially
stimulated growth. Biodynamics grows food with a strong connection to a healthy,
living soil.
KARL HENRIK
ROBERT - The Natural Step
Karl is an eminent Swedish scientist, specialising in childhood cancers who came to Britain in 1995 to help launch ‘The Natural Step for Britain’ at the Schummacher Lectures.
Through his work with children he came to realise that it is the toxic materials in our environment which are causing the cancers. This meant that his work would never be done as long as we continue to pollute our world. He consulted a number of leading scientists to find a strategy to recommend to the human race to learn to live without putting our children at constant risk. The draft of the strategy was circulated to Sweden's scientific community for comment and refined a total of twenty nine times. The final text is as follows:
The System Conditions
1. Materials from the Earth's crust must not be systematically increasing in the environment.
2. Materials produced by society must not be systematically increasing in the environment.
3. The physical basis for the diversity and productivity of nature must not be systematically diminishing.
4. There must be fair and efficient use of resources to meet human need.
During his lecture Karl pointed out several inconsistencies in human behaviour, particularly and most importantly the difference between the way we behave as individuals and the way we behave as a society. As an example, he pointed out that a parent could quite safely leave a baby or young child with almost anyone in an emergency and be sure that it would be safe because we all have an instinct to care for the young and the weak. Yet, as a society, we slaughter our children daily: we pollute the very air, water and food they need for life and condemn millions of children to lives of slavery and degradation to support our extravagant and wasteful lifestyles. This realisation is heart-breaking, especially as a parent or grandparent, because we can find ways to change our own lives but how do we change the way we live as a society? We can put an electric car on the moon and yet cannot put electric cars in our cities, which are clogged with air pollution. We must learn to apply personal ethics to the way we organise society.
Where to Act?
Karl uses the analogy of the tree to describe where we should act: the tree symbolises the world and all its problems. . .while we are busy dealing with the symptoms (the leaves) we are doing nothing about the causes of present and future problems (downstream in the trunk and roots). It is pointless looking for treatments for cancer while we accept nuclear power stations as a viable means of producing electricity. . .it is pointless looking for better ways to treat asthma while accepting growing numbers of cars, fewer buses and average distances travelled by items of food to supermarkets of 1500 miles!
How to Act?
Karl likened current world discussions on greenhouse gases and ozone depletion to a house with all the taps running: as a society, we are spending our time creating computer models to determine which door or window the water will run out of first and how much damage will be done in the process, and who turned the taps on and whether it is Nature's way of washing the floors!. . .any individual in this situation would simply turn the taps off!!
WHERE WE ARE NOW: Linear Economics
Current economic systems are linear: we dig minerals out of the ground; dig more minerals to fuel the processing operations; make a saleable item out of the refined materials, throwing away the off-cuts and by-products; dig more minerals to fuel transport to shops; use the item for a while and then throw it in a hole in the ground and start again, as if the supply of raw materials were endless! And along the way we create vast tips of 'waste' and dump millions of tons of toxins into the air and water. These are the symptoms of a sick society.
Chemical and radioactive pollution pervades every aspect of everyone's lives. A graphic example of this is the catalogue of toxins found in breast milk, including many times more mercury than is naturally occurring. This is not a situation governments will ever solve, only combined individual changes of heart can reverse the direction we are going in. The Rio summit was not the result of government action but that of Non Government Organisations. The fact that 170 governments were persuaded to sign Agenda 21 was only a very small first step: governments' chief expertise is in avoiding acting on promises that they have made.
In this money-dominated world the people who suffer first and most from pollution are the poor, and particularly children of poor families. Money provides a ladder to temporarily climb out of pollution: housing away from the smog; bottled water; fresh vegetables and meat; good working conditions; insurance in old age, but in a 'civilised' world we should guarantee a good quality of life for everybody throughout their lives, not condemn the youngest and weakest to disease and starvation to ensure the powerful few a life of luxury and protection.
WE HAVE TO REALISE THAT WE CANNOT TRY TO SUSTAIN LIFE AS WE KNOW IT, BECAUSE THAT IS EXACTLY WHAT HAS GOT US INTO OUR PRESENT SITUATION!
WHERE WE WANT TO BE Cyclic Economics
We live on a planet with abundant but finite material and energy resources. Our only unlimited energy source is the sun. We have to make our material resources last by re-using them and only extracting them from the ground at the rate they are naturally deposited . . . very very slowly! We have to create and use only materials which the natural world (including us!) has evolved to cope with. We have to use systems of agriculture which do not endanger the diversity of the natural world. We must share the world's resources fairly, because we cannot hope to have stability in a world where the majority live and die in slavery and misery to maintain the greedy lifestyle of a few.
Sustainability is almost impossible to define. What is perhaps most important to know is that it does not mean sustaining the way we are living now. We have to learn new ways of living which we can continue forever, generation after generation, without destroying the planet which sustains us, or fighting over resources.
Years of discussion about how we can sustain human life has been distilled down to the four 'System Conditions' which could guarantee sustainability if we could learn to apply them.
Practical Application
These are stark and uncompromising guidelines to live by and to put them into daily practice will take agreement within communities as to how to apply them. The Local Agenda 21 process is the mechanism for reaching that agreement. We need to see that other people and communities have managed to begin to learn to live sustainably. It is what humans did for millions of years. . .we have to learn how to do it without losing the real benefits that modern life has brought us. In Britain The Natural Step UK has the support of the Environment Agency and is working with major businesses to change the way business is done.
Related contacts: Forum for the Future, The Cheltenham
Observatory,
Researched and written by Vin West
We thought that in some modest way, if we could make the surroundings a little
greener, then that would contribute to solving our underlying economic problems."
Brian. Colne Valley Tree Society.
Communities can take control of their own environment, and do it for themselves.
That way, it’s done now, it’s done on time, it’s probably done very cheaply,
and what is done is appropriate. That’s the basis of sustainable
development.
Melvyn Rutter. environmental consultant.
Before, the community would always say that the youth won’t do anything.
They are just trouble makers. But this project has helped us change the images
of us quite considerably.
David. Newborough Youth Club.
We’re not going back to the way it was, as you’d get completely left behind.
We’re just trying to do something that’s appropriate for our generation,
for our children and our children’s children.
Maggie. Corray Township.
We now have the means to understand what has gone wrong, in terms of depletion
of resources and the lack of community cohesion. We can turn that around
now.
Neil. Corray Township, West Highlands.
Each issue of Outreach Gwynedd will have a contact and information list, generally dealing with a specific issue. A full information resource will also be available as a printed listing and through the internet. This first list covers the most relevant national organisations. Future lists will include more local initiatives. Please tell us about any organisations that you would like to see included.
ACRE, Somerford Park, Somerford Road, Cirencester, GL7 1TW. 01285 653477. Information and grants for local projects.
AGENDA*, Centre 21, 236-246 Clyde Street, Glasgow, G1 4JH, 0141 221 8106. Resource centre for sustainable development, publishes "Agenda*" magasine
Arid Lands Initiative, Machpelagh Works, Burnley Road, Hebden Bridge, West Yorkshire. HX7 8AU. 01422 843807. Environmental action on deprived housing estates.
Bioregional Development Group, The Ecology Centre, Honeywood Walk, Carshalton, Surrey SM5 3NX Develops end uses for local crops.
BTCV, British trust for Conservation Volunteers, 36 St Mary’s Street, Wallingford, OX10 0EU. 01491 839766. Contacts for local conservation groups and projects.
Cadw, Welsh Historic Monuments, Crown Building, Cathays Park, Cardiff, CF1 3NQ 01222 826375. Information on listing and care of old buildings
Centre for Alternative Technology, Machynlleth, Powys, SY20 9AZ. 01654 702400 Extensive range of leaflets and access to expertise.
Centre for Intermediate Technology, 103-105 Southampton Row, London, WC1B 4HH 0171 436 9761. Low technology for the third world.
Centre for Our Common Future, 52 rue de Paquis, 1201 Geneva, Switzerland. Source of much valuable information about Agenda 21, including full and shortened copies of the origoinal document.
Cheltenham Observatory, Francis Close Hall, Swindon Road, Cheltenham, Glos. GL50 4AZ, Tel:01242 544082 Website at: www.chelt.ac.uk/el/pallies/
Christian Campaign for Monetary Justice, (Michael Rowbotham), Bretts Cottage, Chapel Road, Thurgarton, Norwich, Norfolk, NR11 7NP. Campaign for menetary measures that will contribute to economic and social justice throughout the world.
Civic Trust for Wales, 2nd Floor, Empire House, Mount Stuart Square, Cardiff, CF1 6DN 01222 484606 To promote civic pride, and improvement in quality of life through community action, good design and sustainable development, and a respect for the built environment amongst people of all ages.
Common Ground, PO Box 25309, London NW5 1ZA. 0171 2672144. Information on community orchards.
Community Development Foundation, Keeper’s Cottage, Llandarcy, West Glam. SA10 6JD. 01792 321050.
Council for Voluntary Service, local centres for volunteering.
Create Centre, Smeaton Road, Bristol BS1 6XN 0117 9224391 Demonstration site for alternative technology, housing and a range of organisations including the UK eco-village network.
Crofters Commission, 01463 663450 Information on small holdings, crofting and land tenure.
CYMAD Porthmadog Business Park, LL49 9GB 01766 512300. Encouraging community projects in rural Gwynedd.
Development Trusts Association, 20 Conduit Place, London W2 1HZ. 0171 706 4951. For community based development organisations.
Ecological Design Association, The British School, Slad Road, Stroud, GL5 1QW 01453 765575 Information on ecological design, and low energy buildings.
Emerson College Hartfield Road, Forest Row, East Sussex, RH18 5JX. Education in the principles of Anthroposophy, and teachings of Rudolf Steiner, Bio-dynamic agriculture, and use of curative art and medicine.
Entrust, 154 Buckingham Palace Road, London, SW1W 9TR. 0171 823 4574. Landfill tax creditation scheme regulator.
Environment Wales, 01222 471121. Information and grants for community projects.
Environmental Law Foundation, 01491 839766. Legal advice on environmental projects.
Environmental Task Force, contact Job Centre. One of the ‘New Deal’ options for young unemployed people.
Forum for the Future, 9 Imperial Square, Cheltenham, Gloucestershire, GL50 1QB Tel: 01242 262773 implementing
the work and ideas of Dr. Karl Henrik Robert principles of Agenda 21.
Forward Scotland, St Vincent’s Crescent, Glasgow, G3 8LT. 0141 567 4336. Co-ordinates a programme for sustainable communities in Scotland, dealing with social, economic and environmental well-being.
Friends of the Earth, 26-28 Underwood Street, London N1 7JQ. 0171 490 1555 Information and ideas about future communities.
Going for Green, Elizabeth House, The Pier, Wigan, WN3 4EX. 01942 612621. Co-ordinates a sustainable communities programme in England and Wales, based upon ten point ‘Green Code’.
Graigian Society 10 Lady Somerset Road, London NW5 1UP 0171 485 1646 ‘Green monks’ who seek spiritual fulfilment through self knowledge and ecological action. Publish beautiful hand written magasine to supporting membership.
Groundwork, 85-87 Cornwall Street, Birmingham B3 3BY. 0121 236865. Community recovery of derelict land.
Horticultural Therapy, Trunkwell Park, Beech Hill, Reading, RG7 2AT. 0118 988 5688. Gardening and gardens for special needs.
HYDRA, The Henry Doubleday Research Association, Ryton, Coventry, CV8 3LG. 01203 308211. National organic gardening centre.
Institute for Social Invention, 20 Heber Road, London, NW2 6AA 0181 208 2853. Seeks to promote new socially benevolent services, imaginative solutions to age old problems.
Landlife, Court Hey Park, Liverpool,, L16 3NA. 0151 737 1819. Turning derelict land into wildflower meadows.
Learning through landscapes, 3rd Floor, South Side Offices, The Old Law Courts, Winchester S023 9DL. 01962 846258. School grounds projects.
LET Solutions, 7 Park Street, Worcester, WR5 1AA. 01905 352848. Information and advice on the setting up of Local Exchange Trading.
Living Village Trust, GEN Centre, Church Street, Bishops Castle SY9 5AA. 01588 638958. Co-housing projects creating sustainable communities having local identity, community spirit, self sufficiency, environmental awareness.
Local Government Management Board, Layden House, 76-86 Turnmill Street, London, EC1M 5QU. 0171 296 6600. Provides support to all local authorities in England and Wales, and produces information on sustainable development as guidance to local authorities.
National Federation of City Farms (NFCF), The Greenhouse, Hereford Street, Bedminster, Bristol, BS3 4NA. 0117 923 1800. National network of city farms and gardens.
National Food Alliance (SAFE), 94 White Lion Street, London, N1 9PF. 0171 837 1228. Research and campaigns on quality of natural food.
National Society for Allotments and Leisure Gardeners, 01536 266576. Network of allotment groups throughout the UK.
Neighbourhood Initiatives Foundation, 01952 590777. Advice on ‘Planning for Real’.
New Economics Foundation, 6-8 Cole Street, London SE1 4HY. 0171 4074747. Work, consumption and investment as if people mattered.
NSCA, 136 North Street, Brighton BN1 1RG. 01273 735802. Information on a range of pollution issues.
Peace Child Rescue Mission Headquarters, The White House, Buntingford, SG9 9AH. Publish books and information on Agenda 21, aimed mainly at, or written by children.
Permaculture Association, BCM Permaculture Assoc. London WC1N 3XX. 01654 712188. The permaculture network in Britain.
Planning Aid Wales, The Maltings, East Tyndal Street, Cardiff 01222 485765.. 01222 485 765. Free advice on any planning problem.
Resurgence, Jeanette Gill, Rocksea Farmhouse, St Mabyn, Bodmin, Cornwall, PL30 3BR. Radical magasine on the environment and social renewal.
Shell Better Britain Campaign, 21a Graham Street, Birmingham B1 3JR Information and small grants for new communities.
Soil Association, 40-56 Victoria Street, Bristol, BS1 6BY. 0117 9142425. Information on organic growing, and register of certified organic growers.
Sustainable Development Unit (DOE) 0171 890 6468.
TCA, Freepost CV2312, WREN Telecottage, Kenilworth, Warwickshire, CV8 2RR. 0800 616008. Information on teleworking and the Teleworker Journal.
TCRE (Technical Conservation Research and Education) Historic Scotland, Longmore House, Salisbury Place, Edinburgh, EH9 1SH. 0131 668 8668. Excellent advice and information on care of old buildings.
The Institute of Social Invention, 20 Heber Road, London, NW2 6AA 0181 208 2853. "Re inventing Society". Promotes, and publishes radical ideas that would transform the world.
Tidy Britain Group, The Pier, Wigan, WN3 4EX. 01942 824620. Information and advice on neighbourhood clean-ups.
Vision in Action, Fachongle Farm House, Newport, Pembrokeshire, SA42 0QR. 01239 820971 Produces a lavish resource magasine on practical sustainable projects.
Wales Co-operative Development Agency, Llandaff Court, Fairwater Road, Cardiff, CF5 2XP 01222 554 955. Supports and promotes the formation and operation of co-operative and community ventures.
Wildlife Trusts, The Green, Witham Park, Waterside, Lincoln LN5 7JR. 01522
544400. Information and contacts for local Wildlife Trusts.
FOX FIRE
a concept in cultural recording
Many years ago a most interesting thing happened in an American school classroom that was to change dramatically the face of the local countryside. Indeed, the effect was to have repercussions all over the world. A remarkable and imaginative young school teacher was experiencing some difficulty in getting his high spirited Appalachian class to concentrate upon their school studies. He therefore devised a simple way to get them to write and record in good English, and learn about their local geography and history at the same time. Unknown to him, his project was to teach them a lot more besides.
He sent his class children out in pairs to greet and talk with all the old timers who still inhabited wooden cabins in the hills. The children were instructed to ask a number of questions about the ole’ days, when the settlers first came, and how the land was gained and farmed to provide the simple existence for the settler families. Each child then wrote a report on their findings, and presented it to the whole class. The class as a whole responded with a plan, to go again and ask more questions. This way, a record was built up, stage by stage, of all the crafts and techniques that were used to build the old cottages. How stones were collected and formed without tools, how timber was felled and shaped without screws or nails to make draught proof homes. How they made cleft oak baskets and found food, how they made butter and cheese, and baked bread in clay ovens. How they killed, cured and smoked a hog, salted the beef and skinned a musk rat. And how they brewed the whisky. It was all taken down and noted, as really strong relationships grew up between people spanning several generations.
The notes were all recorded by hand, very often as literal quotation, in the raw American tongue of the old stagers. It was then printed out, and published as a series of magazines, called "Fox Fire". The rapid sale of these first magazines provided income to purchase a portable reel to reel tape recorder, which was high technology in those days. More stories were collected, often in the nick of time before this last generation of endemic people passed away for ever. But fortunately the record now remains, and the children set about teaching themselves the very same old crafts. They built copies of the old houses, and treated themselves to the same old recipes that they had collected. As the Fox Fire readership expanded, and people world wide were drawn to this inexplicable revelation of traditions, so a new foundation was formed, at first to publish the "Fox Fire Book" and then to restore a whole living community, following the ways that were used in the past, which provided a rich and sustainable human existence.
The same has happened in other places. Camp Hill Communities throughout the world operate a style of living based upon principles directed by Rudolph Steiner. They practice Bio-dynamic agriculture, and meet all their needs from their own local resources, and personal skills. But theirs is no life of mundane slavery. Their cultural standard of life is far higher and more exciting than any other I have known. There is no television because there is no time for it. Every break time and every evening is so full of social and cultural activities.
The Quaker and Amish communities in USA have also bitten against the social and economic assumptions of our age, and demonstrated that culture seems to be the first to suffer as technology takes over the lives it is supposed to free from drudgery.
The Fox Fire exercise has much to tell us about our own situation, here in Gwynedd. Not that long ago, this was an area self sufficient in every respect. It produced enough food to provide a surplus (hence Ynys Mon - The Mother Island), and there was a net export of building materials in the form of rock, slate, timber and building lime. But now the reverse is the case. This area exports very little, and we have become dependent upon outside suppliers for almost everything, even those things that this area was once famous for!
Is there still an opportunity to record from any very old local residents, precisely how things were done before the wars, 85 or more years ago? Is it too late to recreate a picture of the working mixed farm, with it own water supply, and both arable and animal farming? Is it possible to learn how the old butter churns worked, that once were so common in every cottage or dairy? Is it possible to learn how local drop scones were made, and how the broth was boiled in an inglenook cauldron?
Do not get the mistaken idea that I am suggesting we should all go back and live by these ways! Neither am I wanting to see Wales become a "museum land" of living history. I am not interested in sham or the fake. What I am interested in is discovering qualities of life that come from the past, many of which do not deserve to be forgotten. I am keen to develop an understanding of local interdependence, as opposed to an increasing dependence by which our needs are met through a smaller and smaller number of larger and larger companies.
John Nicholson 1999
SMALL
IS BEAUTIFUL. BIG IS SUBSIDISED.
How our taxes contribute to social and environmental breakdown.
A REVIEW by Patricia Knox. Member of the New Economics
Foundation
This excellent 56 page publication spells out the many ways in which our taxes are used to promote big business at the expense of small businesses, small farmers and environmental integrity in all parts of the world. It also points to various opportunities to enable citizens to start to reclaim their power.
The growth in size of businesses and institutions is usually presented as a natural evolution. But big business grows in the way it does, extinguishing many small-scale businesses on the way, because it is subsidised by the taxpayer. There is nothing natural and inevitable about this. Recent events in the news over the problems caused by genetically modified (GM) foods, show both the way that large companies can force farmers and the public to buy and consume their products, and also that despite the overwhelming view of the public that they do not want this sort of food by choice, it seems that the government is un-willing or unable to respond.
The financial power wielded by these over-large corporations enable them to exert political pressure on governments, ensuring that the corporations are also supported by favourable legislation. Many hidden subsidies are described in this publication, as well as tax breaks and other incentives offered to large firms, together with the ability of multi-national corporations to evade taxes in countries where taxes are high and, instead, pay their taxes in countries where taxes are low, thus eroding the tax base in many industrialised countries. Multi-national corporations are then also able to bank their funds in tax havens.
There are hidden subsidies to large corporations within the transport and communications systems, as well as in research and development and in education.
The description of the functions of education in a-mass production society is chilling indeed. It is to produce a mass of consumers, educated to be needy, frightened, envious, bored, talentless and incomplete. It turns children into adults who are passive consumers and workers. "School cuts our ability to concentrate to a few minutes duration, creating a life-long craving for relief from boredom through outside stimulation."
Educating children for roles in the corporate economy, indoctrinating them with an industrial world view and an uncritical faith in technology, subjecting them to corporate manipulation in the classroom - all these are considered reasonable functions of the educational system.
SMALL IS BEAUTIFUL. BIG IS SUBSIDISED. How our taxes contribute to social and environmental breakdown.
Principal author: Steven Gorelick
Published by International Society for Ecology and Culture, (Apple Barn, Week, Darlington, Devon, TQ9 6JP)
Please write to us if you would like to review or recommend any book that
has impressed or helped you in some way.
We live in two worlds, one where the abundance of life is taken for granted, the other where life means survival, and where people must struggle each day to gather a handful of crumbs from our table.
These are some of the statistics of our divided world:
Clearly, something has gone wrong with our world. Why? Garth Hewitt, Christian Aid.
"The Feast of Life" is the title of a new musical of hope, written by Garth
Hewitt, emphasising the basic principles necessary to relieve poverty and
achieve peace through global equity. Performances of The Feast of Life will
take place at local venues throughout the United Kingdom, and rehearsals
are taking place now for performances at Bala and Barmouth. Arrangements
are also being made for a combined event at Bangor, which will be led by
Garth Hewitt. If you are interested in helping with music, dancing or singing
then contact: Liz Perkins, 01248 422000.
WHAT DO WE
MEAN BY ‘INWARD INVESTMENT’?
Patricia Knox
Much of the so called expansion of trade in Wales during 1998 was caused by multi-nationals, buying up local Welsh businesses, some of which were then closed down. This caused an increase in the number of bankruptcies, and levels of unemployment. All this was supported by Euro-grants, and local taxation under the banner of inward investment.
We need to define very specifically whet we want to achieve through investment.
And we need to set rules and conditions to channel investments towards the
achievement of those aims. Tessa Tennant at the UK Social Investment Forum
has set up such guidelines, having gained considerable experience in helping
organisations and businesses. She would be a very useful speaker about the
whole subject of social investment.
Do not throw this leaflet away. Either respond now, or pass it on to someone else, who you know will share our interest and concern to see things change. Better still, support us in any of the following ways:-
Join us as a supporting member of Gwynedd 21. Use the return slip on the back page to give us your name and address. The membership subscription will be used simply to pay for the functions of administration, so please add a donation towards the campaign fund.
Write to us with your views and ideas. We would very much like articles on any relevant subject that shows the importance and urgency of change towards a more sustainable future. We would like articles on projects that illustrate good practice, especially local ones. We would also like to hear about any issues that you are especially concerned about. We welcome material for publication in either Welsh or in English.
Sponsor us to undertake research, produce more information leaflets, to run active campaigns. The membership subscription will be used to provide the service to members, and does not cover outreach projects. For our campaign work to be effective we need your support. You could also sponsor the production of an issue of Outreach Gwynedd, which will save production costs.
Inform us about other organisations that seek to provide a local service or improvement, (perhaps your own local action group). Tell us about any local craftsmen or suppliers who we can promote as an alternative to shopping at the multi-nationals. Tell us about your needs, anything you would like to find that will help to reduce waste and reduce consumption.
List your skills and resources Tell us what you would like to give towards this movement. We need people with all kinds of skills and abilities. We plan to set up a drama group, and visit schools to put on an event, on the whole theme of Agenda 21. We need to be able to contact people who can do woodwork, mend clothes, repair buildings, look after children and drive cars. If you have any redundant equipment, computers or printing equipment, indeed anything that can help us all by saving money, then please let us know!
Ask us your questions about whatever you are unable to find, or unable to grow, or unable to understand. If we do not know the answer we will publish your question to see if anyone else knows the answer. If necessary we will publish an article about the problem.
Tell your friends about this new Agenda 21 initiative, and encourage them to contact us. Better still, send their address to us and we will send then a copy of Outreach Gwynedd and an invitation to join.
Send us pictures to include in future editions of Outreach Gwynedd. Your drawings, decorations, cartoons, illustrations in any form of artwork that will make future issues look more attractive.
Welsh translation We would very much like help to translate material for future issues of Outreach Gwynedd, and other information material into Welsh. Is there a Welsh speaker who would help with this work?
Take courage! We have not started on an easy or a straightforward task. Yet every little helps to achieve all, and a great deal can be achieved if we work together. This is a first step, and we hope the beginning of a process of change. The second step is up to you.
This first issue of Outreach Gwynedd has been produced by members of the GWYNEDD 21 group. The views expressed in the magasine may not necessarily be supported by all members of the group, and should not be taken as a definition of Agenda 21. Our aim is to provide a wide variety of view points, and to provide readers with as much information as possible. The drawings on pages 6,14, 18 & 22 are by Green Brother Hereward of the Graigians.
We will gladly provide free sample copies of Outreach Gwynedd to anyone who may share our aims and objectives. Please send us addresses, your letters, and any editorial material for inclusion in future issues to:
Outreach Gwynedd, Tanrallt, Rhostryfan, Caernarfon, Gwynedd, LL54 7NT.
or telephone (01286) 830312.
E-mail: gwynedd21@callnetuk.com
jncaern@aol.com
Outreach Gwynedd is an independent publication, created by the Gwynedd 21 action group, to promote further discussion on the development of an integrated Agenda 21 Strategy for Gwynedd. It is not a formal statement of policy, but seeks to stimulate further consideration on how to optimise our energies towards this important task.
We hope that everyone reading this first issue of Outreach Gwynedd will wish to find out more, and join us in practical activities, or contribute an article or letter to the next issue. We welcome your views, and your letters, and we will publish articles on any sustainable projects that you have had experience with. Our role is to inform and facilitate a process of change.
You may contact any of the following members of Gwynedd 21 to find out where and when we will next meet. At present, our meetings are informal, and have to be fitted in with other commitments and children’s needs. However, anyone sharing our commitment to promote Agenda 21 is welcome.
John Nicholson: Tanrallt, Rhostryfan, LL54 7NT 01286 830312 jncaern@aol.com
Vin West: Glyn Dwr, Upper Llandwrog, 01286 880761 vin.west@virgin.net
Mike Chown: 01766 522967 cab@tycasa.demon.co.uk
We invite you to join the new Gwynedd 21 action group, by returning the membership application from below with payment of £10.00
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Site designed by John Nicholson
Submitted to web 2nd April 1999.
Revised 14th April, 20th April.