Wednesday, January 21, 2009

A New Day: London's Environmental Evolution

EcoLiving London

Hello Everyone,

On January 13th I went in front of city council and requested funding for an environmental initiative I would like to launch here in the city. The presentation went well, and council was receptive, however, they will need to hear from all of us in order for this to go forward.

Environmental “State of the City”
As all of you know, our current environmental state of the city - isn’t great compared to the rest of the nation. We have a recycling program that is very basic in regards to what it will and will not accept, and a low percentage of residents that actually engage in using it properly. Our local environmental not-for-profits struggle to create impactful programs under the weight of stretched (even non-existent) resources, and the average Londoner wanting to make sustainable lifestyle changes doesn’t know where to begin.

What is Possible: ECOLIVING LONDON
My goal is simple: to compile a comprehensive directory of all the local resources that support Londoners in living more sustainably and then create fresh, innovative ways to continually bring these resources to the public’s attention.

Why is this needed?
While we currently have wonderful conservation, tree planting and clean-up programs in place we are lagging behind in areas of public engagement, lifestyle change and the development of a sustainable business culture.

We need to pool our talent and resources, so that city programs are better used and the community in general has access and interest in making lifestyle change. In a time of economic crisis people will be more inclined to want to live more frugally. Frugality often goes hand in hand with eco-friendly - waste less, stretch a dollar - so we are in the perfect position to leverage our current situation to nurture the required paradigm shift.

CALL TO ACTION: We are all in this together
Attached you will find the proposal that could get us started in a powerful new direction. Please give it a quick read (link). If you see value in it - if you could see yourself taking some of the workshops, attending some of the events, or using some of the resources to make your own life more eco-friendly - then go to http://www.thepetitionsite.com/1/Londons-Environmental-Evolution and sign the letter of support.

Let council know that you would like to see this become a reality; that it is something you will use, something you’ve been waiting for.

PAY IT FORWARD
Please forward this to everyone you know - friends, family, co-workers. Help me create a buzz, help me shape our sustainable future.

Your friend and feisty optimist,


Tiffany Roschkow

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