Home About IEF Conferences Newsletter Resources PAPERS PRESENTED AT THE 8TH ANNUAL CONFERENCE OF THE INTERNATIONAL ENVIRONMENT FORUM (Thessaloniki, Greece, 15-17 October 2004)

Focus on individuals

Looked yesterday at the big picture
Now we can focus on the question people always ask:
What can we do as individuals?
re-examine our values - are they compatible with sustainability?
educate ourselves to the issues
change our way of thinking: integrated systems view - long term
look outward - solidarity - world citizenship
cultivate sustainable lifestyles - live lightly on the earth - be content with little

Environmental dimensions and practical applications:

Water
Consumption: washing, bathing, laundry
Gardening
Sanitation
Pollution

Energy use
Economy, efficiency in:
Heating
Cooling
Cooking
Lighting
Appliances
Can we reduce our emissions of CO2?

Transport
Motor vehicles
Public transport
Bicycle
Walking
Reduce the need for transport

Food
Fast food or organic
Local or fair trade
Nutritional balance
Pesticides/hormones/antibiotics
Meat or vegetarian
Genetically-modified organisms

Clothing
Natural fibres: agricultural impacts
Synthetic fibres: persistent, non-renewable
Socially-responsible manufacture
Changing styles or full use
Brand names and fashions

Housing
Location
Materials
Health impacts
Energy efficiency
Social effects

Recreation/tourism/entertainment
Impact on natural environment
Transport
Ecotourism
Constructive or destructive

Aesthetics
Beauty
Natural versus man-made
Respecting cultural diversity