Peoples Republic of South Devon

Sustainability South West’s top ten environmental tips

October 3rd, 2008

… to save the planet, save your (non-denominational) soul and save money.

Today’s top 10 are from Sustainability South West

1. Develop sustainability learning and skills. Explain and promote the ‘what’, ‘why’ and ‘how’ of sustainability and develop ‘systemic thinking’, professional skills and leadership to support sustainable solutions

2. Improve physical and mental well-being, Reduce health inequalities by supporting: healthy, balanced lifestyles; healthy homes and workplaces; clean, safe and green environments; and supportive and inclusive communities

3. Improve equality in meeting basic needs, Reduce inequalities (prioritising those who are most in need) in access to: decent and affordable housing; essential goods and services; an adequate income; and safe and satisfying employment, learning and leisure opportunities

4. Be resource wise. Cut consumption of resources and adopt high energy, water and resource efficiency at home and at work; maximise the use of local, renewable energy; minimise waste and prevent pollution

5. Support thriving low carbon economies. Boost competitiveness, business markets and employment opportunities by supporting a low carbon approach to innovation, enterprise and economic development in ways which meet local workforce needs eg local renewable energy, sustainable construction and renovation, environmental technologies and local/regional supply chains - see Fair Share Fair Choice for low carbon advice and support and to sign up to the principle of ‘fair and safe carbon shares for everyone’.

6. Reduce high carbon travel. Use, promote and plan for low carbon access/travel eg walking & cycling, home-working, mobile services, ICT/video-conferencing, online facilities, local multi-service centres, demand-responsive public transport and alternative fuels

7. Use local and ethical goods and services Use locally and ethically sourced goods and services - and strengthen local/regional supply chains - to boost our local economies and support people in other parts of the world

8. Enhance local distinctiveness and diversity including biodiversity. Protect and enhance our natural environment and biodiversity and culture and heritage and celebrate diversity and distinctiveness

9. Help everyone to join in public decision-making. Support wider, more informed participation in public and community decision-making to foster citizenship and involve people in the solutions to local and global challenges

10. Take a long-term approach. Take into account the needs of future generations including mitigating and adapting to climate change. Ensure the genuine sustainability and success of what you do by pursuing integrated, lasting ‘win-win-win’ outcomes for society, the economy and the environment.

These are the South West’s 10 sustainability principles – part of the Regional Sustainable Development Framework. Sustainability South West (SSW) coordinates the Sustainability Shaper. SSW is a charity who raises awareness and provides advice and guidance to accelerate change towards a more sustainable region. In addition to its membership, SSW has a small staff team headed up by director Leslie Watson. Currently its chair is Julian Dennis, director of compliance and sustainability at Wessex Water and its president is Jonathon Porritt who is also Chair of the Sustainable Development Commission.

More SSW news and information is available on the Sustainability South West website.

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Entry Filed under: Environment, Society