On Thurday evening I attended the regular monthly meeting of the South East Essex Women’s Environmental Network . There was a very good turn out, including some male guests!
We were showing the 2004 film The End of Suburbia. This gave a rather bleak look at the currect situation in the US and how, with Peak Oil fast becoming a reality, the way of life in US surburbia cannot be sustained for much longer. Although the film was American, the message is nonetheless very clear: fossil fuel is a finite resource – and it is running out! This has nothing to do with politics, although it is important to understand how governments around the world are reacting to this challenge. We also need to understand the fragility of the fuel supplies we currently have: huge quantities of fuel are imported in various forms. How safe are those pipelines etc in today’s hostile climate? From government down, we need to stop burying our heads in the sand and find ways to move forward, and develop a sustainable way of life for future generations.
Kamil Pachalko of Transition Town Westcliff then gave a short but very inspiring talk about ways to achieve just that – a sustainable future. The transition town movement is gaining momentum and Kamil is keen for local people to get involved in the Westcliff group. He is also keen to work with other environmental groups throughout the country.
The transition organisation believes that the answer lies in working together as communities. This embraces ideas of individual and community sustainability; a return to real as opposed to materialistic values; sharing goods and services within the community – particularly food; and a number of other initiatives. Some transition towns even have their own official currency in order to boost their local economy!
Do give Kamil a call on 07707676308 or visit www.transitiontowns.org for more general information.