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DO YOU HAVE TO BE RICH TO BE GREEN? |
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News Release 3rd February 2010
Do you need to be rich to be green?
The topic at the Green Party sponsored Coffee House discussion on 22nd January prompted much debate about what it means to be green.
Three speakers led the discussion including Kaye Welfare from The Severn Wye Energy Agency (SWEA). Kaye explained ‘Energy Neighbourhoods' where households signed up to undertake energy efficiency measures. Participants committed to changes in habit that didn't cost them a penny but saved money on energy use. You really don't need to be rich to be green or even particularly interested in green issues to conserve energy and save money.
Dave Cockcroft, a long-standing Green Party member, talked about the cost of green products and services. Many everyday items, if one takes the greener option, often command a higher price. Organic food costs more as does ethically sourced clothing or choosing to travel by train instead of flying or driving the car. Energy efficient white goods are usually the most expensive and photovoltaic panels are out of most peoples' price range. In fact, pretty much anything being sold as 'green' commands a premium price. You don't have to be rich to be green but it certainly helps if you want to take advantage of all the green stuff on the market.
Miriam Yagud, who will stand as a Green Party councillor in Dursley in the next election, took a different tack altogether. She argued that the earth's resources are finite and concern for the environment needs to be part of a wider concern for a fairer share of the world's resources. Miriam hoped that the green movement and the Green Party in particular would continue to move away from single issue campaigning on the environment and concentrate on social justice issues and equality for all with sustainability at the heart of its campaigning.
Better relationships between people will lead to healthier human relationships with the planet. If we care more about each other that will naturally lead to a greater interest in the environment. Equally, concern for the environment and how the earth will continue to sustain life must be a concern for all the people on the planet and not just the lucky few who happen to live in the developing world.
The Stroud District Green Party sponsors coffee House discussions and everyone is welcome. The next one is on the Citizen's Income (a fair, living income for all) and will be on Friday 26th February at 7.30pm at the Star Anise Cafe in Stroud. More details can be found http://www.glosgreenparty.org.uk/
Liz Hillary, Press Officer, Stroud District Green Party - mobile: 07865 298159
Printed by, promoted by and on behalf of the Stroud District Green Party, 8 Castle Street, Stroud, GL5 2HP
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