eco - from Greek 'oikos' meaning 'home'

First of all it is very helpful to remember or discover that the creation of healthy communities and environments is our true priority. In the capitalist system the priority tends to be financial, and even if it is not, finance is usually influential in some way - and often for the worse according to our humanitarian and ecological values [that we have despite rather than because of the system]. Capitalism is enormously wasteful of resources – trashing food by the truck load rather than giving it away for example, and enormously wasteful to run in terms of energy and time. Vast numbers of people just move money around, protect the system in some ‘security’ capacity, or fight in hugely destructive wars over resources on behalf of competing business empires. Those without money are left to starve - the number of people suffering from chronic hunger has reached the record-high figure of approximately one billion this year - that is one in six of the people on the planet – we note that the figures of those that are mal-nourished is probably higher. Those with money are tempted to consume in ways that are harmful to their person, their communities and their environment by those who are raking in profits from it; and as a result they are kept ignorant and distracted from their real needs and from what they really care about.

The appearance of democracy in capitalism is largely an illusion. Capitalist law – or the capitalist financial system - supports the undemocratic power of a minority of owners. They accumulate financial profit from the work of the majority, and use it 1) to fund excessive lifestyles, 2) to reinvest, 3) to keep the majority compliant – by deception and/or force - to being exploited and powerless. Of course, not only people, but all our planetary resources are involved in one way or another in this process of profit motivated exploitation; hence the widespread and frequently extreme damage to individuals, communities and the global ecosystem - and hence the difficulty of preventing this damage. Capitalism is thus inherently an abusive system. Living under its rule we necessarily have to take part in it to some extent, and we are affected by the harmful conditions that it produces. BUT WE CAN CHANGE THIS! We are only so powerless as long as we believe the indoctrination that capitalism is necessary. It is not. We can have a system of common ownership and free access to goods and services, in which money is not needed. We can organize ourselves as equals, using democratic procedures and contributing according to our abilities. And we can achieve this by majority demand. Now that is democracy. Removing capitalism will enable a whole range of improvements to take place. Without the imperatives imposed by financial controls, and the priorities of a hierarchical system, our priorities and imperatives will naturally be psychological/physiological and ecological welfare with the awareness that for us, these depend on each other. Financial concerns will not be a priority – they will not affect us at all – they will not even exist.

With the abundance of the earth and the development of technology, a good life for everyone is possible. This would be reasonable, ethical and efficient. But capitalism does not work that way. Rule of the majority by a minority of ‘owners’ is in itself unreasonable, unethical and inefficient in humanitarian terms. The majority are prevented by the financial controls, and how these affect their conditions of life, from exercising and developing their qualities to the full, and so from fully benefiting their communities. - And the current capitalist trends globally are for more centralization of power, more concentration of wealth, and for more human casualties and more environmental destruction. Justice for people and the environment – judged scientifically according to general health and opportunity - can never happen under capitalism, because according to that criterion capitalism is unhealthy. Even those who think they are doing well from it are victims of its lies and have to harden their hearts to the unnecessary suffering of billions and the decimation of the earth. The façade is just beginning to come crashing down, and what comes next is up to us. At the moment it is in many ways a struggle to learn, to love, to live sustainably; this is because the system weighs against it. We will only have a system that serves truth and compassion and appreciation – that serves healthy existence and development – if we consciously choose it and work to establish it.

In the present situation, if we are not prevented from achieving something worthwhile in the first place, we often see our achievements being eroded or simply annihilated in one fell swoop by the whims of a privileged but ignorant minority and the irrational and indifferent fluctuations of ‘the market’. Common ownership, however, provides for our efforts to yield enduring benefit. There will still be problems to solve, and certain projects will probably still take longer than we would like, but our energies will not be sapped by the oppression, the constraints and deceit of capitalism. Many wonderful changes could occur at an astonishing rate. - So I believe that we have to spread these ideas as much as possible, to produce the majority political consciousness that is needed to end the brutal capitalist system, and to bring a completely new phase for humanity. It is helpful towards this, where possible, to use/support/do those things that cause least harm and which bring most benefit in terms of welfare of the environment and communities. The emergence of more cooperation and respect for each other and our means of life is needed for a healthy social system to be established. – And it is caring about these things that motivates us to establish it - because we need a system fit for the purpose.

To have financial profit as a priority (capital – ism) is inherently corrupt and corrupting. With regard to creating healthy communities and environments, by definition, we will not have a good system until what is good is the priority. Organizing democratically as equals will enable the sustainable and prosperous use of resources and energy. This will be recognized as what is good for all; what is good for life.







Note 1) global warming gas is abbreviated here to G.W.G.

Note 2) As I wrote these ideas I noticed that they are largely facilitated, made more enjoyable – and indeed in some cases only made possible – by living more communally. Note: I don’t mean sharing every thing in every way. – People clearly need private spaces and personal things.



1) Energy efficiency and Reducing Emissions of G.W.G’s

Reducing the use/support of products that involve G.W.G emission in production and distribution

Generally trying for more quality (e.g. things that last) and less quantity.

Switching things off when they are not in use. Insulation of hot water tanks and of buildings in general, see also ‘Housing and work places’ below.

Use a green energy supplier - one which uses and encourages renewable energy. For example www.goodenergy.co.uk/

Reducing G.W.G emitting activities

Reducing G.W.G. emitting traveling. For example, arranging our lives so we do not have to travel so far so often and/or can use cleaner modes of travel.

I.e. living walking/cycling distance from family and friends, work places and recreational areas and/or living walking/cycling distance from train/bus/ferry stations to these and other places.
This also involves getting exercise and fresh air, being healthier, being more efficient and generally feeling well.
It also contributes to having a community – see below

Exercise locally. Running, yoga etc.

Improved public transport – especially in rural areas. Eco Busses

Save money and get fit / keep fit

   by not taking part in polluting business
   by not supporting wars to get oil
   by not to polluting the planet
   by not having a car.

We can reorganise our lives so that we don’t need them so much. We can reorganise our lives as individuals, and in cooperation with other individuals and groups.

Car share schemes.

Seeking/supporting/developing energy efficiency technology and other measures.

Seeking/supporting/developing alternatives to G.W.G. emitting fuels.

Note: Bio fuel is not a good alternative because of: 1) Land use. Virgin Forest is still being cut down to be replaced with palm oil plantations etc. Also 2) the emissions produced in farming and processing and supplying bio fuel is very high. 3) Organic farming and local supply is better for the environment. This involves more land use and so will require the land to be used for food rather than fuel production. Cold pressed rapeseed oil which can be produced in Europe is very nutritious and good for cakes, biscuits etc. This can be used for more local manufacture of food stuffs in Europe instead of importing Palm oil which will save food miles and save forest.

Checking your carbon footprint.

Make a flow diagram of global warming effects showing how they will produce runaway global warming. Include, for example:
1) Forest fire.
2) Increasing carbon dioxide in the oceans (making it acidic) and other pollutants are killing algae that are one of the main absorbers of………….carbon dioxide.
3) Increases in global temperature cause methane (another greenhouse gas) to come up from underground and under the sea bed………..adding further to greenhouse gasses in the atmosphere.

Stabilise/reduce population numbers. This does not have to preclude large families – see below

Adoption and fostering by a suitable parent/suitable parents, with appropriate help provided.
There are many children in care, in orphanages, abandoned and on the streets who need a home and a family.

Facilitate euthanasia for those who so choose. Provided with full counselling procedures to ensure it is truly what is wanted and to help people through it.



2) Reducing the use/support of products that involve deforestation, pollution, animal cruelty, war and human degradation.

Generally avoiding damaging products
             1) Products that are damaging to produce
             2) Products that are damaging to transport
             3) Products that are damaging to use
             4) Products that are damaging to discard

Beware of stolen wood sourced from forests that are or should be protected. Ask if wood products are made with ethically sourced wood. Ask for the nearest supply to reduce fuel used in transportation.

Use/support/set up democratic, environmentally friendly, animal friendly, and more local production, services and means of supply, such as cooperatives.
See also:More self sufficient communities

Support/Start ‘scoop shops’, where, for example, olive oil can be poured from a vat or barrel and cereals beans etc. can be scooped from a big bucket. Bring your own bags, pots etc.

Cutting down packaging. Wherever possible avoid packaged goods – especially plastic – which is another product of oil companies, and is also very non-biodegradable.

Buying goods in larger containers to cut down on packaging. For example, peanut butter, honey, oil; goods that last well. [This also saves time spent shopping. Plus, large tubs etc. can be recycled at home, for example, as storage containers or by making holes in the bottom to make plant pots.]

Use local markets

Cancel unsolicited mail using the mailing preference service. [see MPS online]

Cancel catalogues that you don’t need by calling the companies. You’ll be surprised how much you won’t miss them.



3) Recycling

Regular collection schemes collecting all types of waste that can be put in separate bins

Use goods that come in recyclable bottles e.g. milk and juice delivery bottles

Use charity shops

Support/start local work shops that make and mend things.
-Things can be mended instead of being wasted, and adding to refuse problems.

Compost locally – perhaps as a communal project



4) More self sufficient communities.

Capitalism has produced a lot of separation and specialization. Some of this may be advantageous, but in other cases it is more energy efficient and culturally enriching for communities if enterprises are recombined with improvements. This produces innovation, interest and a variety of skills locally as well as reducing emissions from transportation of goods.

Reorganising life for the benefit of all.

combining industries

Building or adapting buildings and spaces so that industries can be combined.

For example: A factory that produces heat as a by product can be adapted to provide this heat to green houses for growing tropical fruits for example.

combining industries with recreation

For example: There are organic farmers who would like to use horses for some jobs instead of tractors, and for local delivery instead of cars/vans - but cannot afford the extra cost of keeping the horses. This could be solved by combining a recreational riding stable with an organic farm.

Local work shops that make and mend things.

Local industries. Farms/building/bakeries/crafts etc.

Sourcing more raw materials/ingredients locally and sustainably.

Supplying products to local outlets.

Better quality goods made locally, and with parts available so that they can be mended.
Goods would then last much longer - making the extra time spent in producing them worthwhile, and there is much less cost to the environment.

Organic farming for local supply is not only non harmful to the environment, it is beneficial to it and to the community.

More variety in local farms e.g. orchards, and fruits/vegetables such as tomatoes and aubergines that in more northern countries can be grown under glass.

Free range animals
Have less meat but appreciate it more. Vegetarian websites will advise on protein alternatives.
When you eat meat, feel good about meat. Have meat from animals that have had a good life.



5) Having a community

Note i) The establishment of socialism will allow us as never before to combine the best of the old and the best of the new; the best of old and more natural pre-industrial revolution methods and ways of living with modern democracy and best use of technology.

Note ii) environmentally friendly ways of living such as those described here are generally also community friendly. Healthy communities facilitate environmentally healthy methods and vice versa.

Working together.
Getting to know each other and our environment.
Respect comes with knowing. We have to learn how to care for each other and our environment.
And that is how a good example is given to children as they grow up.
Children can grow up knowing people and being known, feeling valued, being responsible and with the sense of belonging.

To have a healthy lifestyle and to develop sustainably and peacefully gets easier the more that people work together for this purpose. See Local projects.

Having more local services such as hospitals, fire service and schools. [Every school needs playing fields or access to playing fields, with trees.]

Having facilities such as crèches, youth clubs, parks with play ground facilities for children of all ages, sports areas with local trainers, swimming facilities with life guards – [indoor pools, lidos or converted quarries etc.], libraries, cinema, and a variety of workshops, outlets and cafes (instead just having one or two huge, impersonal supermarkets).

Having common land for work, to grow food, to play.

Sharing cars, tools, renewable energy generators etc.

The running and up keep of facilities by the community.


Advantages
General therapeutic benefits.
There is naturally a healthier life style and more appreciation of nature.
Reduces G.W.G. emissions and need for cars (time maintaining them etc.)
General living is more economical when people live in more self sufficient, sharing communities.
The local area is less polluted with vehicle noise and fumes.
It is coherent with general changes that have to be made, not only to reduce emissions but to have a healthier life style. It creates caring communities where young people feel valued, have quality time with adults, exercise and interesting, developing things to do.
The environment is saved.



6) Housing and work places

Upgrade existing buildings with insulation, energy efficiency, energy generation capacity [solar panels, windmills, water wheels etc.], and communal facilities where this is both energy efficient and good for enabling a friendly community – for example, a shared laundry room, a meeting area.

New constructions as above and built using environmentally friendly methods.
Made as self sufficient as possible. E.g. Large South easterly/Southerly/South westerly facing windows/sky lights to maximize sunlight and warmth
Full insulation
Equipped for non polluting energy generation (e.g. above)
Roof drainage into water butts
Provision for cold room (see ‘Cold rooms’ below)
Local drainage systems for sewage (e.g. the gravel and reed bed system and/or channeling treated sewage as fertilizer into arable land)
Arranging groups of new buildings for maximum efficiency. Examples: 1) Installation and running of communal energy systems (solar, wind, water, geothermic). 2) Some communal facilities 3) Cold rooms could be separate but joined in a row, so they are all in the coolest place.

Cold rooms.
Having a lined out door pit or chamber in a north facing/shaded place or a cold room/larder on north facing side of the house (excluded from insulation). Refrigerator use can thus be minimized.

Awareness of prevailing winds and which tend to be most cold, and being aware of where the sunlight shines from during the year. – And so arranging the building position, windows, gardens, secluded areas, growing places, green houses, cold rooms etc., propitiously.

More local materials for house building
Responsibly sourced stone, sustainably grown wood, mud, mud brick, adobe, cob, straw bale, and the use of recycled materials. Alternative building methods can often be cheaper as well as more ecologically friendly, and result in unique and beautiful houses that are cool in summer and snug in winter.
Building with mud is one of the oldest architectural traditions world wide. West Africa is inspirational. Mud buildings have many of the qualities now increasingly valued in Western architecture such as sustainability, sculptural form and community participation in their conception and creation.



7) Local Projects: a good small project is inseparable from the great project of caring for the living earth.
One person can have a project in a small yard, and there can be projects involving the whole community.

Tree planting

Orchards

Allotments

City Gardens including the use of balconies, roofs and window boxes.

Create havens for wildlife
Feeding the birds and making other provisions for local wildlife e.g. hedgehogs (who eat slugs), bees, butterflies.
Wildlife websites will advise.

Create wildlife corridors. Adjacent green spaces/gardens in towns and cities, ideally also joined to the countryside beyond.

Having local meetings to organize environmental projects that are best done communally, e.g.; some types of energy generation, recycling and composting. Having common land for this and for other communal events.

Housing Projects. See also above.

Looking at the present layout of housing and gardens and other land to see if it can be better used; to see if it can be altered and/or allocated in a more beneficial way for everyone. For example, enabling the sharing and joint use of certain spaces where this is beneficial to all, whilst maintaining, improving and creating private areas.

Communal forest gardens for vegetables, herbs, flowers, fruit trees and composting

Cooperating to ensure that there is access from all homes to safe places for walking.
The recovery of old footpaths and the creation of new ones.
In some places old footpaths have been broken by various constructions. These paths can often be reconnected by creating new sections that go around or over obstacles.

Developing links between farms and the local community. For example: Arrangements with local riding stables about using manure on the land. Children learning to help on the farm and gaining experience and understanding and appreciation of where food comes from and the work involved in producing it. Local people helping with farm work, especially when there is a big job like harvesting, gathering apples etc. Making this a social event.

Making a farm an environmentally friendly community project with facilities for other social events such as courses in all sorts of skills, and recreational activities (e.g. music and dancing).
Sending a description of the project and statement of purpose to environmental groups such as Friends of the Earth and Green Peace asking for advice, and about contacting local members, associates and friends of these groups who may be able to help. For example, the R.S.P.B. might like to set up a feeding area and build a bird hide in a secluded part of the land – adding interest.

A ‘hike or bike in and help’ scheme, over one or two nights bringing tents and/or with other accommodation provided. Food and entertainment provided. Here again, association with green groups/volunteer groups would help.
Advertise by posters in schools and colleges and by personal contacts with these institutions. A description and statement of purpose can be sent to teachers asking if they would like to help to organize trips. The letter can be accompanied by the request to come in and meet someone in the school who is interested in the environment to discuss possible joint projects.

Description and statement of purpose on a flier delivered to local people.



8) Personal Health. Being aware of how we use our time. Having time to work, play and rest.
Practice health maintenance and healing: Exercise, massage, meditation etc.
Dissatisfaction with the work we do or how we have to do it is very draining to the health. So where possible we can try to do the work that we truly want to do and use non polluting methods.

Good work, rest and play

To have a lifestyle that is humane and sustainable, we generally do not have to lose luxuries. Some of them just have to take a different (and I believe much more satisfying) form, so that they do no harm. We will still be in a situation where we have to restrain ourselves from indulging in certain things for the sake of our health – but having a more healthy life and a more healthy environment will help us with that.



9) Find out more about what is happening in the world. Check out different newspapers. Use the internet [see links page on this website]. Watch a range of documentaries.

Developing the sense of reality

A new concept of life: regaining the sense of reality, and developing it.

THINK:
What are we consuming? - How it is provided? - How does this affect the world?
What are we producing? – How is it managed? - How does this affect the world?
Developing our ability to work together so that everyone can have a good life.

Developing our ability to learn from mistakes, and to apply our knowledge, old and new.

Developing our selves and our communities.

Realising that peace, security and everything of true value depends on the healthy use of resources including human resources. That is: non polluting and non abusive. That is with respect and democratic equality.



10) Take Action

Some suggestions – but most essentially, do what you love (thanks Cornelius).

Campaign for socialism – for contacts see links page.

Adjust lifestyle where possible to minimize community and environmental and damage, and to maximize environmental and community health.

Create/take part in equality based democratic communities of various sorts, local / internet etc. For example: Democratic cooperatives for organizing local housing/food production/renewable energy generation/youth clubs etc. Gifting networks.

Organise/help with protection and improvement of human rights, democratic rights, and the environment.