Thursday 19 June 2008
Transition Network Talk
How do we make the transition to a way of life much less dependent on fossil fuel? This was the question which Ben Brangwyn, a representative of the Transition Network, attempted to answer for his audience at Winston’s, Seaton, on Thursday 19th June.
About 40 people attended the talk, including several local councillors especially invited by the organisers of the meeting, The Sustainable Seaton Group. They heard that there was no alternative to ‘powering down’ – using less and less fuels than we have been accustomed to in the past half century – because sooner or later all fossil fuels require more energy to extract than they yield. This was a path which required people living in whatever size communities, from small villages to larger conurbations, to produce, consume, work and play closer to home. Mr Brangwyn explained. This was not a way of life beyond living memory, he pointed out. However, it was not, he stressed, a matter of going back to the past but learning from it. 2Create a vision for your community for 15 to 20 years hence,” he urged, “and then analyse what needs to be done year by year to get to that point”.
Wednesday 14th May 2008
Crude Awakening - Film showing.
Nearly 50 people watched a film at Winston’s, Beach Road, Seaton, which graphically demonstrated how world oil reserves are running out as demand increases.
The showing of the film, ‘A Crude Awakening’, which included interviews with several international oil experts, was the latest in a series of events stages by the Sustainable Seaton group.
Spokeswoman Claire Wise said, ‘We don’t realize yet how much a shortage of oil would effect our daily lives. This is why we want to make Seaton a Transition Town, so that as a community we can prepare ourselves for the changes which will hit everybody sooner or later’.
Report on Energy saving in the home. Wednesday 23rd April 2008
Claire gave a quick introduction to Peak Oil and shared some of her thoughts.
The Presentation was given by Cherry Stevenson an Energy Advisor with Devon Energy Efficiency Advice Centre.
Cherry shared with the audience, ideas and facts and figures that would help us reduce our own bills as well as reducing our CO2 emissions. A lively discussion took place afterwards, with questions answered and practical ideas shared.
Cherry distributed energy packs and free low energy light bulbs.
The money raised on the Raffel and through donations covered the costs of the evening.
Report on Visiting Speakers MUKTI MITCHELL – Thursday 13th March 2008
Claire gave a quick introduction to Peak Oil
Mukti’s talk was in three parts:
· His sail around Britain in a zero carbon emission yacht
· How to lead a low carbon lifestyle
· The benefits of leading a low carbon lifestyle
His sail around Britain in a zero carbon emission yacht
His yacht, “Chance” is a lightweight vessel allowing it to be sailed or rowed. It is 15ft long with a 6’ 6” cabin. It weighs 700 lbs. The lightweight design allows it to be towed by a normal car and it also can rise quickly over waves.
It is built with a retractable keel that gives stability but also the ability to sail in shallow waters. It has no engine, but that allows the crew to enjoy the calm. A laptop computer can be charged by using a solar cell onboard.
How to lead a low carbon lifestyle
The planet’s atmosphere is fragile, although it does have the capability to absorb carbon dioxide that is created through plants (by photosynthesis).
The key figure is 2 tons per year of CO2 per person per year. In the UK we currently produce on average around 10 tons. The suggestion is to reduce our CO2 by 3% per year, which is a realistic timeline. There are five key areas to do this in:
1. House heating – insulating to 12” is the optimum level for a house to require no heating. It’s also one of the more cost effective ways of energy conservation.
2. Transport – reduce travelling distances or car share.
3. Food – buy locally produced food whenever possible. Also avoid importing “water” products e.g. wine etc. – dried foods like pasta are much better. Vegetarianism and organic foods have their benefits too.
4. Holidays – try bus, ship or train rather than flying which produces more CO2 per mile. If going long-haul save up time and spend a few months in India say, rather than 3 x 2 week holidays,
5. Industry – buy quality, longer lasting products. This includes wooden or locally handmade products.
The benefits of leading a low carbon lifestyle.
1. Heating – hats and scarves no longer needed indoors!
2. Cycling or bussing improves lifestyle e.g. health or time to read.
3. Food – you can enjoy freshly picked seasonal vegetables
4. Holidays – Rail holidays are much less hassle than plane journeys. The journey is also part of the holiday.
5. Industry – Become friends e.g. with a long lasting toaster or kettle.
Attendance = 30
The raffle raised £21.00
Donations raised £25.80