CLIMATE CHANGE – SUSTAINABLE LIVING

Personal Consumption Guidelines

Background
The prognosis for Planet Earth is not good. We are consuming more than the
capacity of the Earth to sustain. In addition our consumption patterns are causing
climate change. Taken together we are heading quite rapidly to a point where food
and resources will be depleted beyond a level to recover.
The issue is a matter of population, resources and consumption. This paper
looks at personal consumption.

Consumption
The over-developed world consumes at a rate which requires some 5 Earths to
sustain. Only in the less developed world is consumption sustainable. Whilst it would
be unrealistic to envisage a willing reversion to subsistence levels, it is possible and
realistic to curb consumption without a significant decrease in quality of life.
Everything we use and eat has required the expenditure of resources, whether
in materials, production, transportation, or distribution. Each of these has required the
input of finite resources. If we can reduce consumption by using better alternatives,
or by simple avoidance, such responsible actions can help preserve Planet Earth for
our children and their children.

Reducing Personal Consumption
The following basic principles can help focus us on areas of change in our
lives. Not only can thinking these through provide perspectives and opportunities to
make positive changes, but in addition a healthier and cheaper lifestyle can result.

1. Live locally – source food locally, take holidays close to home, support local
suppliers, live near your work place and/or school, limit consumption of imported
food/drink

2. Live economically – repair rather than replace, recycle materials, buy only what
you need, do not waste, cycle or walk if possible, use public transport rather than
private, reduce energy use at home through elimination of waste and the use of fewer
and more efficient appliances, use water sparingly, limit journeys by vehicle,

3. Live sensibly – enjoy natural pursuits such as hiking and cycling, eat organic
produce, preserve the natural world which sustains us, reduce litter, encourage others,
choose food which requires the least input to produce and package and transport,
avoid unnecessary house alterations, if you feel you need vehicles purchase
economical ones.

The Outcome
We will have done our best to pass our world on to our children for them to
enjoy as we have done.

Green Lantau Association
December 2007