Greenshift is a resource site providing a collection of useful links and material on how to make a personal transition towards a low carbon, sustainable and resilient way of life. We will be sharing what we're finding useful as we attempt to put the principles into practice ourselves and regularly updating with new material as our journey evolves.

We're approaching a turning point at which the ability of the planet’s ecosystems to sustain future generations can no longer be taken for granted. There is growing world-wide awareness of the need to make a fundamental shift towards a way of living that meets human needs without harming the web of life. Some of the possible scenarios that are being predicted are frightening but we would like to focus on the hope that is being generated as people come together to create innovative solutions and develop a positive vision for the future. One which is more connected, compassionate, satisfying, and enjoyable.

Technical Note: Visitors using Internet Explorer 8 have reported some problems, we're not sure yet what's causing them but choosing to 'Refresh' the page a couple of times seems to help! If you ever have problems viewing the website, please let us know via the Contact Point.

We've signed up for 10:10. Why not join us by pledging to cut your carbon emissions by 10% in 2010? Here's their month-by-month plan and some useful links. For inspiration, read this article about our friend, Anne Brewer, who has been hailed as the 'green granny with no carbon footprint'! Anne's asked me to stress that it is just their household energy use that has a zero footprint, their food, waste and travel still cause some emissions but they're working hard to keep those as low as possible. See here for another inspirational local eco-gran who cut her fuel bills to 23p a day and here for the family aiming for zero-waste this year. 10-10 Global has now been launched!

Thought of the week

"if you want to go fast, go alone. If you want to go far, go together." (African Proverb)

Watch out for:

The Oil Crunch: a Wake-up Call for the UK Economy and German Military Think-tank Peak Oil Study (Energy Bulletin)

Zen and the Art of Protecting the Planet (The Guardian 26/8/10)

Can Swindon Superbee help control varroa mites? (The Guardian 25/8/10)

The Future is Local - The Sustainable Development Commission's in-depth study

Rebuttal to Lord Monckton, one of the well-known climate change sceptics, by John Abraham

The Art of Rapid Transition - download NEF's new publication on how to thrive in times of crisis

Transition in Action - the UK's first comprehensive energy descent action plan designed by Transition Town Totnes

350 work party ideas - 10/10/10 is going to be a global day of work parties, implementing solutions to the climate crisis and telling world leaders "We're getting to work - what about you?" If you'd like to take part sign up here.

Climate Action Plan

Honey bees under attack

A third of our food relies on bees for pollination so it is extremely alarming that the world's honey bees are dying off in horrifying numbers. The UK and US lost a third of their bees last year, Italy nearly a half, and the deaths are now spreading to Asia, India and China.
(Source: New Scientist 14/2/09 - follow link for full report)

Want to help? Listen to Dennis vanEngelsdorp's presentation. Learn about 'nature deficit disorder' and perhaps be inspired to turn your lawn into a meadow or start a bee colony. (If interested visit the British Beekeepers' Association for a free getting started guide.) Join the Save our Bees Campaign - Their website has links to the latest research projects. For urban beekeeping see Beehaus. Learn about natural beekeeping using simple equipment that almost anyone can make at home with The Barefoot Beekeeper.

"If the bee disappeared off the surface of the globe then man would only have four years of life left. No more bees, no more pollination, no more plants, no more animals, no more man." Albert Einstein

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