PAPERS PRESENTED AT THE 8TH ANNUAL CONFERENCE
OF THE INTERNATIONAL ENVIRONMENT FORUM
(Thessaloniki, Greece, 15-17 October 2004)
Environmental dimensions of sustainable lifestyles
Arthur Lyon Dahl
International Environment Forum
Geneva, Switzerland
POWERPOINT (260 k)
OUTLINE
based on powerpoint
Focus on individuals
Looked yesterday at the big picture
Now we can focus on the question people always ask:
What can we do as individuals?
• re-examine our values - are they compatible with sustainability?
• educate ourselves to the issues
• change our way of thinking: integrated systems view - long term
• look outward - solidarity - world citizenship
• cultivate sustainable lifestyles - live lightly on the earth - be
content with little
Environmental dimensions and practical applications:
Water
• Consumption: washing, bathing, laundry
• Gardening
• Sanitation
• Pollution
Energy use
Economy, efficiency in:
• Heating
• Cooling
• Cooking
• Lighting
• Appliances
Can we reduce our emissions of CO2?
Transport
• Motor vehicles
• Public transport
• Bicycle
• Walking
• Reduce the need for transport
Food
• Fast food or organic
• Local or fair trade
• Nutritional balance
• Pesticides/hormones/antibiotics
• Meat or vegetarian
• Genetically-modified organisms
Clothing
• Natural fibres: agricultural impacts
• Synthetic fibres: persistent, non-renewable
• Socially-responsible manufacture
• Changing styles or full use
• Brand names and fashions
Housing
• Location
• Materials
• Health impacts
• Energy efficiency
• Social effects
Recreation/tourism/entertainment
• Impact on natural environment
• Transport
• Ecotourism
• Constructive or destructive
Aesthetics
• Beauty
• Natural versus man-made
• Respecting cultural diversity
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Last updated 19 October 2004