Environment « Localise West Midlands

Doctor prescribes localisation

By localise2, on June 14th, 2013%

. Dr Mansfield, after surveying Macmillan Support’s analysis, continues:

Macmillan’s spokesperson acknowledges that cancer survivors are usually weakened in some way by the treatment.

This is likely to make them more vulnerable to the other kinds of disease which will eventually carry them off. But not before yet more medical services and long-term support. . . . → Read More: Doctor prescribes localisation

“Call and response”: enabling government to rediscover its role as public servant

By localise2, on June 8th, 2013%

In one section of Lean Logic, the late David Fleming focussed on “call and response”, the principle by which localities can call on their local authorities for assistance to develop projects, without themselves losing the initiative.

He cites the example of Portland, Oregon:

“Portland is now widely recognised for its neighbourhood associations and . . . → Read More: “Call and response”: enabling government to rediscover its role as public servant

Building strong regional economies – Schumacher-style

By localise2, on May 29th, 2013%

The Schumacher Center for a New Economics sends news of this year’s Left Forum annual gathering in New York, which will be exploring ways of confronting climate change and global economic crisis and creating a more equitable and ecologically resilient world.

Such a world will require economic institutions which respond to local and . . . → Read More: Building strong regional economies – Schumacher-style

Cutting through ‘sustainababble’

By localise2, on May 24th, 2013%

Today we received news from America’s New Economics Institute – a partner of Britain’s nef – about the latest edition of Worldwatch Institute’s State of the World series. Their comment:

Every day, we are presented with a range of “sustainable” products and activities – from “green” cleaning supplies to carbon offsets – but . . . → Read More: Cutting through ‘sustainababble’

At a time of ‘austerity’ for so many, are there more beneficial uses for taxpayers’ money than mega airports and HS2?

By localise2, on May 21st, 2013%

In the FT today, James Skinner, chairman emeritus of the New Economics Foundation, asks fundamentally important questions about a stance often adopted by politicians with an interest in supporting multinational business. .

He was prompted to do so by a recent FT editorial “A better plan for London airports”, which cited the . . . → Read More: At a time of ‘austerity’ for so many, are there more beneficial uses for taxpayers’ money than mega airports and HS2?

“Humanity is conducting a huge, uncontrolled and almost certainly irreversible climate experiment with the only home it is likely to have”: Financial Times

By localise2, on May 15th, 2013%

We summarise the thoughts of Martin Wolf, the FT’s chief economics commentator here, because Localise West Midlands’ aims and policies are designed with his ‘politically sellable vision of a prosperous low-carbon economy’ in mind. He wrote, yesterday:

“Last week the concentration of carbon dioxide in the atmosphere was reported to have passed 400 parts . . . → Read More: “Humanity is conducting a huge, uncontrolled and almost certainly irreversible climate experiment with the only home it is likely to have”: Financial Times

Is the priority to expand world trade or to build on the resilience of communities?

By localise2, on April 30th, 2013%

Fleming, second left, discussing the working of an experimental rocket stove – to capture heat with clean combustion – at Transition Town Louth, Lincolnshire (The Times)

In Lean Logic, David Fleming asks:

“Is the priority to expand world trade, to push ahead with the global market, or to build on the resilience of . . . → Read More: Is the priority to expand world trade or to build on the resilience of communities?

Does supporting local business build resilient local economies – and a more peaceful world?

By localise2, on April 16th, 2013%

Judy Wicks, a board member of the NEI – featured recently on this site – thinks that it does.

Looking around for more information, evidence of a very adventurous and constructive life – including living with the Eskimos and working with the Zapatistas – was easily found online.

Her unusual slant on localisation was . . . → Read More: Does supporting local business build resilient local economies – and a more peaceful world?

Environmental, economic, social and ethical reasons for a different approach to waste disposal

By localise2, on April 12th, 2013%

In this country and abroad Veolia’s services are being dispensed with for environmental, economic, social and ethical reasons.

The City Council is considering what to do when its 25 year contract with waste giant Veolia expires in 2018.

John Newson (BFOE) writes:

“The Council will become in 2018 the owner . . . → Read More: Environmental, economic, social and ethical reasons for a different approach to waste disposal

Plunkett Foundation forms partnership with Land Settlement Association

By localise2, on March 19th, 2013%

Horticulture smallholdings: a crucial contribution towards higher employment, a reliable, home-grown food supply and a diverse, more ecologically healthy countryside

The Plunkett Foundation newsletter reports a new partnership with the Land Settlement Association Charitable Trust. Plunkett hopes to identify ‘pioneering approaches to co-operative horticulture across the UK’ to ‘share and develop further’. Shaun Chamberlin . . . → Read More: Plunkett Foundation forms partnership with Land Settlement Association

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