… and you might ask: ‘Why bother?’ Abstaining from something can actually be a useful decision. Known as the practice of renunciation in spiritual philosophical terms, choosing to give up a particular behaviour, even if only for a short time, throws our attachments to that habit into stark relief, against the backdrop of our many [...]
Revolution – a turning or momentous change. Resolution – a commitment, promise or end point. The problem with a conventional approach to New Year’s resolutions, I’ve found, is that when we examine them closely, they are often superficial changes in behaviour which turn out not to be sustainable i.e. we don’t stick to them! [...]
“The most striking thing about modern industry is that it requires so much and accomplishes so little.” E. F. Schumacher. Here’s an amazing woman – Polly Higgins – barrister with an Earth-centred conscience. I was lucky enough to hear her speak at the Schumacher Centenary Festival in Bristol last weekend, where she played us a [...]
How would you complete that sentence? If just contemplating that causes the hair on the back of your neck to stand up on end, then maybe it’s time to explore the wallet a little more deeply. Being ethical and authentic with money Somehow, I seemed to inherit a wariness of money. Yes, I know [...]
There are a variety of different ways in which downshifters define their success. Here are 10 examples: 1. Plucking up the courage to leave a long-term career that didn’t suit. 2. Starting up a small business doing something that inspires . 3. Finding a new vocation in which to re-train that feels joyful and interesting. [...]
“Save money, save the planet, have a party: swishing effortlessly touches all of these buttons. Swishing parties are for all those women who want to combine glamour, environmental protection and frugality.” Lucy Shea, founder of Swishing and Chief Executive of Futerra Sustainability Communications. Perhaps men can do this too, Lucy? To organise a Swishing party, [...]
Enough is Enough is the title of a report of the first Steady State Economy Conference, held in Leeds, UK earlier this year. The conference was organised by two non-profit organisations: Economic Justice for All and CASSE (the Center for the Advancement of the Steady State Economy). It had 2 main aims:: • To raise [...]
What I appreciate about Tim Jackson is his clarity, groundedness, good humour and inspired presentation style. Here, he talks about the trap and dilemma of our current approach to economic growth. He takes us from the blind faith in our own ingenuity that is likely to further feed the economic crisis, to a new perspective [...]
This site seeks to explore the heart and soul of downshifting to a more sustainable, ethical and holistic way of living and working, in keeping with the needs of the planet, humanity as a whole and ourselves as individuals. (read more)
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