A message from PARIS!
If you live in a flat here’s a great way to start.
This is Julien’s story.
“ I’ve just started a Transition initiative in the building where I live. Anyone know of any similar actions?The building,( 18e) in Paris.
It’s old and needs renovation. Insulation inside, double glazing. There’s no gas, and nowhere to put stuff for recycling. Also no green spaces.The tenants are a mixture of families with children and a few singles.
How it started: We received a circular from the owner announcing an increase in charges. As the water rates were going up.
I suggested we could reduce our use in order to avoid the raise.
The owner agreed.
For me this is the first step in a Transition initiative.
The idea would be to establish a cohesion in the building to prove to ourselves that our individual actions have a greater impact if we share them.
We will post our aims in the entrance hall so that everyone can follow progress.
Suggestions:
Water: reduce usage. . First of all by life style choices, secondly by the use of water-saving equipment.
Presentation of materials with Eco labels, like recycled paper. ( Information sharing on different types ).
Electricity: aim for maximum 19 degrees winter temperature. Bulk-buying of energy saving light bulbs.
Rubbish: Do a test. Act as if one of the green bins was yellow and introduce recycling. ( My Comment: I admit here that I am unfamiliar with Paris refuse collection. But if you use your imagination I think the idea is clear.) So that we can all prove to each other that the above is possible.
Reuse/share : share the list of “ useless stuff” which can be re-used, reduced or recycled.
Food: sharing lists of organic food sellers/producers in the area and subscription to AMAP ( French Equivalent to Community Assisted Agriculture Scheme.( “ Where the asphalt lover can learn to graze” - my interpretation entirely-) Basically, if you live in a town, you can join to received a vegetable box every week from a local farm. You also have the choice of becoming involved in the scheme in a practical way.
Compost: More difficult as there is no space for compost bins. But we might be able to organise this together with our AMAP deliveries.
Any other suggestions are very welcome.”Julien.
Transition building.
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