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


Published on line by International Environment Forum: https://iefworld.org/ddahl04c.htm


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