In the beginning...

Here begineth the first entry for 'Local Footsteps London'...even though we are actually still in Jamaica at the Footsteps 11 conference, which makes it all the more strange! As the some of the participants write their presentations which will create the basis for their LF group, I start to think of what steps Morgan and I will be taking in London, both for LF London and in our own lives...

The aims of the group are probably the hardest thing to put into a succinct statement, but here's our initial effort:

'RAISE AWARENESS OF HOW; AND PROVIDE OPPORTUNITIES FOR YOUNG PEOPLE TO MEET THEIR NON-MATERIAL NEEDS IN NON-MATERIALISTIC WAYS'

Moving into a new flat provides a rare opportunity for a fresh start and rather than fall into old habits, we're going to 'green' up the place a little.

1. To start with, the electricity supplier will be swapped to Ecotricity (a company who provides power from renewable energy sources at no additional cost to a normal supplier) As there is no other form of energy used in the flat this will cover off all of our heating also.
2. The kitchen is going to get an overhaul as Supermarkets will be bumped off the shopping list and replaced with a veg box scheme which will deliver local, seasonal produce straight to the door. Meat, fish, bread and cheese will be bought at the local butchers, fishmongers or at the local producers market on Saturday mornings. This way I hope we can support the local businesses and the smaller artisan producers who struggle to stay in business in the face of the Supermarket onslaught (if you get the chance, 'Shopped' by Joanna Blythman is a bit of a life changer when it comes to seeing supermarkets for what they really are!) In all cases the food miles will be taken into account, but we're already streaks ahead of the supermarket as nothing will be air freighted.
3. All household cleaning products used will be from Ecover who manufacture non-toxic, plant based solutions. Ecover also provide a refill scheme which means all packaging can be re-used as it's sent back to the factory - if only more companies were taking note!! The effect of the chemicals we pump from our houses into the water system (bleach, heavy metals etc) isn't thought about enough. The more we pollute it, the harsher the water treatment will become with stronger chemicals and the cumulative effects on us can only be detrimental.
4. No TV! I know this caused a few laughs and shaking heads in the seminar, but I've already lived without the TV for a month and it means I fill my time with something much more beneficial and productive.

LF London HQ!

Spreading the word and engaging more like-minded people will be one of the most important steps over the next 2 months. We'll start with trying to get as many friends, family and work colleagues involved as possible. Word of mouth will be very important throughout as first hand recommendations are more persuasive than any advertising can be. Saying that, I will also try my best to work on promoting some of the future events through regular London-centric event newsletters and sites...we'll see how far I get!