Downshiting might be an unusual word when talking about way of living. Even for us who are boarding on this downshifting life, there're lots of unanswered questions. One great information source to minimize our doubts and for our inspiration is the website of Sally Lever, who's working as writer, educator and coach for sustainability and life downshifting. It will worth to spend some time on her well organized page.
Volunteer footprint downshifting project
Wednesday, June 9, 2010
Wednesday, June 2, 2010
Welcome to DOWNSHIFTING FOR EARTH Project!
The Objective
The Downshifting for Earth Project is, essentially, a two persons life project that intent, in every means, to carry out a real lifestyle downshift from high to a very low carbon emissions, i.e., targeting discharges lower than two (2) metric tons of carbon per year, while traveling around the world seeking for joy, close to the Nature.
The Premises
We indeed believe that the "economical grow" itself is a paradigm. Thus, it’s not a must and, surely, subject to inquiry. Besides, we believe that such over accelerated economic boom, in latest centuries, has caused to Earth indubitable losses - such as global warming and its consequences -, planetary wide disequilibrium and Nature mass destruction.
The Downshifting for Earth Project is, essentially, a two persons life project that intent, in every means, to carry out a real lifestyle downshift from high to a very low carbon emissions, i.e., targeting discharges lower than two (2) metric tons of carbon per year, while traveling around the world seeking for joy, close to the Nature.
The Premises
We indeed believe that the "economical grow" itself is a paradigm. Thus, it’s not a must and, surely, subject to inquiry. Besides, we believe that such over accelerated economic boom, in latest centuries, has caused to Earth indubitable losses - such as global warming and its consequences -, planetary wide disequilibrium and Nature mass destruction.
Another capital premise of this Project is we love the Nature Beauty and the joy it affords. We will go for it before the Human race – possibly - devastates it all. This may sound an egoist perspective, and, we agree, it is. However, we would be acting as hypocrites if repeating our goal is only to “grant conditions for future generations”. Nevertheless, we are sure that the proposed search for Nature Beauty, driven over low emissions means, will bring positive side effects for existing and to be born Humans.Progress Measuring
This blog’s intention is to share our experiences and progress on the efforts to downshift impacts on the Earth.
After evaluating some carbon footprint calculators in Internet, we have chosen the Britain’s Carbon Reduction Commitment method [©], available at carbonfootprint.com. Employing this tool, we aim to calculate our carbon emissions prior to the project kick off and, as the Project go forward, in regular elapsed times. This will allow us to figure out how successful we are moving on.
As an initial reference, the figure below shows Francis` first footprint calculation, back in 2007. A tangible shame if compared to the Brazil’s average and to the World's target:
At it most, this high carbon volume was related to overseas business flights, about 5 per year, very common to regular employees of global corporations.
Besides the footprint downshifting report, we will gladly update this blog sharing the stories, photos, videos and reports we will surely collect during this Life Journey that has now begun.
Interactivity and Learn
As this is an on going learning Project, every comment, suggestion, idea and criticism are significantly welcome!
Goal Celebration
In advance, we invite you all, our honorable friends, downshifters and blog visitors, to celebrate the Project Goal accomplishment, which we establish herein as:
ONE YEAR traveling around the Earth in joy AND consuming below two (2) metric tons of carbon per year, per person!
Good winds!
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