Commitment 5: Community/Village

For most of us the community/village provides the first level of organised facilities. These can vary from basic health and education to religious or sporting activities.

In addition the following services related to water, drainage, electricity, gas and telephones services are co-ordinated at this level.

The community often provides the first level of democratic representation. It is the level at which most needs can be met and forms the basis for a long term fully co-ordinated zero footprint lifestyle.

This social level of commitment, coordination and cooperation normally takes place on a voluntary basis with no paid officials. At this level of cooperation it is essential for people to be responsible for all that happens locally in a healthy devolved manner.

5.1 The community/village needs to be as self sufficient as possible in all its needs especially its managerial coordination.

5.2 Communities should manage their watercourses and spare land to enhance the biodiversity of the area.

5.3 Communities should coordinate their village life style to reduce the carbon output.

5.4 Communities should adopt a zero waste policy for their settlement.

5.5 Communities should ensure that they utilise only renewable resources.

5.6 Communities should develop local skills, materials, shops and markets.

5.7 Communities should implement local energy saving proposals using wind and water power.

5.8 Communities should implement village transport systems, using local buses, postal services, etc.

5.9 Communities must invest only in ethical projects.

5.10 Communities must develop local pride in their natural and built heritage.

Scientists are in agreement that humanity’s impact on the
Earth’s life system is causing the 6th mass extinction of life form.