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Iffley Fields Climate Action

Updates from Iffley Fields

Our aims and objectives

To create a low-carbon area in Iffley Fields, using the most effective ideas from the Transition Towns/COIN model. To be a local group, expanding from our small group of individuals, providing support and exchange of information with our neighbours on how to reduce carbon levels.
We want to encourage others to follow the process we have used, calculating household/family carbon footprints and pledging ways in which we intend to reduce them. Examples of our pledges - Rob and Gaby have reduced their air travel by half this year; Jay and Julia have invested in low-energy lightbulbs throughout the house and are draft-proofing all windows and doors; Richard plans to install solar panels; Josie is converting her car to LPG. General discussions have covered many areas, the biggest ones being air travel and investing in the best renewable energy companies.

Our process

Monthly meetings (at my house because I have young children who need babysitting)
To pool our knowledge, exchanging all the information that seems relevant.
Communicate using Play and Humour whenever possible
Support one another. Encourage a sense of personal responsibility.

Our long term plan

The next stage is to recruit new members. These should be people local to Iffley Fields who are already in-the-know about the imperative of reducing greenhouse gas emissions. We do not want to get into debates about the causes of Climate Change, or whether government/Chinese power stations should do something before we do. The only way our group can be effective is as a Coalition of the Willing. On September 23 we are holding a party to introduce new members to one another (at Rob and Gaby's). Each of us is inviting along about three new households. We need to feel our way on how this expansion proceeds - we value the safety and fun we have had together as a small group and want to find a way to replicate it on a bigger scale. Various models are possible....(advice welcome). Longer-term, one plan is to stage a big launch of IFCA at the SS Mary & John middle-school site on Meadow Lane, with key-note speeches from climatologists etc...Again, previous groups' experience of such an event would be welcome.