Young British Green Bloggers (part 2): Sarah Jane Howe of thegreenvillage.co.uk
Posted on 13. Oct, 2009 by annied in green media, greenblogs, young
Name: Sarah Jayne Howe (& Chris)
Age: 23
From: Newcastle-under-Lyme, Staffordshire
Blog: thegreenvillage.co.uk
Tweeting: @thegreenvillage
Why did you decide to write a environment blog? How did you decide on that topic?
The big idea that kicked off our real passion for being green was self sufficiency and the idea of supporting ourselves in food, water, energy and any other areas we could. We started collecting books on the different aspects, visited the Centre for Alternative Technology in Maccynlleth which further inspired us, and we toyed with the idea of making a computer ‘encyclopedia’ of all the information we had found as a go to guide for when we could make the transition…. We thought about the idea of making it a website that could bring the knowledge to other people and help more people find out about becoming self sufficient and …incorporate a green directory to help people make green consumer choices and support businesses that operate sustainably.
Have you ever had an environmental “ah ha!” moment or turning point? How do you remember feeling?
If I had to identify one particular time that stood out regarding our feeling towards environmentalism, I would therefore find it quite difficult, but there have been three key times when my choice to be green has been affirmed and I have known I have been on the right path. The first was the visit to the CAT centre and the inspiration that fired up in both myself and Chris.
The second was attending The Big Green Gathering in 2006. The atmosphere was unlike anything I ever imagined. Having never camped before that or visited a festival before I had mixed expectations but the people were so down to earth, both other visitors and stewards, everybody was happy and having such a good time, and seeing all the different tents and exhibits powered by micro-generation, running off the sun and wind, music and solar cinemas to name only a tiny portion of what was there really did show what can be achieved when like minded people pull together…. Coming home, things seemed dull compared to the colour and excitement of the gathering!
What does environmentalism mean to you?
I definitely consider myself an environmentalist. To me, environmentalism is caring about the environment, not just the immediate environment around us and what we see on a daily basis, but as a whole. I think I became an environmentalist at the moment when I knew I cared about the world we live in and the damage that is being done to it. When I was 14, I had a poem published in a local newspaper titled ‘Millennium Dream’ which was about waking up in the new millennium and seeing the destruction that had been done through deforestation, the hole in the ozone layer and pollution. I think children can be more aware of issues such as climate change and the importance of looking after the only planet we have because they get more opportunity to spend time in it, exploring woods, fields or just gardens. Adults can be so busy with work, running families and modern life in general that it is easy to miss the signs of what is happening around us in our immediate environment.
My awareness of what is happening makes me feel the need to do something about the problems. I feel that I have made a great deal of progress in my own life, so if by running the website, I can extend that and we can build a community of like-minded people who also want to do things to reduce the impacts of climate change and increase environmental responsibility. That can only be a good thing in my opinion.
How do you find awareness of environmental issues and climate change amongst friends your age? your age group in general?
As a whole, I think a lot of people my age are more concerned with starting themselves up in life. Either having finished University, they are trying to find jobs in a climate with a shortage of positions, or they are not at the stage where they see a problem so don’t see the urgency to act. Other people may also feel why should they make sacrifices when they don’t see any real problem.
I know a number of people my age who are starting families or thinking about starting families, and as a result I think awareness is becoming greater as people are concerned about the world their children will grow up to live in if something isn’t done soon. Other people I know are concerned whether they should have children because they don’t want to subject them to an uncertain future and potential problems.
Now for a bit of fun:
Best green innovation or greentech you’ve ever heard of?
The German PassivHaus concept of building. I think the world has a lot to learn in terms of building low carbon homes that need very little energy input other than the sun.
Do you cycle and if so what’s your ride?
Yes, we both cycle. I have an upgraded Carerra but it is soon to be superseded by a custom built bike on a gorgeous turquoise Trek frame (recycled from eBay!) and Chris rides a custom built super light bike on a Gary Fisher (eBay again!) frame. Both are built for touring but with some off-road track riding.
Is there any music that reminds you of green issues?
Fav environment blog (besides your own)?
Dale Vince, founder of Ecotricity’s blog – Zerocarbonista.
Your own fav blog post that you’ve written?
In terms of the content, the Greening the Office articles, but for the cute pictures, Alpacas – The Multipurpose Member of the Family.
Top 2 or 3 Eco-friendly things you’ve done this year?
We organized a ‘Bake With Compassion’ weeklong baking event at work to raise money for Compassion in World Farming’s campaign; Going on a cycle-touring holiday in September: so ZERO miles of emissions and supporting local businesses regarding food and campsites.
Like Sarah, Chris, and Niel (part 1), creative young people are explaining the need to change the world in ever more effective ways. The students at Goldsmith’s College London helped designed the animations for Forum4theFuture’s Tourism 2023 campaign: how to travel green. Click on the graphic to watch one and find the rest on our site green.tv (note! new player!)