GREAT IDEAS TAKE FLIGHT- what we said at the launch

The Bristol Ecoshows Launch on Dec 9th 2009 gave rise to many great ideas. Small groups discussed them after hearing from ecoshow artists. Here they are, in answer to the questions raised

'What practical project could reduce carbob footprint in your area?'

• To save money, Fathspace could be a venue for events
• Whatever they are, networking together is essential. Be part of a wider conversation
• Faithspace could have a green roof and solar panels and a mini wind generator as well as the garden we've started
• Reduced car useage through a congestion charge together with joined up public transport
• a community allotment
• street-based Youth Action Groups For Sustainability (10 to 12s)
• Balcony plant growing sessions in the open park by Redcliffe Flats on a sunny day
• Have inviting informal discussion groups with local people, asking for their views and needs and not imposing ours. Involving them. It's essential to find out what Redcliffe people think and feel about their area
• Wind turbines on top of blocks and along the river where it's windy
• Solar panels on top of tower blocks - not sure how practical but would have a major impact
• wind turbines on each house
• recycling wormeries in the local community-to produce heat and create compost
• Link communities up with the students in Clifton. They can inform each other, collaborate and the students can be art resources

'What could an artist do to contribute to a local project?'

• A musician could work with the Youth Action groups (above) to develop a concert of songs and raps about sustainable transport to be performed for all adults in the street
• On the green corridors could be creative signs, open kiosks. The artist-gardener would landsape for berries and fruit trees
• Spaces for public games by bus stops
• Advertising should be removed and replaced by greenery and art
• Whatever the project, the artist contributes through designing the elements, through education, by enthusing others, through engaging people and through interpreting what's there. This could be Faithspace oe elsewhere
• In Redcliffe the Methodist Centre could show the film 'The Age Of Stupid' where Peter Postlethwaite shows what the world could be like if we don't heed the warning signs of Climate Change and oil running out. We need other such awareness-raising films, not just at the Watershed
• the artist helps the design of a local recycling plant look acceptable or a wind turbine look a part of the community
• artists raise awareness
• artists bring imagination and a different way of thinking: a 'mosquito mentality'

'What's the most important Bristol-wide carbon-footprint reduction feature to be achieved in Bristol in the next 5 years?'

• That energy is sourced locally from sustainable sources
• For lifestyles to change
• Green corridors established with people not dependant on cars and with better public transport
• There's better policy on 'waste'. Nothing going to landfill, local recycling

Create green corridors between neighbourhoods towards a pedestrians' and cyclists' network

• There's a useable cheap bus service which is a good alternative to using your own transport. Don't use private companies!
• Use Bristol's strengths: there are only 6 degrees of relationship which separate us from everyone in the world, so must be easier in Bristol. Be earthy. Have lots of community groups. Highly skilled/educated and active and muti-cultural together. Bringing people together in their eating, planting, making and playing - but how can this be gathered together to inspire others?