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What Next ?
Much of the devastation of climate change/chaos is caused by fossil fuel emissions, mainly coming from the industrial world.
Ecological footprint is a way to measure or calculate human pressure on the planet. It also permits us to look at the resource demand per average person. The Footprint tells us what strain we are causing by our human activities.
IN THE YEAR 2003 HUMANITY'S FOOTPRINT EXCEEDED THE EARTH'S CAPACITY BY 25%.
Spain's footprint has increased sharply since 1960.
Fossil fuel emissions deliver a large contribution to the footprint. The carbon footprint, or amount of CO2 poured into the atmosphere, makes up 50% of the total footprint! Reducing carbon emissions is crucial for changing our over-use of the planet.
Coming back to “Mallorca Goes Green”, this is the reason why we are focused on bringing down CO2 emissions. Other areas that are also obviously important are water, the eco-systems of the Mediterranean Sea, fisheries and farmland.
What we are pointing out is the need to end all overuse of whole-systems and rethink our way of being with Planet Earth. It is one organism, one system where all is interlinked from micro to macro level. For example, if we use precious farmland for bio-fuel crops that feed car transportation instead of animals and people, we are still not getting it.
We simply cannot continue with our current life-style in the industrialized world. This doesn't mean it will get worse, just different and probably a whole lot healthier.
However we choose to look at it, it is undeniable that something has to change radically, starting with ourselves. From a realistic perspective we really don't have a choice. We need to reduce fossil fuel emissions dramatically.
How do we go about this ?
Creating further awareness and by cultivating grass-roots, organising local events and publishing/advertising our web-site and manifest is one way to go. (A donation is more than helpful)
Please use your signature and sign the petition so that we can show it has a great support from the people of Mallorca. The signed petition will be brought to the knowledge of local Government and other decision-makers.
We want to initiate a joint venture with local ecological groups in organizing a pilgrimage in honour of the land and soil (inspired by Satish Kumar and Vandana Shiva ”Tierra Alma y Sociedad; Mallorca”). We would march to some of the villages where farming is most pre-dominant, bringing seeds of hope for a better future. As a symbolic gesture we would plant a tree and distribute local seeds.
A co-written” Mallorca protocol” for how we wish to create an eco-friendly environment will be handed over to the local authorities.
Looking at different ways carbon emissions can be reduced here on Mallorca will be at the heart of our activities
We want to initiate work on reinstating the Eco-tax. A Mallorca fund, or “Mallorca Future Council” could be created to help the funding the transition.
What can you/we do now ?
What can I do in my own environment?
All of us can do our little bit to reduce the impact of our foot-print.
 Turn down heat and air-conditioning, lights, computers, and television whenever you don't need them.
Make better insulation for the winter. Seal your windows, doors, insulate the roof and put up curtains to prevent draft. Keep the heat inside.
Change your electric bulbs to long lasting, low energy consumption bulbs. Today you can get them with soft light looking like a real bulb .IKEA has a good selection but most electric shops should have them these days. They are more expensive, but last longer and consume much less.
Wash your clothes with cold water or less degrees of hot water.
Use local produce as much as possible. Ask where your fresh food comes from. The choices you make in what to buy is like giving your vote to what you want to sustain. Buying local foods strengthens Mallorcas food-sovereignty, avoids pollution from long-travelled food and besides that, helps our farmers to continue their good work.
Use public transportation and when you cannot, share your car when taking your children to school or going to work.
If you have your own garden don't forget to make your own compost of organic left-over. Plant a vegetable garden and teach your children about nature, plants, flowers and nutrition, how to look after the soil and grow organically.
Engage with local politicians and tell them about your concerns for climate change. Use all your connections to create awareness of what needs to be done and how to be more eco-friendly.
Next time you buy a new car, consider a hybrid (eg, Toyota Prius) which will lower your fuel costs or even better, an electric car. If you are driving your own car, drive it in an ecological way by not accelerating more than necessary and driving slower. Keep your tires well pumped.
Whenever you can, ride a bike and take a walk. It will make you and the environment healthier.
Consider installing renewable energy when heating or cooling your house. Geo-thermal installations or solar panels.
Talk to your employer at work with regards how to reduce the use of energy. Put out all the machines and lights when leaving for the day.
Recycle your plastic bags or bring your sesta when shopping.
Recycle, recycle recycle.
Encourage, inform and talk to family and friends about joining the movement, thinking and being ecological instead of egological. Send the link to this website to your friends and family. Ask for stickers and other materials to advertise about us.
Thank you!
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