MATT BAKER
THE COUNTRYFILE PRESENTER GOES BEHIND THE SCENES ON HIS SHOWS AND FAMILY FARM
Every household can make a difference.
EVERY HOUSEHOLD CAN MAKE A DIFFERENCE
Quality, not quantity, is the key to a better Britain. I think Britain has become reluctant to invest in quality products that will last a long time and rarely need replacing. We’ve become a disposable society.
While talking to a basket weaver on the Gwent Levels about sustainability, I said: “Your sales of baskets must be going through the roof due to people’s reluctance to use plastic bags.”
“You would think so,” she replied, “but people are buying baskets online from China instead. My baskets, and those made by the old weavers, were built to last for generations and would be handed down through the family. Those bought now from China are cheap, they come with the baggage of air miles and they only last a few years before the handles snap and a new one is needed, with the air miles attached, and the circle starts again.”
This is a perfect example of how we’ve almost – but not quite – got the message. We like to feel and look as though we’re doing something for the environment, but we’re not totally engaged with the reality of what quality actually means.
THE IMPORTANCE OF COMMUNITY
I believe community is key to sustainability. The closure of key businesses in rural areas has lead to increased environmental miles; the closure of abattoirs, for example, has meant local farmers can no longer feed local people. Whether you go for a local walk or visit a nearby pub instead of travelling for entertainment, you’ll find what’s available in your neighbourhood, while reducing your carbon footprint. If you are able to grow your own food, you’ll appreciate how food production happens. When you acknowledge the challenges and complications, you simply don’t waste produce.
Big corporations and companies need to do what they can to be as green as possible but we can all do our bit. The actions of the many can often outweigh the actions of the few.
We have a chart at home to monitor the little things, such as turning off lights. Each time we find one left on, whoever is responsible gets a cross on the chart. This means 10 minutes less watching TV or playing on the Xbox, as energy has been ‘used up’. There are so many ways to save energy at home; washing clothes less often is another thing we’ve talked about as a family.
So maybe our chart is helpful – if every household aimed to get fewer crosses next week, we’d all see the difference we were making... and be able to chart our progress on the way.
“The actions of the many can often outweigh the actions of the few”