The project description:
You ride a bike, are vegetarian, and have a brand new solar hot water system… So what?
As climate change grows in awareness, so do the number of people committed to take action. We have seen the evolution of public consciousness around climate change from ignorance and scepticism to gradual acceptance, and with this, a growing realization of the need to change one’s personal consumption and behaviour patterns. Governments and civil society groups at all levels are urging people to make these personal changes. However this personal change alone can leave unchallenged political, economic, and social structures which severely limit our transition to a truly sustainable society.
So after reducing ones’ own carbon footprint, what's the next step? This thought-provoking interactive installation shows creatively the plethora of different ways that people can take action on climate change beyond their own backyard. Participants explore, decide, and commit to various actions for themselves – actions which are not based on their role as a mere consumer, but rather as a citizen, eco-system member, and ancestor of the future.
The project follows a participatory mapping project (iMap) that I co-organised last year - http://www.melbournefutures.blogspot.com/)
Just the other day upon clearing my shirt pocket for the (cold!) wash, I found the carbon copy of my pledge! It was just this moment, reflecting on my promise at home, I realised the depth of Michael's project. Our own intention and sincerity is a powerful force in creating change. So everyone! Revisit your pledge, your promise, don't forget it!
ReplyDeleteI volunteered on the stall, and wanted to post a few comments on my experience.
ReplyDeleteIt was great fun! The real impact on me was the power of getting people to really commit in words and writing to making a difference, whether it be small or large. There was heaps of information at the Festival, and people may have been inspired to do something by the other stalls. The Pledge project allowed people to turn this inspiration into a concrete commitment, in a fun and friendly way.
The second significant aspect was getting people to think beyond their environmental footprint. Most of the people who came to the stall would immediately talk about their environmental impact and reducing their environmental footprint. There seem to be very little awareness about the connection between the environment and social activism. I think it was very powerful to remind people how important it is to get the word out there about the various ways that we can have a positive impact on society.
People coming to the store also seemed to be inspired by the idea of Increasing their cultural footprint, or positive impact on society (as opposed to reducing their environmental footprint). This opens up a whole new world of potential positive change, as there are no limits to how much you can increase. So much to do!
Big thanks to Michael and the Pledge project team for creating something so inspiring and thought-provoking!!!