The costs of going green debated in Stroud

She explained ‘Energy Neighbourhoods’ where households signed up to undertake energy efficiency measures, while Dave Cockcroft, a long-standing Green Party member, talked about the cost of green products and services.  Many everyday items, if one takes the greener option, often command a higher price, he said, and Organic food costs more as does ethically sourced clothing or choosing to travel by train instead of flying or driving the car. Energy efficient white goods are usually the most expensive and photovoltaic panels are out of most peoples’ price range, he said.

Miriam Yagud, who will stand as a Green Party councillor in Dursley in the next election, took a different tack altogether.  She argued that the earth’s resources are finite and concern for the environment needs to be part of a wider concern for a fairer share of the world’s resources. Miriam hoped that the green movement and the Green Party in particular would continue to move away from single issue campaigning on the environment and concentrate on social justice issues and equality for all with sustainability at the heart of its campaigning. 

The Stroud District Green Party sponsors coffee house discussions and everyone is welcome.  The next one is on the Citizen’s Income (a fair, living income for all) and will be on Friday 26th February at 7.30pm at the Star Anise Cafe in Stroud.  More details can be found at http://www.glosgreenparty.org.uk/