LETS TRADING SYSTEM

(Click on the title to go to the sustainable.ie site)

A few years ago we lived just outside Westport in County Mayo. We got involved with a large group of people that were in a trading system that goes by the name of LETS (Local Exchange Trading Schemes) These trading systems work mainly by bartering and the modern system came about in the 1930’s economic depression in Canada. Even though people had no work or money, they could still have goods and services from other people. A separate currency from the one usually in circulation is used; in Mayo we used the “Reek”, after the name for Croagh Patrick. The Reek was the equivalent of a Punt at the time. There are other currencies around Irelands twenty or so LETS groups that are in operation. Some of the other names for the currencies are Sods, Acorns, Skills and Cuids.

HOW DOES IT WORK?

An example of how the system works is this: If I needed to have my house painted I would pay someone a certain amount of reeks an hour to do it. In return I could tend someone’s garden and charge an hourly rate all without any “real” money changing hands. The different jobs command varying amounts of payment and the totals are recorded by means of cheques written out to people. If we had any Reeks in surplus by the end of the year we held auctions where products could be bought such as cars, caravans, tools and services. There was a weekly market stall in the town where fresh produce and plants were sold as well as books, home baking, jewellery and other small items. The system isn’t linked to the normal currency of the country so it didn’t matter what the economy was doing. If there were people with any skills from building to baking, and from dog walking to making curtains, then the community thrived. In Westport people had houses built by this method and there was even a doctor on call, as well as other highly skilled people. The system also has great potential as a social function and also the ability to offer and receive services without having to worry about money.

BANKS DON’T LIKE THE LETS SYSTEM

A Canadian called Michael Linton coined the phrase for the modern LETS method of trading but it probably goes back centuries. There has been a group set up in Inishowen a few years ago but to my knowledge it hasn’t been working for a while now. I think the reason for this is because we live in a rural area where this sort of trading has been a way of life without the formalities of inventing a separate currency; people do favours for one another anyway. In areas that haven’t got this infrastructure the LETS system proves to be very effective. So effective in fact that in Germany and Canada they were so successful in alleviating poverty and cutting unemployment that eventually the banks and politicians managed to get the trading law changed against using LETS (people don’t need to get loans out and they don’t pay tax to the government! In fact it works better if people are in debt as they are more motivated to trade!) Even now it is very difficult to operate a non-commercial community exchange system like LETS in some parts of these countries. There is a very informative web site from the sustainable Ireland group (www.sustainable.ie) that goes into greater detail on the subject and history if you are interested.

Environmental.

DELIGHTED RESIDENTS IN FAHAN

Photo: Fahan marina

Hello Clean and Green

(2005) Last weeks Inish Times headline about planning permission being denied to build five houses on the beach at Fahan raised my spirits no end. When people get together to put forward objections about inconsiderate and environmentally damaging developments they can get positive results. The work of The Fahan Community Association will hopefully send a message to developers and planners that we here in Inishowen are fed up of our heritage being plundered for short-term financial gain. The Donegal Development Plan is in place to prevent such developments from eating away access to areas of beauty and also to protect the inhabitants of the area from being swamped by inappropriate developments. I would like to applaud the Fahan Community Association in their sterling work so far. The Association are well aware that they need to be very vigilant though over the coming months. No one likes to be told that they can’t do something and when money and egos are involved, feelings run high. I really hope that the Swilly Yacht Club members are honourable and accept the decision of the County Council Planners.
Yours trulyC. P.

Environmental.

GREENCASTLE ENVIRONMENTAL GROUP

Photo: The back of Greencastle pier

We hear a lot these days about vandalism. For example windows of local businesses were broken over St Patricks day and the school in Glengad was broken into and vandalised a short while ago. When we hear of these acts we often shake our heads and think what is the world coming to. Vandalism shows a lack of respect for other people, for the community, for the environment. Young vandals get a lot of negative publicity but another type of vandalism that perhaps influences us all and doesn’t set a good example of respect for the younger generation is permanent environmental vandalism.

ENVIRONMENTAL DAMAGE

One form of environmental vandalism can be caused by groups of young people who gather on parks and street corners at the weekend usually to drink. The outcome can be broken bottles, vandalised trees, broken benches and graffiti (not to mention the days lost due to hangovers). I’m not saying this isn’t a serious problem; it is. But as annoying and time-consuming as it may be, rubbish from these unfortunate gatherings can be picked up, graffiti can be rubbed out and we can always plant another tree. The problem is temporary and with environmental awareness being taught in schools, the problem could improve in time. I would like to move on to a more permanent form of vandalism.


HERITAGE SITES

The very active and progressive Moville and Greencastle environmental group held a meeting last week. I went along to listen to Joe Gallagher who was the guest speaker for the evening. Joe is the Heritage Officer for Donegal. The aims of the Heritage Officers around the country are to raise awareness of heritage matters, and to provide advice and propose policy on our natural, built and cultural heritage. This will help the well being and sustainability of communities. Hopefully with Joe’s help there will be more awareness to the value of our land and historical buildings. Inishowen is steeped in history and if steps aren’t taken to preserve our national treasures the results will be permanent and devastating for all communities in Inishowen. The resulting vandalism from inappropriate development and unsympathetic planning can’t be painted over or put into a dustbin liner bag; it would be here for the long term! If we as a community are seen not to care about the environment then why should the young folk? Let me give you a few examples to reinforce the problem. There is talk of an apartment building going up in Greencastle. Plans are for the building to go directly in front of the castle, which is the focal point of the town. Another development that is attracting a lot of negative attention is the removal of a large house on the main road in Moville. The house has a long and interesting history and would attract many visitors if renovated, but value is seen only in the large garden, the house unfortunately, is dispensable. This is because the land can accommodate a new housing estate. These are just two examples of thoughtless planning. There are many more around the peninsula and the country come to think of it. I don’t have to tell you this though; all you have to do is look out of your window!


OVERSEAS VISITOR

I was out for walk recently with a woman from in Canada. She was shocked at the amount of damage the peninsula is enduring by development. She also was very surprised at the small amount of opposition from residents in the affected areas. Green space where she lives in Canada is scarce, as development has swallowed up the land. She even has to pay to use the beaches as they are all under private ownership! Sometimes people coming to the peninsula put a fresh perspective on the area and they can see things clearer than we can. As Joni Mitchell sang in 1970 “ Don’t it always seem to go that you don’t know what you’ve got till it’s gone They paved paradise and put up a parking lot.”……. Hopefully with the work of environmental groups, that sentiment will never apply to Inishowen!

CONTACT

If you have any questions or concerns regarding aspects of our natural, built or cultural heritage, Joe Gallagher can be contacted at the County Council Heritage Office, Donegal County Council in Lifford on (074) 917 2576 or by e-mail: heritage@donegalcoco.ie

Environmental.

ENERGY SAVING MOTORING

Here at Clean and Green we have been having a brainstorming session to come up with 10 ways to save energy when using cars. We have come up with some suggestions and also we found that out of these ideas we found a list of ten irritations, mainly due to inconsiderate drivers. We think that they are worth a mention before the energy saving tips, be honest and give yourself a slap on the wrist for every one that you are guilty of doing!

TOP TEN IRRITATIONS

Throwing litter from the car (this was mentioned in an article in the paper last week, this is done to keep the car clean apparently!)

Eating. We witnessed someone driving at ten miles an hour in first gear last week because they were eating an ice cream and couldn’t change gear.

Parking in disabled parking areas when you don’t have the relevant badge.

Stopping the car in the middle of the road on busy streets, or car parks, instead of finding a parking space or stopping for a “natter”. Forcing a queue to build up behind you.

Driving too close to the car in front and driving aggressively.

Using mobile phones when in motion.

Failing to indicate out of laziness. Or because of number 2 or number 6 mentioned earlier.

Pulling out in front of people forcing them to slow down or even stop.

Lighting up cigarettes.

Throwing lit cigarettes out of the car, especially when there is a cyclist or motorcyclist behind you, or dry gorse at the roadside.

TOP TEN TIPS FOR DRIVERS.

Drive less. Simply put, cars burn fossil fuel, lots of it. Cutting out all unnecessary trips will benefit the planet. The car is the most polluting form of transport we use. Try to arrange car sharing when going to work and use public transport if possible. If you have short trips to make try cycling or even that thing you do with your legs.

Don’t be idle. Turn off your engine when you are stationary for more than a few minutes. Keeping your feet warm while you wait for the children to come out of school or waiting for your partner to come out of the shop will add to air pollution. Switch off, this will save you fuel too.

Check your tyres. Poorly inflated tyres can result in up to a 10 percent fuel loss. Contact your local tyre company if you have old tyres that need recycling.

Check for leaks. Check for leaks in the engine. Millions of gallons of oil and antifreeze drip each year from cars onto the roads, car parks and pavements. All this eventually ends up in rivers, lakes and the sea.

Keep the car in tune. Getting the car tuned can add a 5 percent increase in fuel economy. Leaks can be detected early as well.

Change oil frequently. Changing the oil regularly will give better mileage and a cleaner burning engine. Ask your motor shop about synthetic oil that’s available.

Recycle used oil. If you have oil from an oil change, don’t put it into the waterways or “behind the garage” take it to the recycling centre at the Carndonagh council site. They have the facilities to recycle the oil. And they can advise for large quantities to be collected for a small fee from a recycling company

Drive smoothly. Accelerating and breaking gently can improve your fuel consumption. It also makes it more comfortable for passengers.

Recycle old cars. Take the old cars to the recycling scrap yards.

New or used? When you are looking to replace your old car, remember that buying a second hand one reduces the need for another car to be produced. If you do buy new then look at the amount of recycled components that make up the car. The dealer will be happy to tell you. There are cars that are dual fuel such as the Toyota Prius, (available in September) which combines petrol with electric drive, giving 62 mpg. Another one that caught our attention was a Volkswagen golf that is lubricated and run on rapeseed oil.

Environmental.

LONELY HEARTS CLUB BANNED

Fancy meeting new people and not found how to do it on Myspace yet? Well don’t despair. The classifieds of newspapers are still full of willing participants who would love to find their perfect match. The only problem is that some folk don’t seem to make a good impression. Gauge for yourself whether you would reply to any of these!

'I've divorced better men than you. And worn more expensive shoes than these. So don't think placing this ad is the biggest comedown I've ever had to make. Sensitive F, 34.'

'List your ten favourite albums... I just want to know if there's anything worth keeping when we finally break up. Practical, forward thinking man, 35.'

'Employed in publishing? Me too. Stay the hell away.

Man on the inside seeks woman on the outside who likes milling around hospitals guessing the illnesses of out-patients. 30-35. Leeds.'

'I like my women the way I like my kebab. Found by surprise after a drunken night out and covered in too much tahini. Before long I'll have discarded you on the pavement of life, but until then you're the perfect complement to a perfect evening. Man, 32, rarely produces winning metaphors.'

'My ideal woman is a man. Sorry, mother.'

'Your buying me dinner doesn't mean I'll have sex with you. I probably will have sex with you, though. Honesty not an issue with opportunistic male, 38.'

'Not everyone appearing in this column is a deranged cross-dressing sociopath. Let me know if you find one and I'll strangle him with my bra. Man, 56.'

'Are you Kate Bush? Write to obsessive man (36). Note, people who aren't Kate Bush need not respond.'

'Stroganoff. Boysenberry. Frangipani. Words with their origins in people's names. If your name has produced its own entry in the OED then I'll make love to you. If it hasn't, I probably will anyway, but I'll only want you for your body. Man of too few distractions, 32.'

'Ploughing the loneliest furrow. Nineteen personal ads and counting. Only one reply. It was my mother telling me not to forget the bread on my way home from B&Q. Man, 51.'

'Mature gentleman, 62, aged well, noble grey looks, fit and active, sound mind and unfazed by the fickle demands of modern society seeks...damn it, I have to pee again.'

'Romance is dead. So is my mother. Man, 42, inherited wealth.'

Environmental.

VACUUM

I spent a day of my life sorting out my vacuum cleaner this week. Our old faithful Vax wet and dry machine was turning out to be a two-person affair. Julie pushed the cleaning head along the carpet whilst I stood behind holding the cable in just the right position so the electricity could flow.


In my wisdom I thought it time to venture out to buy a new model. After traipsing the shops for an eternity I settled on a large supermarket brand 1600-watt bagless cyclonic model that was being offered for sale at a reasonable price. I didn’t make the decision based purely on the price though. I checked that there was little to drop off it and that the cable retracted like the box said it would, all of the usual things we do when making a decision to part with our money. 1600 watts sounded decent as well so I expected it to suck up the carpets when it was switched on after I got it home. Suck up the carpets it did, all for about ten seconds.

After that the bagless wonder just clogged up as the tiniest bit of fluff was blocking up the mountain of filters it had to get past. After running it for two minutes the suction had all but gone and the overheating light came on. Why put an overheating light on anyway? All it does is remind you that the design is rubbish and you wasted your money buying the thing. I decided to do the right thing and pulled out the old faithful Vax cutting off six feet of cable. I have spent 2 euro on a new filter and it’s as good as new. It won’t stop the landfills from filling up though because the new vacuum is destined to go there when I take it back to the shop, no one in their right mind would want to keep it, it’s rubbish.

If the Vax packs up for good I will do a bit of market research first. The internet is a great resource for this. I checked for people’s comments about the 1600 bagless cyclonic wonder and surprise surprise most of the comments were similar to mine. I also found that the space aged design of Dyson isn’t going down too well either with a lot of people complaining that they are too fiddly and expensive to run. Top of the list for customer satisfaction though is the Henry vacuum. These are widely used in business premises and customers love the smiley face on the front. I think I will put one on the front of my revamped Vax. Now where did I leave my marker pen?

Household,Environmental.