How we work: Self-organisation and sustainability
If we are to live healthy, happy, sustainable lives, we need to change our way of living. This means using not more than our fair share of global resources, and not more than the earth can replace to sustain us. As countries constantly strive to produce more and more in competition with each other, we rely increasingly on limited resources like fossil fuels - dependencies that lead to lives lost in the pursuit of economic growth. Societies based on competition between individuals to own the most, spend the most and work the most are not sustainable.
Self-organisation
When we do away with leaders and distribute power amongst ourselves, we are able to take back control of our lives. From people's kitchens to mass direct action, self-organising is a highly effective way of working outside the system; of building resilient, sustainable alternatives.
Rather than having a small group of people running things, we encourage everyone who comes to the camp (that means you!) to take part in deciding how it will be run. In this way, instead of being shackled by one-way chains of command, we become interlinked in webs of mutual aid and support.
Consensus decision-making
Consensus decision-making is crucial to the climate camp. From the first stages of planning through to tat-down, decisions are made in open meetings where everyone has the right to contribute, to be heard. It is a way of working which enables us to include as many people as possible in the decision making process, allows lots of different ideas to be considered and problems collectively addressed.
We think this is fairer than voting and produces better decisions and outcomes. In a voting system the majority 'wins', leaving minorities feeling marginalised and excluded, and the different factions don't always try to understand each other's views. Of course, the minority 'losers' probably don't feel very committed to the group's decision! By using consensus decision-making everyone's views are heard and the group tries to find a solution that addresses everyone's concerns and desires. The result is greater understanding between different individuals and groups, and usually a better decision because everyone has thought carefully and considered the possible alternatives, and hopefully everyone who takes part in making the decision feels that they had a stake in it and therefore a stake in implementing it.
Working groups
The decisions made are usually implemented by one or more of the climate camp's working groups. Each group is accountable to the climate camp as a whole, but they generally act autonomously to make their "bit" of the Camp happen. The working group structure allows people to do the work they are interested in or have skills at, or join a particular working group to learn and develop their skills at something new. Everyone does a little bit, taking on what they have time for, and the structure allows people to get on with their work with a minimum of interference. Each group has responsibility for part of the organising process, but decisions that affect the whole camp are taken by everyone together.
But of course self-organising is not just about meetings. Doing It Yourself means that if you see something needs doing, you don't ask 'who is responsible?' but just get on with making it happen!
Sustainable living
Climate camp is an ideal a space to experiment with the practicalities of sustainable living; to work towards living comfortable, low-impact lives.
We produce renewable energy by building wind-turbines to power our laptops, phones, low-wattage lights and electric wheelchairs; and wood-burning rocket stoves to heat water and food. But its also about reducing our energy consumption: rediscovering our communities, rebuilding trust, and localising our everyday lives are key to sustainability.
In a world without fossil fuels we need to re-think our dinners. The vegan diet we stick to at the camp requires a fifth of the energy needed to produce a meat-based diet, and under half that of a vegetarian diet. Our food is also mainly organic - grown without oil-based pesticides and nitrogen fertilizers; without using fossil fuels. Its healthier too – chemicals that kill the bugs can't be very good for us!
At camp we compost almost all our waste, from food scraps to waste washing water using a grey-water system, filtering out particles and concentrated (environmentally friendly) chemicals before returning the water to the ground. We even compost human waste which, once processed, is used as natural fertiliser on non-food crops.
If you are not used to this type of thing don't worry, it's straight-forward and will be explained when you come along to a meeting.
We don't pretend to have all the answers. Climate camp is an experiment and a work in progress, and we want you to get involved, to hear what you have to say and to share knowledge and experience. Together we have the strength to build something better.
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