Dartford Living - December 2021

Page 38

LIFE UNDER THE STAIRS

By Local Resident, Jane Stevenson

made me uneasy about the reality of international commitment. I’ve never been well read on the subject, living more by an instinctive choice than a formed opinion. However, during one meal with this eclectic group, I learnt so much from them about such problems, put forward with passion, well-articulated argument backed by the all-important evidence. Not so much the inconsequential concerns of the much maligned ‘snowflake generation’ but a wake-up call for those of us who have become so insular these past two years. LISTEN TO THE SNOWFLAKES Another year passes – and hasn’t it been a strange time. I’ve found Covid and post-Covid life challenging and rewarding. A strange brew to be sure, given the severity of the events we have shared.

Since my return to Dartford, I have tried to make some changes. They are individual to me and will have little effect on the world’s problems: but I am pleased to have made a difference. My small contribution to healing our ver y damaged I learnt about the plight of retail environment is a start. staff in a national chain, regarding conditions of work and the poor Motivated by my dinnertime pay; how we can all help towards co n vers at io n , m a y I s u g gest regulating climate control, sometimes something we could all do. Let’s by changing the smallest of habits; change one thing. Swap our current I was told how a small local organic brand of washing up liquid for a business supports local producers, plant-based version? Stop using wet artisans and promotes cruelty free wipes and go back to a cloth – an old products. We spoke of upcycling, flannel of course. Buy our veg loose, repurposing possessions and the or support one of the many farm hidden shame of domestic abuse. shops in the area. Shop around for local arts and crafts, local businesses, Such a variety of topics. and services. Maths PhD student, a biodiversity consultant, a teacher, bookseller, resting vet and an organic food shop supervisor. It was an interesting mixture of views and opinions, all passionately discussed.

There are things I’ve taken on board this year which have helped shape my thoughts and actions. Not from peers and those in my own (very old) age group, but from talking to a diverse group of folk, all very much younger than myself. Those, in the past, we have always suggested are ‘seen and not heard’. I’ve found such conversations, stimulating, thought provoking, difficult and exciting. It brought home a couple of points. Such discussions have given me a We are bombarded with news and renewed view of life as it is. media headlines about climate change, use of plastics, food poverty, I toddled down to Bristol recently, upcycling, repurposing etc, but how to visit the Youngest Offspring much do we take on board? and his house mates. A vibrant and talkative group of twenty I’ve always been interested in somethings featuring a cross conservation and the environment, section of that generation. but the lack of any real plan I dined with a psychologist, a following the COP 26 conference

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As with the pandemic, we are all in this together. Have a wonderful 2022. Love and good health to you all.


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