National Downshifting Week 2005 and 2006!

[Tracey Smith]

Hi SS'ers,

Sorry for my absence and I must confess, I don't get around to posting much these days, but I am busy spreading the word about simpler, greener living in the UK and abroad, with a passion!

This is just a little update on NDW.

National Downshifting Week 2005 was nothing short of amazing.

I did an 18 day countrywide tour to talk about it on the BBC Radio, in the papers and other media and it was incredibly well received.

So much so, one day, I gave 3 live radio broadcasts before lunch.....

There were so many people clearly interested in taking things down a gear and all of my requests to discuss it were surprisingly accepted.

Plans for NDW 2006 are underway and there will be a lot of interactive events around the country. I cannot reveal any details now, but nearer the time, you just try and stop me!

It is clear there is a revolution of folks, not just in the UK but worldwide, who are fed up with what they are being told to buy, how to keep up with the Jones' and so on, not to mention the credit that is being flung at them from every direction! They are not interested. They want the greatest commodity of all - time to spend with the ones they love and to live simpler.

As long as I have a pen in my hand, I will continue to write about the simple ways folks CAN get into this way of life, embracing their environment and the world around them.

I am just a tiny fish in an ocean full of writers. I ask you please to spread the news and pass on the address of http://www.DownshiftingWeek.com and get it talked about!

As far as public awareness of the important green issues affecting us all, I believe it is far more effective to encourage people to change their ways, than it is to bully them into doing so and that's one of the primary aims of this campaign.

If people start recycling and moving towards organic food and thinking responsibly about the purchase of their next vehicle and car-sharing for example, because they WANT to, the positive vibes will spread.

Thank you x

[Lyds]

Excellent!

[Chickenlady]

Right on, Tracey! Wondered where you were...

[shiney]

Ello mate,

Good to see you back here and spreading the word!

I shall of course be right behind you on your journey next year as the chief cook and bottle washer ~ Downshifting Stylie.

[Tracey Smith]

Hi All,

Great to see your positive vibes behind the project.

Recently, I have been busy filming a documentary on the subject of downshifting and am heading to London next week to talk about a series, which is very exciting, so I hope to be bringing you more on this hot topic soon!