About us.....

Abingdon Carbon Cutters is a Community Action Group formed to help reduce the carbon footprint of Abingdon in response to climate change, and to promote a sustainable and resilient lifestyle for our town as fossil fuel stocks decline. We meet on the third Wednesday of each month at St Ethelwold's House, which is here.

At some meetings, we have guest speakers to present various topics, and at others we discuss our own personal actions to address climate change. The group has a focus on encouragement, both of one another, and of the town community.

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Friday, March 27, 2009

Workshops this weekend

What does the future hold?
Transition Oxford invites you to two linked workshops this Saturday and Sunday, from 2pm to 5.30pm both days. We are going to develop broadbrush scenarios – alternative stories about the future – to help understand and communicate what kind of transition is needed. Our scenarios will provide a foundation for the Transition Oxford Plan.

All are welcome at either or both of the workshops at the Old Music Hall, 106-108 Cowley Road, OX4 1JE (by G&Ds).

Saturday 28 March, 1400 to 1730
* Exploring forces that could shape Oxford’s future
* Identifying possible surprises that could bring a change of direction
* First thoughts on scenarios for Oxford Sunday 29 March, 1400 to 1730
* Choosing scenarios to work with
* Developing the storylines
* Thinking through the implications
There will be hot drinks and cake.
£5 suggested donation per workshop
More at http://www.transitionoxford.org.uk/node/40
Please let Laurie know if you’re coming: laurie@livingwitness.org.uk
01865 725244
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The Power of Community - How Cuba survived Peak Oil

If you haven't seen the film "The Power of Community - How Cuba survived Peak Oil" then do come on Tuesday night. It's an inspiring documentary about the time Cuba faced a sudden dramatic drop in access to oil, and survived by reviving organic farming, urban agriculture, and novel methods of transport! Very heart-warming, and full of lessons for us today.
I've attached the poster - if you have anywhere to put one up, please print it off and do so.
Hope to see you on Tuesday!

7.30pm in All Saints Hall, Appleford Drive.


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Thursday, March 26, 2009

Put People First

March for Jobs, Justice and Climate

The world is in financial meltdown. It’s time to tell world leaders that they cannot continue with business as usual, but must take action for jobs, justice and the climate. Join with thousands of people who will march through London as part of a global campaign to challenge the G20 leaders.

Saturday, 28th March
Assemble Victoria Embankment, 11am (Temple tube)
March to Hyde Park
Rally in Hyde Park with speakers and entertainment from 2pm

Also taking place: church service in Methodist Central Hall (11am) and after party (evening)

Confirmed speakers and entertainment include: actor and broadcaster Tony Robinson, singer/songwriter Luke Pritchard from The Kooks , Mauritanian musician Daby Toure, comedian and activist Mark Thomas , Global Call to Action Against Poverty (GCAP) Co-chair Kumi Naidoo , global justice author Susan George , International Trade Union Confederation President Sharan Burrow , and environmentalist Tony Juniper .

We will challenge the G20 to make the right choices for a fairer and more sustainable world
· Decent jobs and public services for all
· End global poverty and inequality
· Build a green economy

Find out more (including transport from outside London) and sign the petition to the G20 at www.putpeoplefirst.org.uk

The Put People First platform is made up of over 100 members, including development and environmental NGOs, trade unions, faith groups, UK anti-poverty groups, and student organisations.



Oxford & District Trades Union Council (O&D TUC) is mobilising for the G20 "Jobs, Justice and Climate" march and we are making contact with faith groups/organisations/campaigns to build the biggest turnout possible for the national march.
The coach leaves St. Giles, Central Oxford at 9 am on 28th March. We are encouraging organisations to block book seats so we have a clearer picturein advance how many coaches we will need. Seats can be booked online in as many numbers as needed at http://web.bethere.co.uk/PutpeopleFirst/ or care of 01865 770022. Prices are £10 waged/£8 unwaged.
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Earth Hour

On March 28, from 8:30 to 9:30 p.m. local time, millions of people across
the globe will turn out their lights to raise awareness and take action to
fight climate change.

Will you vote for the Earth with your light switch? Sign up at the Earth Hour website.
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Tuesday, March 24, 2009

Age Of Stupid - more dates in Oxford

For those of you who didn’t get a chance to see the Age of Stupid last week – and with the speed it sold out I’m guessing thats a quite a few of you – the Phoenix Picture House, Oxford is putting on a couple of extra dates.

Wed 25th (4.15pm)

Thurs 26th (8.45pm)


If you are in any way concerned about the effects of climate change then I highly recommend seeing this film.
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Thursday, March 12, 2009

Are you listening to your fridge?

This week, European regulators will start setting new efficiency standards for fridges, TVs, and other products. Strong rules could massively cut Europe's climate pollution, but industrial lobbyists are pushing to weaken the proposals.

We've received an unusual message: a video sent back in time from the future ... by a talking fridge named "Coldy." Click the picture to watch the video and take action now:

CLICK TO WATCH!


Green technology already exists that would dramatically improve the fridges, TVs, washing machines, and other products that each of us use. Strong green standards, according to expert studies, could have a huge climate impact--greater than taking two thirds of Europe's cars off the road. And these standards would reduce our energy bills by tens of billions of Euros per year.

But the most-polluting companies want to sell dirty products cheaply, and avoid green investment. It's up to us to make sure EU negotiators hear the clear voice of thousands of citizens across Europe -- and not just the voices of industry lobbyists. Click below to watch the video and sign the petition -- it will be delivered to negotiators this Thursday:

http://www.avaaz.org/en/refrigerator_revolution_video


FOOTNOTES

1. For more information, updates and policy briefs on the European Eco-design policy process (including the studies and draft legislation on the products covered by this policy, such as TVs, fridges, and lightbulbs), see this site by the NGO coalition ECOS, Greenpeace Europe, WWF-EPO and other leading environmental organizations:
http://www.env-ngo.eup-network.de

2. Last week, more than 100,000 Avaaz members joined the global call for a truth commission to investigate human rights abuses in Bush's war on terror. Avaaz hand-delivered the signatures to the Senate committee and spoke to key U.S. leaders. Click to see photos and a full report:
http://www.avaaz.org/delivery_to_truth_commission

3. Avaaz members will deliver this petition in Brussels with a stunt organized by Friends of the Earth Europe and Natuur en Milieu. For more information, check http://www.avaaz.org/blog/en later this week!
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Wednesday, March 11, 2009

Eco-St at Yarnton Nurseries CLOSED

Sadly, Eco-St shop at Yarnton has shut. There are now just two shops open, one at Wendover and the other in Middlesex.

I was able to purchase OWL energy meters over the phone by telephoning 01844 214411. The contact is Matt Lane and he can help us with things like the light bulb library. He can be contacted via matt.lane@eco-st.com or on 07961 810 321. Alternatively shop on line. As well as Eco-St (www.eco-st.com), you can shop at www.goodenergyshop.co.uk
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Monday, March 2, 2009

Age Of Stupid - world's biggest Premiere!

This sounds fun. Can you come? Sunday March 15th 5.45pm (doors open 5.15pm) at the Phoenix Cinema in Walton St. Print out a poster and tell your friends!

Get in the Guinness Book of Records for the world's biggest Premiere – in Oxford !!!!
"The Age of Stupid" is a new and powerful UK film which looks at the global effects of climate change should we ignore the current warning signs and don’t take action. It has already several awards and excellent reviews (see below) and crucially will help change peoples attitudes and behaviour…providing people go and see it! Attached is a promotional A4 poster - would you print and put at our workplace or local organisation and forward to friends and family to do the same! There are also pictures, logos and other artwork resources available here: www.ageofstupid.net/pr_resources

It is expected to be the world’s largest Premiere, screened concurrently from 70 cinemas around the UK to 16,000 people. Before the film, there will be a live satellite broadcast from the world's first solar-powered cinema in Leicester Square , where the celebs will be arriving in solar cars and bike rickshaws before walking the green carpet. After the film, there will be another satellite link-up to London when Pete Postlethwaite will officially launch the Not Stupid campaign.

In Oxford, Simon Kenton (Community Action Groups / Low Carbon Communities Network) will then explain what's happening locally and how people can get involved in taking positive action in their community. There will also be a "global" speaker, who will be explaining what people can do in the run-up to Copenhagen and answering any general questions about climate change. Those wanting to find out more can then meet with the speakers and other people involved in local groups over drink at a nearby venue.

More details about the Premiere at www.ageofstupid.net/premiere

Tickets for Oxford Premiere can be bought now at http://www.picturehouses.co.uk/booking1.aspx?eventId=wk22l2%40oxfd

Please email your local cinema and ask them to show the film after the premiere next month. It will take you 20 seconds using these links......

Kassam Stadium, Oxford (Vue) http://www.myvue.com/cinemas/your_vue.asp?SessionID=8E807A47947641C4B4315036BAA43A70&cn=1&ci=66&ln=1

Odeon Cinema ( George St , Magdalen St) http://www.odeon.co.uk/fanatic/contact_us/

The Phoenix Picture House, Oxford phoenix@picturehouses.co.uk
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Cycle Week

Eleanor,who is leading the Bike-Week Group would like to start assembling a list of names of people willing to help on the weekend of 13th/14th June.
If you are able to help on either the 13th or the 14th please email carbon.cutters@googlemail.com. You don't have to even ride a bike yourself!

Please put the dates in your diary!
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