Why Emergy?

'Emergy' can be defined as the total solar equivalent available energy of one form that was used up directly and indirectly in the work of making a product or service.

There is loads of scientific stuff about 'emergy' but that is not what this blog is going to be about. If you want to have a look at that start with Wickepedia and you will find various links.

I want to think through all the energy - physical, emotional and metaphysical that it takes to get a product, project or service in front of me. (You can tell I have an arts degree).

Why am I doing this? Am I a lentil weaving vegetarian Eco warrior who wants to spread my personal propaganda? I don't think so. I am sat here wearing a 'gap' jumper (Some of you have probably already started sending me hate mail. It was a present from a close friend, do I reject hospitality? It is 4 years old - do I buy a new Fairtrade jumper even though I don't need one?) This is contrasted with my Howies jeans - company run by totally cool, ethical surfer dudes - but they have just took a large investment from Timberland. Dave & Claire from Howies say that Timberland are also very cool guys - my extremely cool wife says they are a bit towny, they are definitely a much bigger corporation, who haven't really spread their ethical message thus far.

So Why? I want to treat the people, animals and the earth with care and respect.

So really why? I have a beautiful veggie but very cool wife who over the last 4 years has gradually helped me turn some of my thoughts and ideas into actions.

So . . . . . why? I have a belief, that we should love others, even enemies, (I'm not very good at the enemies bit) and also to look after the earth. The guys who I work and play with talk about 'rebuilding the ruined walls' - whether that is physical regeneration or metaphysical. The way we buy, use, throw away - is a really broken system that needs to change and really fast.

This blog will map my 'emergy footprint' though out 2007 . . . . . wish me luck . . . . .