This is not my... Interview
 |
Tracey Smith, Founder, National Downshifting Week
22nd - 28th April 2006
National Downshifting Week highlights ways "participants can live simpler, happier lives and be kinder to the environment at the same time" |
How did National Downshifting Week come about?
This is only the second National Downshifting Week but it actually sprang from the a personal downshift in 2002.
My husband worked in the City and would often leave before the kids got up and get home when they were back in bed. We found that we spent very little quality time together and eventually made the huge decision to uproot and move to West Dorset.
It was a massive contrast.
We didn't have as much money and so started to grow our own things. We would just have to make the best of what came in. But it was wonderful to actually have the time to mill about in the garden and to share with our neighbours. Some evenings we come home to find bags of vegetables on the gate.
We forget that this is what our grandparents did. We are a generation of convenience. There is a big gap in learning. We put a huge emphasis on the value of money but less on living more economically.
In our downshift we have been trying to bridge the gap between the old and new ways of living but without it becoming all encompassing.
We have chosen to move to the country but people are comfortable with different levels of downshifting.
We are encouraging people to find their own level. Downshifting does not have to mean making such a big change it could simply be claiming back 20 mins a week for yourself.
It is really about evaluating lifestyle balance and how we can make the most of our time.
Downshifting can also make an impact on the planet.
Our motto is to 'slow down and green up'.
What kind of things do you do to green up?
It can be anything from cooking fresh vegetables to composting. Doing little things that add up and lead you to other things.
I think it is a mistake to think that we can do everything over night but by making a few changes we can see a new way of getting things done and find out what works for us.
For downshifting week we have made 10 suggestions each for individuals, companies and schools. Why not try one a day at your own pace.
We have listed a broad range of things that people can dip their toes into.
How has the idea of a National Downshifting Week grown?
In 2002 we downshifted big style so I started writing a few columns in newspapers in the UK and overseas.
I was amazed to find so many people writing back with their own stories and common questions about it. I saw that there was a need to address some of these and so wanted to help with that.
Having a 'week' gave an the ambiguous idea of downshifting a focus and it became something that people could get involved with and contribute their ideas too.
In the first year it was difficult. As a natural downshifter I had no money to throw into advertising or marketing so had to rely on the quality of the campaign and the enthusiasm of those involved with it.
This year though it has taken off with support from ITV.
What difference has downshifting made to your life?
I love it with an absolute passion!
I have found that simple changes can make a big difference. You can save money and gain time.
If you want to find a way to do it then you can but you have to want to do it. It has to come from within. If you want to embrace change you will get something from it.
I have found that you don't have to follow the rat race - you have a choice. You might earn less money but you can have a better life. For me that is what it boils down to.
It sounds so big but it is so simple.
Plus of course if you downshift your time you have better sex! Some people seem to have to book appointments to bonk these days. What is that about?
If you haven't got to get up at 6am you can make the most of relationships.
How would you advise that other people start to downshift?
Before anything you need to analyse you time and budget. If you are not content then you need to understand the root of your problem.
Everyone has a comfortable level of downshifting. It really depends on the individual. It may even be that it is not for you right now. If you are happy then that is brilliant - but if you change your mind then take another look.
Once you know what it is that is making you unhappy you can try some small changes to get out of the cycle and assess which ones work best for you.
It might be pilates, relaxation, making fresh food or swapping the ironing for coffee with a friend.
One thing new this year is our downshifting planner. It is a calendar which you can print it off, stick in the kitchen and fill in as you want.
It was originally designed by Fiona Lippey, creator of award winning website, Simple Savings.
So where will you go from here?
I will be traveling round the country this week to promote the campaign and doing a number of radio interviews. I have also been nominated by ITV as an eco hero so will be on the evening news.
You never know - one day you might see me on newsnight. I would love to get on there with Paxman!
I wouldn't be able to go on doing this if I didn't believe that I can make a difference - but I do. So I am just going keep doing it as long as I can!
Previous Interviews
 |
Creative Director, Futerra |
 |
Author of '365 Ways to Change the World' |
 |
Co-founder of the Alliance Against Urban 4x4's
Which leads "a growing campaign uniting environmental, consumer, road safety groups and concerned individuals all over the UK." |
 |
Founder of slowlondon
"a community of people and ideas, to celebrate, inspire, bring everyone that little bit closer together (and have fun along the way)..." |
 |
Co-founder of: We Are What We Do A movement to" inspire people to use their everyday actions to change the world. Whoever they are. And wherever they are." |
 |
Author of "A Beginner's Guide to Changing the World; For Tibet, With Love"
Founder: Act for Tibet |
