The Beauty of Sustainable Transport

Transcription

1 The Beauty of Sustainable Transport Sustainable transport is that which allows the basic access needs of individuals and societies to be met in a way that does not compromise human, other than human, ecosystem and planetary health and well-being, now or in the future. It recognises our interconnectedness with all of life and our desire to live in a way that minimises harm. Our current modes of transport, and many of our attitudes and beliefs around transport, are not sustainable. How do we relate to this as Buddhists? Does sustainable transport feel relevant to our Buddhist practice? Like any of our actions of body, speech and mind, how we choose to travel in our day to day life express much about us; our views about ourselves, what is important to us, how we relate to other people and other life, and how we see ourselves in relation to Nature. These day to day choices not only express but also affect and shape our hearts and minds, who we become now and in the future. Reflecting on the choices and actions that we take every day around transport is an opportunity to see and to look more closely at the views that underlie them and to consider if and how they express our aspirations as Buddhists. The foundation of Dharma practice is ethics, which can be thought of in terms of realising the effect we have on others in our intimately interconnected world, and increasing trying to act from love. Does how we travel as we live our lives, doing the things that are important to us, expressing ourselves in the world, help us to develop and live out our love and sense of interconnection to all beings?

2 Love Globally, transport accounts for around a quarter of total man-made carbon emissions and is a very significant contributor to climate change. Climate change disrupts the very web of conditions that supports all life on Earth and affects the well-being and survival of all species. While the effects of climate change are already being felt across the globe and causing harm to humans and other than human life, the potential harm in the future is much greater. Transport emissions also effect the air that all beings, human and other than human, breathe. The air and our breath and actions that affect the quality of the air that we breathe unite us all. On a local level, it is worth considering that Bristol has a long standing air pollution problem and is currently in breach of EU law for safe pollution limits. The levels of traffic and congestion in the city are the major factor contributing to this. In the Karaniya Metta Sutta, one of the oldest Buddhist texts, we are encouraged to develop a heart of unbounded love that embraces, every living thing without exception; the weak and the strong, from the smallest to the largest, visible or invisible, near or far away, for those born and those yet to be born. Do our choices around travel express our desire to live from love and non-harm towards all beings across our city, across our planet, now and to come? Interconnection Does how we travel day to day within our city help us feel connected with our environment and our community, or does it tend to support a feeling of separateness? Do our choices around travel reflect our sense of living in an interconnected world, human, other than human, environment and planet, all affected by and having an effect on each other? How aware are we of the consequences of our own individual actions within this beautiful web of interconnection? Do our choices around travel reflect our longing as Buddhists to challenge the prevailing view of individualism, to grow beyond our own personal and immediate desires and live from a wider perspective? And do our choices support or challenge the huge inequality across the world in individual resource use and carbon emissions, recognising our connection and responsibility to one another in this? In considering the choices we make around travel and how these might support and express our Buddhist practice and contribute to a shift towards sustainability in how we travel collectively, we might also find it helpful to consider other Buddhist ethical principles. For example, do our choices support us to live more from stillness, simplicity and contentment, moving away from our tendency towards craving and restlessness what would this look like for us? Do our choices support us in developing mindfulness, of the effect of our actions on others and on our own mental states, of our body, of other people, of our environment? And do they support our desire to live more truthfully in line with our heart and our deepest aspirations?

3 In any aspect of our life, the first step towards making creative change is to become more aware of our current habitual ways of acting and the views, thoughts and feelings that underlie our actions. If we consider making a change towards greater sustainability in how we travel, what views and thoughts come up for us - for example around personal freedom, independence, control, convenience? How do we relate to those views? Are we surprised by them? Do they feel quite solid and unquestionable, or do we have a sense of holding them lightly with openness? Do they feel harmonious with our aspirations as Buddhists? It might also be helpful to consider to what extent our view of ourselves or our identity is expressed in how we choose to travel? Perhaps you could ask yourself the question, When it comes to how I travel who am I? During BAM, why not share your reflections around this with others, perhaps a sangha group you already meet with, friends who are interested in sustainability, or someone here at the centre during a tea break? When we reflect on these questions, we might feel that we would like to take action towards travelling more sustainably, but find it difficult to follow this through. As our teacher Sangharakshita says, The central problem of the spiritual life - for most people at least is to find emotional equivalents for their intellectual understanding. So, unless our deeper emotional energies are engaged, we may find it hard to sustain our intentions to act differently. One way of engaging our emotions is to take our reflections into meditation. During BAM, as you do the metta bhavana, try widening the extent of the fifth stage to those beings far away and yet to be born. You could also try Lokabandhu s driving and flying carbon meditation visualisations, A basic truth of the Dharma is that taking actions based on the ethical precepts, acting skilfully, will lead us to greater happiness. When we consider making changes in our life that align us more with living from love and interconnection, could we rest back on this truth with faith or with a sense of curiosity and experiment?

4 Sangha Reflections Sustainable transport and practice.... When Sarah asked if I would like contribute a few reflections on this theme I have to admit my initial response was a vague sense of dreariness mixed with a subtle undercurrent of obligation - a good place to start! Which brings me to a tendency I ve noticed: when faced with what seems like an overwhelming aspect of belonging to this global human community, I can find it hard to stay present, the temptation to phase out and a sense of complexity and confusion never far away. So what happens if I apply what I ve been trying to do in my Buddhist practice all these years; pay attention, move a little closer? Sitting here now, I m in a café, the street in front me is in constant motion; buses, lorries, cars, pedestrians. There s a lot of movement, everything appears to be shifting and in perpetual motion. My mind turns to the notion of conditioned co-production; that all phenomena are interconnected and constantly being brought into being and affected by all other phenomena. I realise I feel slightly overwhelmed by all this becoming, a great wave pushing us all on, a wave filled with the debris of our technological hardware, washing onto our shores, filling our oceans, yikes! Noticing aversion and overwhelm So how do I respond to bringing to mind the effect of how we live, and travel, on our environment and on each other? Not by tuning out and turning away, or by getting overwhelmed. Perhaps all I can do is to try to consider more fully the consequences of my own actions? And perhaps this can be my sustainable transport action for BAM. Angie Until I stopped working, it was difficult not to have a car. However, I was often aware of the pollution I was contributing to and the effects sitting in traffic had on my mind frustration, stress and at times anger towards other drivers I perceived as holding me up or being idiots! Meditation and practice of the precepts has helped me to be a kinder and more considerate driver over the years, but I ve reflected often on how I could change the conditions of my commute to work. I bought a folding bike and started cycling the last few miles of the journey. The effect of doing this was quite startling. I arrived at work with more energy and a clearer mind. At the end of the day, it was lovely to be outside and feel the air, feel my body and enjoy the world around me. Even wet weather! I have stopped working but find myself stalling on the plan not to have a car. So for BAM, I am committing to being more conscious of the choices I make around travel. Whenever possible I will cycle, walk or take a bus or train instead of using the car. I feel this is very much part of my Dharma practice. Kinder to the world, kinder to my body and mind. My hope is also to loosen further the attachment I have to having a car of my own. There is a holding on; I feel the tightness inside at the thought of not having that convenience at my disposal. And a fear of something deeper. Possibility a loss of independence and a sense of loss of some control. It will be interesting to see how BAM might change this. Joy This is an area which i am trying to improve. Living in the country for so long, I found driving absolutely mandatory, and I am only now getting used to the fact that I don t need to drive everywhere! I am used to the convenience and speed. That said, I do fly less these days, and this is fairly conscious. Nic

5 Actively deciding to stop flying 12 years ago has changed my relationship with how I make travel decisions. I didn t fly much back then, but wanted to make bigger changes in the sustainability of my life, beyond the everyday things like buying ethically and locally; a whole life approach to carbon emissions. What was fascinating was my conditioned reactions: if I ve got the money, I should be able to fly, dam it... The hrih-making inner tantrums of someone brought up in Mrs Thatcher s era of individualism was useful food for thought for a Dharma practitioner understanding one s body-mind. Not flying has had an impact on my work life, in seeing family, and in not going on pilgrimage, yet I m glad I made that decision, putting me in touch much more fully with the planet and our interdependence. I ve discovered the wonder of occasional European train travel and closer-to-home campervanning. My partner and I decided to swap two cars for one small, pre-loved camper van. My family business, where I work part-time, is in the middle of Somerset (a 2.5 hour commut each way by public transport), so having a van is a compromise for now... More recently I ve wanted to reduce my carbon footprint further, so I m now walking more than ever, taking the bus less, and enjoying the city much more! The average UK citizen lives as if there are 4 planets, in terms of carbon footprint, and last time I filled in a carbon calculator, I lived as if there were 2.6, so my lifestyle is definitely work in progress. A few years ago as part of my work I trained as a carbon conversations facilitator. It was great to meet others who wanted to grapple creatively with this tricky subject of the difference we can make on a household level - it was very inspiring. What spurs me on is staying connected with other-than-human life: the awesome beauty of changing seasons, other species, and imagining the air, water, and soil of future generations. My change for BAM is to be more confident in opening up conversations about sustainable living. Kamalamani Cycling is a significant part of my life and has saved me so much time and money, keeping me fit, no parking problems and no contributing to environmental issues. I passed my driving test about 20 years ago but have never really consolidated it. I seem to manage very well with public transport, kind friends lifts and my bike. What I love most about cycling is the sense of freedom it gives me. It s about being outside in the elements and having contact with the sights and sounds of my surrounding environment. Cycling is also great for practising mindfulness, to remain safe you really do have to focus your attention on the present moment. So I urge you to get on your bike, feel the wind in your hair and the sun on your back (on a good day!) and feelings of joy, contentment, absorption, alertness and confidence could all be yours! Annie Two years ago I had a gas guzzling VW van. Since selling it and trying out new ways of getting around, I ve met outrageously unpleasant bus drivers and parents with buggies aiming for the same wheelchair space as me. But equally I ve had some of my best times; meeting people I normally wouldn t, having varied conversations and receiving unbelievable generosity of spirit from fellow passengers and transport employees. The added bonus is a massive reduction in my carbon footprint. So, would I return to car ownership? No, there have been too many positive outcomes for me, my fellow humans and our environment - and most of all it s teaching me new ways of thinking. Ceri

6 Take action for BAM! Is there an action you would like to take for BAM that would express a desire to live more from love and interconnection in how you travel? This could be taking an action to make a journey in a different way to usual during the month see below for ideas or perhaps to reflect more on the theme of sustainable transport or include it in your meditation. Write your action on the BAM notice board opposite so we can share our intentions, energy and inspiration with one another. BAM Sustainable Transport Buddy When we are trying to make a change in our life, it is so helpful to get support in following through our intentions, as well as inspiring to hear about another person s efforts. Sharing our experience of a new action also helps us become more aware of the effect that doing something different has on us. Pair up with someone else in the sangha and check in with each another during the month about how you are doing with your action for BAM. If you d like some help finding a buddy, contact sarah at triratnabristol@gmail.com

7 Start cycling or cycle more! Expereince the freedom and joy of cycling and of knowing that you are travelling around the city using nothing but your own energy! As the UK s very first Cycling City, Bristol has a well-developed network of cycling initiatives, organisations and cycle routes and a thriving cycling community that can support you to get into and enjoy cycling. The web sites below have loads of really useful information for the completely new to the experienced cyclist - everything from organised group rides, to choosing the right bike and equipment, to the location of emergency cycle repair kits across the city! The official cycling website for Bristol, Bath & NE Somerset, North Somerset and South Gloucestershire. Bristol s very own cycling charity. Get a Bike The leading UK charity enabling and supporting people to travel by foot, bike or public transport for more of the journeys we make every day. Well-loved independent Bristol cycling shop, Bike UK in Clifton, have generously agreed to offer members of our sangha a discount on purchases during Buddhist Action Month pick up a voucher from the table. Life Cycle UK s fantastic community bike recycling project Bike Back takes donations of unwanted bicycles from the public and gives prisoners the chance to learn new skills stripping them down and refitting them. The bikes are for sale every Thursday at Horfield Prison, with prices starting from 40. Not ready yet to take the plunge and buy a bike? Borrow a bike for up to a month to try out cycling with no commitment from the Travelwest Sustainable Travel team - Tel: travel.roadshow@westofengland.org Build your cycling confidence If you ve never ridden a bike or feel you would like some help to build your confidence cycling on roads, Life Cycle UK offer up to 3 FREE private cycle training sessions with an experience instructor, for anyone living within the Bristol City Council area. See their website for more info. The Travelwest Sustainable Travel team offer a FREE one-hour accompanied cycle ride to help you relax and grow in confidence on a route of your choice, for example helping you to plan & try out a route to commute to work. (See above for contact details). Learn bike maintenance skills: feel empowered Life Cycle UK run bike maintenance courses for all levels of expereince and Bristol Bike Project ( in Stoke Croft offer low cost workshops & skills share sessions.

8 Public Transport Could you swap all or part of a car journey you make for public transport? Sharing your space with others in your community is a fantastic opportunity to actually and imaginatively connect with and open your heart and mind to all those beautiful neutral people out there. If you end up waiting on a bus stop for a late bus, it s a chance to practice patience and opening to the reality of living in an interconnected world where things really aren t in your control, but your life and expereince unfolds as part of a complex web of conditions. You can also a question the idea of waiting and our constant desire to be getting somewhere else, literally and in our minds, rather than being just where we are! And instead of the stresses of city driving, you could see it as an opportunity to relax back, give yourself a break from doing, watch the world go by, and just be with your breath and your body. Do you know about the local Severn Beach railway that crosses the city, from Bristol Temple Meads to Avonmouth? Could this help you with all or part of a journey you make around the city? Pick up a copy of the timetable from the table below or see severn-beach-line Walking The mural showing Easton community life through the ages at Stapleton Road train station on the Severn Beach Line It was a traditional practice at the time of the Buddha for monks and nuns to practice the metta bhavana meditation as they walked around, radiating well-wishing in every direction and to all beings. Walking is also a chance to practice mindfulness of our body, our feelings, other beings and our environment, to slow down... place our feet on the ground...connect with ourselves and with the earth... Why not try swapping a whole or part of a journey you might normally make by car or bus aroud the city and walk instead? Flying Flying produces significantly more carbon emissions proportionally than travelling any other way, and air travel is the fastest growing contributor to climate change. The carbon impact of a single flight for a single person is greater than the combined effect of any other environmental efforts you could make over the whole year to reduce your carbon footprint. Could your action - or one of your actions! - for BAM be to take on a personal pledge around flying? Perhaps that you won t fly for a year (or more?), except in an emergency? Or if you are currently a frequent flyer, could you take on a pledge to reduce this?

9 Car Sharing Car sharing saves you money and reduces car emissions and is also a way of connecting with others. Are there any journeys you make that, with a little planning and co-ordination, you could share with someone else? Could you find a colleague to travel to work with, or set up a car-sharing initiative in your workplace? Sangha Car Sharing Travel to the centre more sustainably and make connections in the sangha at the same time! If you d like to have or offer a lift to the Buddhist centre, get in touch! Let us know what events you come to, where you live and, if you are offering a lift, a rough idea of your route into the centre. We ll then put you in touch with others who may be able to link up with you. Contact Sarah at triratnabristol@gmail.com Car Clubs If you are thinking of going car free or reducing the number of cars in your household, you might like to try out using a car club as a more sustainable alternative to owning your own vehicle. Car clubs have cars parked across the city in designated bays and give members access to a car on a short-term rental basis, charging by the hour or the day. They give you the convenience of being able to use a car for the times you need to without the hassle and cost - economically and environmentally - of car ownership. Co-wheels is an environmentally and socially conscious car club operateing as a social enterprise. It operates a fleet of high tech electric, hybrid and low emission cars parked in convenient locations across Bristol. Co-wheels have geneously agreed to wave their usual joining fee for any sangha members who join during BAM. Pick up a voucher on the table!