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Is the High Street finished forever? Yesterday we discussed Larry Elliott‘s article on the economic and political aspects Since when we have not been idle, Gentle reader. As our regulars know, we are ever in pursuit of ideas that are whacky, ahead of their time, left field, outre, bizarre, different, new- and occasionally, a mix of two or more of the foregoing. And today we are proud to have found some. In Amsterdam, of all places.
In the minds of most, Amsterdam is associated with canals, tulips, Inspector Van Der Valk and a relaxed attitude to cannabis and adult entertainment. But today we can report on two new initiatives that might revive the traditional high street, and save the planet at the same time. If you like a bit of optimism, start reading from here.
The central criticism of the high street has always been its glut of shops selling cheap, throw away fashion. We didn’t know, but get these- apparently thirty per cent of the average person’s wardrobe is never worn at all! Sixty percent of all clothing ends up in landfill one year after it is made. What if you created a Green High Street, filled with eco conscious millennials from home conversions all around it? In our first link * Amira Arastah of Pebble magazine discusses the ways Amsterdam is pioneering recycle, reuse, vintage and a host of other ways to make fashion green at last. “10 reasons why Amsterdam is the real sustainable fashion capital.”
Larry Elliott talked of planning. Sometimes that is about buildings and transport. Sometimes it’s about setting the tone, and putting your eco friendly shops inside a super eco-friendly city. In our second link the City of Amsterdam explains how their goal of making their city sustainable in a series of graduated decades-long steps.*We at LSS have never been big fans of official prose, even in English(this is), but this one is a happy exception.
2030: Emissions Free; 80% of power from renewables; 50% less raw materials; 55% less CO2
2040: No more natural gas
2050: City is climate neutral; all roofs generate electricity; optimal recycling in a “circular” economy
Oh, and we forgot. Amsterdam was the home of Baruch Spinoza, one of the most intelligent and original thinkers of all time. Most of you are no doubt familiar with his work, but for those who need a refresher, we include a link to Wikipedia below. Let’s end with a quote* from him
The highest activity that a human being can attain ids learning for understanding, because to understand is to be free.
If we learn enough, and use it wisely, we can be free from the threat of climate change.
https://www.amsterdam.nl/en/policy/sustainability/
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Baruch_Spinoza
https://www.azquotes.com/author/13957-Baruch_Spinoza
#amsterdam #greenfashion #sustainability #climatechange #circulareconomy
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