Green Living: The year's end

After the hype around the millennium celebrations this New Year may pale in comparison, but it's worth taking a moment to look back on some other changes in the world and the Wharf over the past 10 years.

There's no doubt that sustainability and green living has become more mainstream in the past decade. Regular recycling, better infrastructure for low energy living and the rise of ethical consumerism has all helped to turn a slightly loopy fringe element into the everyday.

It hasn't all been plain sailing though, and with greater awareness has often come greater cynicism and a sense that as individuals we can't make much difference.

In the Wharf we've seen huge growth in the shopping and restaurant footprint of the estate which has brought disruption, but also an increased range of ethical options. We have Crossrail to look forward to in the years ahead, but we also have the threat of expansion of City Airport which could have a serious impact on residents.

The decade has been rounded off by the Copenhagen Summit, which has illustrated not only the desire of countries around the world to tackle climate change but also the practical difficulties of agreeing on how to do that. What can we in the Wharf do to change such global problems?

We don't have long to find out. I hope that 2010 is a year in which I continue to try to make my lifestyle more sustainable, and press our leaders to take action on a national level to do the same.

Until then I wish you all a very peaceful Christmas and a greener New Year.

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