Telling Stories: drawing on the experience of older people

Real Options worked with The Council on the Ageing (NSW) to develop a successful submission for funding from the NSW Environment Trust. A program has been developed that uses the environmental experiences of older people to help inform our communities about sustainable living. The project commenced in February 2005 and will be completed by late in 2006.

Older people are invited to consider sharing their experiences to make this project a success.

We know that there are very few really new ideas around about saving water, reducing energy and chemical use and generally treading more lightly on the planet – many of the ideas are updated from the practices of older people. Most of us have had to share bath water, re-use and recycle old machinery and ‘make do’ with someone’s cast off clothes or old appliances. No doubt many of you have heard the old saying ‘You never throw away anything on a farm, because if you do, that will be the day you need it’.

This project will use stories written around environmental issues such as energy use, waste minimisation, biodiversity, water use and reuse, chemical use and air quality. Along with the stories, relevant current information from experts and details of appropriate services offered by Local and State Government will be provided. The stories will be published individually in newspapers and magazines and also compiled and published in a booklet.

As well as recognising and valuing older people’s experiences the project has a specific aim of transferring these experiences and knowledge to younger generations. Story guidelines will be provided to contributors along with assistance in writing and editing.

Please contact Meg meg@realoptions.com.au for more information.