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Introduction to Downshifting Downunder

Aim: To catalyze and co-ordinate a downshifting movement in Australia that will significantly impact sustainability and social capital as measured by increasing Genuine Progress Indicator (GPI).

A majority of Australians could afford to escape the rat race by downshifting economically, enhancing happiness & social capital, while reducing consumption and environmental damage.

Finding more time for self, family, friends, and community has the potential to catalyse a social and environmental renaissance in Australia. More quality time has the potential to allow more reflection on consumer society. This could evolve into an increasing awareness and activism in social, environmental, cultural, spiritual and political spheres.

There is a significant downshifting counterculture emerging in Australia. In many cases this is latent (aspirational downshifters?) who need support to make the break from a competitive consumer culture that is brainwashed from birth to consume. A significant proportion of Australians seem open to the idea of trading income for more time. There is a strong philosophical/spiritual base for simple living in most religions and the environmental movement. Research shows that a quarter of the Australian population that has made a voluntary decision to change their lives in ways that reduce their incomes and spending, their work and their consumption.

Downshifting has the potential to create a sea change and green change in Australia.

Models in North America & elsewhere have shown the value of organizing to expand the movement. Downshifting Downunder is a new organisation, coming together to create more access to information, discussion, ideas and support for downshifting and downshifters.

Our launch, and first conference is on 23rd July 2005 in Sydney at UNSW, with some interesting speakers.

If this indicates that there is sufficient interest/energy we plan to expand the organized movement with regional events and local support groups etc. We will have the bare bones/outline of an organization in place before the conference but are deliberately not building all the details until we have a broader membership group some of whom will want to get involved in this.

Posted by mitra at March 26, 2005 3:32 PM

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