Doughnut Economics

Doughnut Economics is an economic model that aims to balance the needs of people with the needs of the planet. It is based on the idea that economies should be regenerative and distributive. By following the model, it allows a positive balance for a thriving, rich community and world. 

Plenty of ideas were generated at the first Doughnut Economics meeting in Bampton with the aim of benefitting our community as well as ensuring we respect the wellbeing of all people and the health of the planet.

Becoming a Community Action Group: Bampton Doughnut Economics Group has joined the network of community action groups in Oxfordshire. The aim is to work together to build resilient and empowered communities so that people and the planet can thrive within ecological limits.

Started in 2001, the network is the largest of its kind in the UK. Member groups work in their local communities organise events and projects to take action on issues including waste, transport, food, energy, biodiversity and social justice. Groups working on similar themes come together as part of CAG’s collaborative groups, working with other associated, like-minded groups and organisations to find ways to share skills and experience and to work together on common goals. 

Joining this network will enable the Bampton Doughnut Economics group to access support, advice and expertise to help everyone work together.

Setting up a community allotment was an idea generated from the first meeting. It  was suggested as it can offer a way for a broad mix of people to work together, sharing tasks and skills. It can also create extra benefits such as educational workshops, social gatherings and enjoyment of landscape and nature. The prooduction of vegetables, fruit, herbs and flowers can easily dovetail with social, educational and environmental ambitions and aspirations.

It is all about the enjoyment of growing food and supporting people to improve their physical and mental health and wellbeing by being outdoors, being active, connecting with nature and within a community. 

Apart from the pleasure of eating food that everyone has helped to grow there are other opportunities to enjoy the social aspect of this project idea. This includes plans to have a community café on site with a refill, reuse and recycle store. Providing a community café alongside the community allotment offers a healthy eating option at low cost, as well as a range of other community benefits such as reduced social isolation and skills development. By creating an inclusive atmosphere where everyone is welcome, families and community members can  come along and spend time together, enjoy some refreshments, including produce from the community allotment.

Providing a refill, reuse and recycle store offers an opportunity to contribute to a more sustainable and environmentally  friendly future for us all. Promoting sustainable practices encourages environmental protection by addressing waste generation, conserving resources, educating us all on consumerism and building community cohesion.

By shopping at refill shops for key essentials, cleaning supplies and personal care can help protect the environment. It is a simple yet effective way to reduce plastic waste. It can also save money by only purchasing the amount needed, reducing waste and developing long-term sustainable shopping practices. 

It can also create a fun family experience as an enjoyable and educational activity for the whole family. Instead of taking resources from the earth, using them once, and disposing of them in landfill, we can keep them in use for as long as possible. By educating children about recycling, it can help them to become responsible citizens who care about the environment and help conserve natural resources, reduce pollution and save energy.

These are all ambitious plans and the focus of the group in the short term is to work with Melanie to set up the therapeutic garden (mentioned on page 4-5). Other ideas generated at the event are included here:

• Enhanced walking routes
• Improve local transport – car share – too car dependent.
• Rewild some fields
• Create communities out of streets – with reference to Shani Graham’s TEDx talks:  Take a street and build a community
• Find out what ‘gifts’ people can give using the Asset Based Community Development approach.

Anyone who would like to come along and join the group is very welcome. The next meeting will be on Thursday, 24th April at 7pm so please get in touch if you would like more information or would like to join the group. Please email info@bamptonbeam.co.uk