At long last, I am about to visit the Centre for Alternative Technology in Machynlleth – I town I can pronounce (sort of), but not yet spell. As you know, CAT is
... concerned with the search for globally sustainable, whole and ecologically sound technologies and ways of life. Within this search the role of CAT is to explore and demonstrate a wide range of alternatives, communicating to other people the options for them to achieve positive change in their own lives. This communication involves:
Inspiring - instilling the desire to change by practical example
Informing - feeding the desire to change by providing the most appropriate information
Enabling - providing effective and continuing support to put the change into practice.
CAT has a holistic approach to its work, integrating ideas and practice relating to land use, shelter, energy conservation and use, diet and health, waste management and recycling. Through its resident community and work organisation, CAT is also committed to the implementation of co-operative principles and best achievable environmental practices.
I am usually skeptical of such wholesome aims: negative and cynical, my critics say – but I find myself looking forward to this visit in what passes for open-mindedness. I've been invited to a workshop to share thoughts and ideas on the ways in which CAT's visitor complex could be developed to "best enable CAT to inspire, inform and enable a shift to a genuinely sustainable future".
Sounds important; and the journey through the Marches itself offers promise – must remember to take Housman. I'll be reporting back ...
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