Queanbeyan-based writer, researcher, advocate and pioneer of the organics resource industry, Gerry Gillespie, recently discussed the Well-being of Future Generations (Wales) Act 2015, with former Welsh Minister for Environment and Sustainability, Jane Davidson, at Manning Clark House. The lead proponent in ensuring the Act’s passage through the Welsh parliament, Jane Davidson is now Pro Is-Ganghellor/Pro Vice-Chancellor Emeritus, University of Wales. The Act places regenerative and sustainable practice legislation at the heart of government, mandating Welsh public bodies to take account of the long-term impact of their decisions, and foster positive relationships with people and communities, and, within communities. Focusing on tackling poverty, health inequalities and climate change, the Act addresses social, economic, environmental and cultural wellbeing via seven defined goals for national government, local government, local health boards and other specified bodies. Ms Davidson’s book, #futuregen details some specific initiatives, including the promotion of energy-efficient households, growing food, school tree-planting programs, recycling and addressing pollution problems. In his book, The Waste Between Our Ears, Gerry Gillespie outlined ways to rethink the disposal of rubbish and waste with a focus on its economic value, and Zero-Waste initiatives whereby organic and other waste products are separated for recycling at their source (rather than through compacting and dumping with other products). In his publication, he has outlined the environmental and economic benefits of the Welsh stack system where household products are separated according to categories so that more than half of the material is returned to soil as compost and biological products.
