A
Anthropocentrism:
Very crucial term / way of perception to examine for yourself.
“Anthropocentrism (greek:anthropos, human being / kentron, center) is the idea that, for humans, humans must be the central concern, and that humanity must judge all things accordingly: Human beings must be considered, looked after and cared for, above all other real or imaginary beings.” (via Wikipedia)
One alternative to this way of perceiving offers Ecocentrism and the Gaia Theory, which understands the earth as a self-regulating system, similar to a living organism, thus the human being as an integral part of the whole system, being embedded in it and dependent on it. You find this understanding also in many indigeneous cultures.
The anthropocentric way of perceiving must ultimately lead to self-destruction, since it results in separation and isolation from nature / the earth, and the earth forms the very basis of our existence.
deutsche Wikipedia: Anthropozentrismus, Gaia Theorie
C
Community Supported Agriculture (CSA):
Community-supported agriculture (CSA) is a relatively new socio-economic model of food production, sales, and distribution aimed at both increasing the quality of food and the quality of care given the land, plants and animals – while substantially reducing potential food losses and financial risks for the producers. It is also a method for small-scale commercial farmers and gardeners to have a successful, small-scale closed market. CSA’s focus is usually on a system of weekly delivery or pick-up of vegetables, sometimes also flowers, fruits, herbs and even milk or meat products in some cases.
via Wikipedia
CSA Artikel in ‘Lebendige Erde’/pdf (deutsch)
Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR):
To tell the truth - it’s just a marketing-concept. But the first one, that forces companies to seriously get involved in doing ‘good things’ for society, because the risk of massive damage to a company’s image by not fulfilling the public expectations is too high. It’s the advancement of the german phrase: “Tu gutes und rede darüber!” (Do good things and talk about it). More officially:
“Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR) is a concept whereby organizations consider the interests of society by taking responsibility for the impact of their activities on customers, employees, shareholders, communities and the environment in all aspects of their operations. This obligation is seen to extend beyond the statutory obligation to comply with legislation and sees organizations voluntarily taking further steps to improve the quality of life for employees and their families as well as for the local community and society at large.”
via Wikipedia
D
Deep Ecology:
Deep ecology is philosophical movement that considers humankind as an integral part of its environment. The term was introduced by the norwegian philospher Arne Naess.
‘Yet, in deep ecology we ask if a society meets the basic needs of mankind, like love, security and access to nature. We ask what kind of society, what kind of education is beneficial for life on this planet as a whole, and then we ask what we have to do to impose the necessary changes.’ - Arne Naess
Notable advocates of deep ecology are amongst others Stephan Harding, Dolores Lachapelle and Joanna Macy.
deutsche Wikipedia: Tiefenökologie
E
Ecocentrism:
Ecocentrism is a philosophy that recognizes that the ecosphere, rather than any individual organism, is the source and support of all life and as such advises a holistic and eco-centric approach to government, industry, and individual.
The root of “eco” is “home,” and the ecosphere is the home-sphere. Ecocentrism puts the ecosphere first. It recognizes the importance of the environment and the web of life and realizes that no single organism is more important than another. Ecocentrism does not even distinguish between animate life and inanimate matter or process. The entire “sphere” of life is important. (via wikipedia)
Ecological Footprint:
Ecological Footprint analysis attempts to measure human demand on nature. It compares human consumption of natural resources with planet Earth’s ecological capacity to regenerate them. It is an estimate of the amount of biologically productive land and sea area needed to regenerate (if possible) the resources a human population consumes and to absorb and render harmless the corresponding waste, given prevailing technology and current understanding. Using this assessment, it is possible to estimate how many planet Earths it would take to support humanity if everybody lived a given lifestyle. (via Wikipedia)
Global Footprint Network (lots of info)
Measure your Ecological Footprint (international)
deutsche Wikipedia: Ökologischer Fussabdruck
101 things you can do to reduce your ecological footprint!
G
Gaia Theory:
The Gaia Theory understands the earth as one living organism, thus the human being as an integral part of the whole system, being embedded in it and dependent on it. You find this understanding also in many indigeneous cultures and you could say that it is part of our original, intuitive way of perceiving.
deutsche Wikipedia: Gaia Hypothese
Genetically Modified Organisms (GMO):
A genetically modified organism (GMO) or genetically engineered organism (GEO) is an organism whose genetic material has been altered using genetic engineering techniques. Effects of genetically modified organisms are, next to the loss of biodiversity and possible, not yet known effects on our health, the dependen
Die Transition Town Initiative ist momentan der vielversprechenste Vorschlag, wie Individuen, Gruppen und Kommunen auf Klimawandel und 
First of all, I have to tell you that we had difficulties in deciding wether to write in english or german. Still have…So if any of you would like to know more or get some german input, let us know. Otherwise we’ll keep it english. We are in the process of meeting/exploring/exchanging with people working in similar areas or with similar interests, and there is a lot of great stuff happening in the UK, so here we go.
