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Lessons from Southwold for Gordon

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I write with some authority on Gordon Brown's Suffolk holiday retreat, Southwold. My parents part owned a house there during the 80s and 90s and its coastal charms inspire some wistful memories. The current Prime Minister received a heap of flak for such a choice of resort, which is indicative of just how big a hole he is in at present, politically speaking. Presumably prior to when everything went completely pear-shaped for his administration Brown's decision to rest and recuperate in East Anglia would have been seen as the sustainable and prudent choice of a leader fully supportive of homegrown tourism. But while he's there I wonder whether Gordon will ponder a few lessons that Southwold has to offer while he pops in for a pint in the Lord Nelson or during a brisk walk to neighbouring to Walberswick. Here's a few tips for his trip:

Pitt put in his place

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I see Brad Pitt's self importance knows no bounds. Not content with boring us with self importance about his acting craft he now has taken it upon himself to explore his "passion" for architecture. Announcing his desire to design a "sustainable" resort in Dubai he adds: "It will underpin not only my values for environmentally-friendly architecture, but also embrace my career in entertainment." Thankfully some Building readers, including a D Vinnels, give it to him with both barrels. Please leave our industry alone Brad.

Fashion and sustainability

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Today's Guardian profiles Marie Claire editor Marie O'Riordan, who is taking the celebrity tile into a new environmentally conscious direction - this month's edition (it's out later this week) comes in a recyclable brown paper bag, runs interviews with eco-heroes and offers pages of 'guilt-free indulgences'. The piece offers a decent insight into the potential pitfalls of taking on such a challenge, especially when it's for a magazine dedicated to consumption. "I think we're just trying to reflect the reality of our readers' dilemma and confusion. There's not point in us saying 'you have to stop shopping' or 'you have to stop flying'," she says.

Sustainability = Resource crisis

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I'd heartily recommend a new offering from architect and blogger Jon Goodbun on the BD site, and not just because: I commissioned it; and he mentions me in the introduction. Definitions of sustainability can be at times be reductive but I think Jon's attempt at grappling with the problem is timely. Its importance for me is in identifying the broader crisis we face - a lot of people say 'this is more than just about carbon', but Jon explains this better than most.

The optimists

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Two trips in the last week that crystallised a newly determined optimism on my part. I've had enough of whingeing at Government incompetence and inaction and want to concentrate on what can and is working.
This cheeriness may be a little at odds with the prevalent national mood, which if you judge by the recent reports on economic woe is on a par with a Bergmann film. Perhaps we should be taking more inspiration from Sally Hawkins, the relentlessly cheery leading protagonist in Mike Leigh's newly released effort Happy Go-Lucky.
I digress. First destination was Leamington Spa for the almost open new Wolseley Sustainable Building Centre.

Boris Johnson - green warrior?

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Not sure what to make of the current race to become London mayor. Ken is being portrayed as rather less than scrupulous, whilst Boris is a buffoon. The latter is interviewed in this month's Regenerate magazine, which is dubbed the sustainability issue. He comes out green, although it doesn't quite feel like it's from the heart.

Weekend Review, 2-3rd February

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There was no overriding green story in the weekend's papers, but great men, such as Prince Charles and Adair Turner featured. The former's sixitieth birthday wish is to be remembered for saving the rainforests, he has disclosed to Gordon Brown. He will be lobbying world leaders through his birthday year.

Witty Wicks

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To the House of Commons last night for a birthday bash in honour of the Association for the Conservation of Energy, which is a quarter of a century old. Very well attended, not least by a barrage of politician keen to display their environmental credentials. I spotted quiet a few Liberal Dem MPs and Lords, deputy mayor Nicky Gavron and a sprinkling of Tories and former ministers, including former energy minister Elliott Morley. Guest of honour was current incumbent Malcolm Wicks, who's been having a rare old of time of it of late.

2008 - Is a backlash on the way?

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I can't help feeling that we may face something of a backlash to the drive to go sustainable this year. A little pessimistic, perhaps? Am I being overcome with the general gloom over politics/the economy/international instability etc? Time will tell but the trend of 'Green fatigue', as the Observer described it on Sunday, has plenty of credibility.

A sustainable comedian

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It's always good to hear from someone interested in our environmental impact who has a sense of humour as well. Step forward comedian Mark Watson, who has written a book called Crap at the Environment and started a community for "people who are concerned about climate change and environmental damage, yet, until now, have been completely or fairly shit at doing anything about it" on MySpace. He will also be touring a show based on his attempts to be sustainable from late January onwards. See Karushi for more details.