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Nick Sayers, Gonzo green cycle ride organiser
What is it you do?
I'm a graphic designer and artist,
but I also organise and/or
promote Gonzo green cycle rides,
including the Brighton Naked
Bike Ride, Low Tide Bike Ride
and Critical Mass.
Why did you pick that?
Someone once said activism was
the ethical tax they paid for
living on the planet - and I agree
with that. Having these crazy
events in my life also keeps me
sane while earning money on
corporate design jobs.
What makes you greener
than other organisations?
Not sure about greener, but the
Brighton Naked Bike
Ride on June 7 last year was
certainly more naked! About 200
people rode through the heart
of Brighton and Hove in
the all-together. Visit
worldnakedbikeride.org/brighton for details.
What is your latest green
obsessions/campaign?
I've designed a geodesic igloo
dome out of repurposed estate
agent boards, which has been
shown at various events,
including Green Architecture
Day. I'm always looking for new
places to show it. It raises
important questions about the
property market and sustainable,
affordable housing.
How hard is it to be truly green in Sussex?
Here in the Brighton bubble, people seem fairly environmentally aware, although
you do still see people driving around the city streets in 4x4s, and Sussex isn't
particularly known for its rugged off-road driving terrain. I designed a Brighton
and Hove parking ticket for these climate-change deniers, explaining the issues
behind driving one. You can download copies at www.stopurban4x4s.org.uk.
What do you think of carbon-offsetting?
It's a good idea in principle but seems to be losing credence these days. People
ought to make proper efforts to curb their polluting behaviour, not offset it
elsewhere after the damage has been done.
What's your guiltiest green secret?
I'm a guilty ex-vegetarian.
What is the biggest thing you have sacrificed to be green?
I don't have a car and I rarely travel by plane, although these are things I either
don't want or can't afford.
Are you a climate worrier or are you more optimistic?
I think it's important to be positive about green issues and not hair-shirted.
Things can be done and people won't be converted to the cause if they feel lectured
at or feel it's too late.
What is your skill for when the oil runs out?
I make sculptures out of recycled materials and am a bit of a DIY obsessive, so that
should come in handy making rafts out of old car tyres or something when the ice
caps melt...
In a nutshell, what's your philosophy on living a greener life?
Be the change you want to see in the world.
5:05pm Monday 14th April 2008
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