2020
James Henry Jopeen
Which of the four worlds do you believe that your character will be living in?
Ecological Age
Why?
This is the world that we would most like our character to inhabit.
This is the most optimistic of the four worlds and the one which fits best with our character’s ideals and ethics. It is the world that he has set out to achieve and influence in any ways he can.
This is the most optimistic of the four worlds and the one which fits best with our character’s ideals and ethics. It is the world that he has set out to achieve and influence in any ways he can.
What has been the most significant event in their life over the past 10 years?
Marriage to wife Claire
What is most different for the character in 2020 compared the way they lived in 2010?
He was a student but is now employed - this is a stark contrast to being in
debt and having no money as a student but now living comfortably although
carefully saving up to buy their own farm.
debt and having no money as a student but now living comfortably although
carefully saving up to buy their own farm.
What has remained the same?
His ambition and outlook has remained resolutely the same. He is still
determined to live a low-carbon lifestyle and further reduce his carbon
footprint in as many ways as possible.
determined to live a low-carbon lifestyle and further reduce his carbon
footprint in as many ways as possible.
What is their lifestyle now?
Low energy and self-sufficient in as many ways as possible.
Frugal and locally based.
Living closer to family in a less disparate existence.
Involved in local politics (on the Parish Council)and decision making.
In his spare time he is involved in a local initiative to provide communal ‘growing’ areas, based on permacul;ture principles, within the three regional cities of Ashford, Folkestone and Canterbury.
Frugal and locally based.
Living closer to family in a less disparate existence.
Involved in local politics (on the Parish Council)and decision making.
In his spare time he is involved in a local initiative to provide communal ‘growing’ areas, based on permacul;ture principles, within the three regional cities of Ashford, Folkestone and Canterbury.
Where is your character living now?
One of the first inhabitants of the new Eco-town of Stelling Minnis he lives in a purpose design highly efficient Eco-house with such features as advanced PV and wind generators (4th generation turbines).The heating is largely
powered by biomass boiler utilising farm waste and locally produced willow
coppice biomass.
powered by biomass boiler utilising farm waste and locally produced willow
coppice biomass.
With whom are they living?
He lives with his wife and two young children Emlyn (5) and Rosie (3) and
their dog Guli.
their dog Guli.
What is their occupation now?
He is employed as a farm manager at Riddle Organic Farm in rural Kent.
How to they get there?
He walks as he is already on the estate where he works.
How does your character get around in general?
Generally walking and cycling, but when the use of a vehicle is necessary for longer journeys he uses public transport (for instance the hybrid bus to Ashford or Canterbury) or use of car club electric vehicle.
Do they travel?
Yes but usually not far because it is not necessary.
Visit his parents in Cardiff about twice yearly.
Over the last ten years he has been able to reduce the number of longer
journeys which are work related by participating in online research and
conferencing.
Visit his parents in Cardiff about twice yearly.
Over the last ten years he has been able to reduce the number of longer
journeys which are work related by participating in online research and
conferencing.
What is the furthest distance they have travelled?
1500 miles by train to the South of Italy for his honeymoon.
What is the one place they would like to visit?
He likes the idea of going to Cuba to see the long established and successful commuinity farms but doesn't think that he can justify the carbon emissions or cost. He has resigned himself to being satisfied with internet communications.
What is their favourite meal?
Insalata tricolori - basil, tomato and mozzarella. (The produce would all be locally sourced, even the cheese, and only eaten in season). The salad would be dressed with hemp seed oil dressing because he is concerned about the food miles if olive oil is used. It would washed down with locally produced wine.
What is something they have never eaten but would like to try?
Smoked donkey from southern Italy.
What do they purchase on a regular basis and where?
Wireless airtime for PC internet access and mobile phone and this would be bought over the internet.
Clothes would be bought in one of the local towns but they would buy good quality so that they lasted, and they would be sourced from fair trade or local manufacturer.
Clothes would be bought in one of the local towns but they would buy good quality so that they lasted, and they would be sourced from fair trade or local manufacturer.
What was their most expensive purchase?
The Eco-house £220k.
They put down a deposit early and got a bargain and a cheap government loan designed to encourage people to build and buy eco-homes.
They put down a deposit early and got a bargain and a cheap government loan designed to encourage people to build and buy eco-homes.
What technology could they not live without? Has this changed over time?
LED greenhouse and communal energy centre including windfarm.
What was the last book/website they read/perused?
The PLACE website - Projects Linking Arts, Community and Environment with particular focus on the articles on introducing E-Generation revolutionary green communities for cities.
How does the character socially interact now?
He regularly meets face to face with his friends and community but also makes use of technology to video conference and video phone those people further afield.
How do they relax?
In summer monthes and when it is warm he relaxes in the natural eco-swimming pool.
What is their next big life event?
His daughter is diagnosed with a heart condition and requires surgery or possibly a transplant.
What do they care most about now?
Family, people, relationships and technology with particular interest in where these aspects intersect and interact.
What is a headline from their local paper now?
WINDFARM FOR THE DOWNS
Approval and planning consent given for wind farm on the North Downs AONB.
- local authority spokesman said "The windfarm proposals will help to promote a sustainable energy supply for the region, in accordance with the Regional Renewable Energy Strategy. In addition, the proposals will contribute towards the future success of the region's eceonomy in the renewable energy sector.
The development proposed will clearly generate sustainable energy and will provide associated employment, education and community benefits.
Approval and planning consent given for wind farm on the North Downs AONB.
- local authority spokesman said "The windfarm proposals will help to promote a sustainable energy supply for the region, in accordance with the Regional Renewable Energy Strategy. In addition, the proposals will contribute towards the future success of the region's eceonomy in the renewable energy sector.
The development proposed will clearly generate sustainable energy and will provide associated employment, education and community benefits.
In a paragraph describe a typical day in the life for your character from the moment they wake up until they go to bed.
Up at 06:00.
Log-on to house computer system and check emails whilst preparing breakfast for the family.
Family breakfast around table. Once a month a social breakfast is organised by the community on a rota system and this is held in the town hall.
07:30 go to work on the farm.
12:30 home for lunch.
14:00 back to the farm
17:00 usually working day ends although in busy season he may work longer hours.
18:30 supper at home with family.
20:00 relax
22:00 go to sleep
Log-on to house computer system and check emails whilst preparing breakfast for the family.
Family breakfast around table. Once a month a social breakfast is organised by the community on a rota system and this is held in the town hall.
07:30 go to work on the farm.
12:30 home for lunch.
14:00 back to the farm
17:00 usually working day ends although in busy season he may work longer hours.
18:30 supper at home with family.
20:00 relax
22:00 go to sleep