“Breakthrough ideas” to make Britain sustainable

The Sustainable Development Commission (SDC) has unveiled a list of ‘breakthrough ideas’ to transform Britain into a sustainable society.

The 19 “breakthrough ideas for the 21st century” include free bikes to encourage cycling for journeys under five miles, growing vegetables in public flowerbeds, and giving children ‘personal well-being lessons’ and more outdoor education.

The shortlist was put together from nearly 300 ideas submitted by businesses, academics, sustainability professionals, and the general public.

Other ideas included using fast growing algae to capture the carbon emissions from fossil fuel burning, and turning the publicly-owned Royal Bank of Scotland (RBS) into the Royal Bank of Sustainability.

The list has been given backing by a number of high profile names, including Rosie Boycott, Anna Ford, the Prince of Wales, and Jonathan Dimbleby.

Sir Jonathan Porritt, departing SDC chair, announced the list during his final public speech in the role before he steps down.

He also used the speech as an opportunity to criticise the government’s ‘foot-dragging’ on moving towards sustainability.

“Progress on sustainable development, at the national level, has been slow,” he said.

“Looking back now, as I am in my last few days, I see a terrain of wasted opportunity.

“I am not saying the only reason is the intransigence of the Treasury, but I do think the Treasury has killed a lot of the energy around sustainable development.”

He added: “[The Treasury] is a startlingly arrogant part of government. There is almost no curiosity about sustainable wealth creation. There is no readiness to interrogate the macro-economic model.

“Too often they have been foot-dragging and obstructive.”

In related news, a coalition of eco-campaigners is currently suing the government for allowing taxpayer funds to be invested in heavily polluted energy companies and human rights abuses through its recapitalisation of RBS.