THE POWER OF LOCAL ACTION
In the latest episode of the Green is Easy podcast, we had the privilege of chatting with a group of women from Íllora who belong to two local associations. Once again, we aimed to learn about their green practices and the challenges that organizations may face when trying to adopt a more sustainable lifestyle. Thanks to the collaboration of Gael Jiménez and within the framework of the Parapanda Folk Music Festival, the participants, representatives of the Indiaka and ALFI associations, spoke to us about their involvement in various activities, which they organize themselves, and how they have gradually incorporated different green practices into their daily lives.
Among their most common practices are material reuse, prioritizing local products, and using public transportation. They have also mastered the art of organizing in a way that avoids unnecessary purchases—rather than buying new materials for each event, members contribute items from home.
One of the key topics that emerged in the discussion was the financial barrier to implementing more sustainable practices. As several of the women pointed out, associations’ budgets do not always allow them to opt for biodegradable products, which tend to be more expensive than conventional plastic items. Despite this, they
strive to minimize their environmental impact by reusing utensils and sharing resources:
“One brings a pot, another brings half a dozen cups, and whenever we can, we use this kind of material.”
nce again, perhaps all it takes is a bit of creativity and common sense. Reflecting on whether people lived more sustainably in the past, these women once again demonstrated their characteristic wisdom. Many highlighted that recycling and reuse were naturally embedded in everyday life years ago. However, while today’s society is more environmentally aware, there is still a culture of fast consumption and disposable products. Rather than clinging to nostalgia, they also acknowledged that younger generations are adopting new habits, such as buying second-hand clothing, showing a positive shift in mindset that reflects the times we are living in.
Looking toward the future and what can still be done, the interviewees agreed on the need to encourage civic participation and respect for the environment. From creating more green spaces and planting trees to improving recycling systems, the women of Indiaka and ALFI are convinced that ecological commitment must be a collective effort.
This episode of Green is Easy leaves us with a crucial takeaway: sustainable change starts in everyday life and within communities. The women’s associations of Íllora have shown us that every effort counts and that, through community organization, we can move towards a greener, more conscious future. f you have creative or unusual eco-friendly practices, share them with us on social media using the hashtag #GreenIsEasyPodcast. See you in the next episode, eco-warriors!