If Bera MacClement has her way, Greenhithe will soon live up to its lush name.

The long-time resident has her heart set on establishing a "transition town": a community of residents who share homegrown produce and environmentally friendly activities.

"I've always been interested in environmental issues," says the Rame Rd resident. "But with things like the peak oil crisis and climate change, there is a new sense of urgency.

"We can be proactive and transition smoothly, or do nothing and head for a complete crash.

"If we take action now, rather than just thinking about the negatives, this could be a great adventure."

There are no firm rules for a transition town. It may include community gardens and car pooling, walking to work or holding community meetings at which topics such as global warming are explained and discussed.
Mrs MacClement, in her 60s, was inspired after attending a presentation on transition towns in England.

"It really inspired me to do something like this here.

"There's a transition town in Torbay, but that's too far away to walk, so what happens when oil gets so expensive that you can no longer use your car?" she says.

But it's early days for Greenhithe. "At this stage it's really just an idea. I want to find out if other people are interested and how they'd like to contribute," says Mrs MacClement. "Once a few people have put their hands up, we can meet and see where it goes from there. There's no set rules or regulations; it could take any shape."

Transition towns originated in Totnes, a town in Devon, England. Davis, California, is another example.

Its energy-saving houses, community orchards and cycle-friendly boulevards could be something Aucklanders may aspire to. Already, transition towns are going strong in the Auckland City fringe suburbs of Grey Lynn and Kingsland.

Information: email bera@orcon.net.nz http://www.transitiontowns.org.nz/