Many came throughout the day -- some walking and others coming a long way on their bicycles - each bringing with them a picnic of locally grown and produced food -- and lots of ideas how we can, in our own and individual ways, make this planet a better place for the next generation.
The laptop was on standby, available to all, with Al Gore's message for the day, conservation and global warming info films and documentaries, and links to all the Live Earth events around the world. The children swam and enjoyed watching the ducks and the swans on the river. The forests across the Dordogne formed a beautiful backdrop to a beautiful day - and served as the perfect reminder of why it is important that we do care, that we do make an effort, that we do fight for the continuing existence of our planet.
The main thing that came out of all the discussions and brainstorming, was that on our own there are many little things that we can do to stem the destruction of our planet, and yes, it is important that we each do what we can, but it is TOGETHER that we can achieve so much more. For example, the SNPE, in Bergerac, "the world’s leading producer of industrial nitrocellulose, which generates over 80% of sales in export markets, through a distribution network with operations in some 50 countries worldwide...." is also responsible for massive pollution in the Bergerac area - both in the air and in the river. "What can one do?" was the question. The unspoken fear of the individual trying to take on the industry giants. "Ah! But if we all stood together and armed ourselves with knowledge of the industry, with information about their method of functioning, about their ways and means, and if we knew what the alternatives are -- what these giants could do if they set their minds to it, if they knew that the people who are their employees and their customers and their shareholders were not satisfied with them polluting our world, then we CAN confront them with conviction and courage and perseverance - and make them change their ways!
And, as a start Albert will talk to the employees who come to his language school for language lessons and get them talking and thinking.......... a very good start that will be! And then, when the municipal elections take place next year, we will all attend meetings and raise these issues with the politicians running for office. --- If Nicolas Hulot could make the presidential candidates commit to making the effort, so can we at municipal level!
And as for all the paper mills and factories along our stretch of the river, we will do the same.
An excellent start --- and all that just from a leisurely picnic alongside the river!
The SNPE is a French chemicals group, founded in 1971. It generates annual sales of 850 million euros, including more than half for exports, and has 5,000 employees in Europe, Asia and North America.
Originally a defense company, SNPE has diversified over the years and expanded its international business. It now operates worldwide, with a network of representatives and commercial subsidiaries in more than 70 countries.
SNPE was reorganized into four subsidiaries respectively dedicated to energetic materials, explosives for construction, civil engineering and mining, fine chemicals and speciality chemicals. --- It is the speciality chemicals which are now produced here in Bergerac.
Some of this nitrocellulose is used to make propellants but the majority goes to everyday products such as paint, varnish, ink and nail polish.
BERGERAC NC is the only manufacturer in the world to produce nitrocellulose for exclusively cosmetics applications. It has built up broad-based expertise in nail polish, keeping pace with international fashion trends and incorporating the latest technologies. Durlin, the brand name for its products, calls on leading-edge research to stay ahead of the curve. It offers a wide variety of products, including colored varnishes, nail and cuticle treatments, and pearled and coloring dispersions.
They do seem to have great concern for the safety of their employees, but what about their environment? Has anyone raised this issue with them?
Each guest left with a pledge to change their own corner of the world, tucked in with a beautiful water colour of the Chateau Lalinde - as a small gift to remind them of a very worthwhile - and pleasurable - day, and of why it is important that we do care and do make an effort.
The history of the Dordogne has one of the best and simplest examples of reclycing and conservation, dating back undreds of years. Read my article on the Exapatica.com site about the gabares throw-away boats and be inspired! And join us in standing together to make a difference. Together we CAN do it!
Click on Link:
Chateau Lalinde : The perfect venue for your event
