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UK awareness campaign National Downshifting Week, now in it’s 4th year, has been elevated to ‘InterNational’ status.This comes following a wave of support from overseas organisations and visitors asking for ‘official inclusion’ in this unique event.  This non-profit campaign is spearheaded by writer/broadcaster on sustainable living, Tracey Smith and encourages participants to ‘slow down and green up’, live more sustainably and get a better work and life balance.

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE:                        31st March 2008

InterNational Downshifting Week
Saturday 19th to Friday 25th April 2008

UK awareness campaign National Downshifting Week, now in it’s 4th year, has been elevated to ‘InterNational’ status.

This comes following a wave of support from overseas organisations and visitors asking for ‘official inclusion’ in this unique event.  This non-profit campaign is spearheaded by writer/broadcaster on sustainable living, Tracey Smith and encourages participants to ‘slow down and green up’, live more sustainably and get a better work and life balance.

The official website, www.DownshiftingWeek.com lists many simple living suggestions and people are encouraged to try one a day throughout the week.  The net result of the slow down benefits the general health and well being of the individual, reduces their stress, can improve their personal and sexual relationships too and also benefit their local and global environments.
   
The suggestions include: -
Plant something in the garden to cultivate and eat.
Eliminate 3 non-essential purchases this week.
Cut up a credit card and focus on living within your means.
Book a ½ day holiday from work to spend entirely with the one you love, no DIY allowed.
Cook a simple meal using fresh, locally sourced ingredients and enjoy it together at the table.
Tonight, turn off the television, turn on the radio, play a few games and talk.

There is also a guide to chart personal progress called ‘The Downshifting Manifesto’ which is available to read or print responsibly from the website.

Unique visitors during the 7-day event in 2007, numbered around 11,000, from 96 countries and 24 American states and with the forthcoming addition of several short films on ‘How To Downshift’, the IDW team are set to easily exceed those numbers.

Tracey Smith – Selection of Media for March/April 2008
Television
‘It Pays to Watch’ - how to be eco-friendly and save money.
‘The Wright Stuff’& ‘GMTV’ – the plight of children of alcoholics and being a Trustee of NACOA.
Radio
‘Slow Down & Green Up’ – presents and produces a 3 hour magazine programme on sustainable living with guests and music (Somerset and via Internet.)
‘Today’s News - Panel Debate’ – fortnightly pundit on the panel and contributes other green news items and features (BBC Somerset.)
‘Green Month Features’ – contributed top green tips for their eco-month promotion (Orchard FM).
‘News and Debate with Saul Abner’ –on the plight of children of alcoholics (WCR and BBC Wolverhampton.)
Press & Magazine
The Ecologist (named a top awareness campaign), Tracey named ‘Local Hero’ in the Environment Agency magazine, Your Environment, also featured in The Guardian, The Times, BBC News, She Magazine, Ethical Living Magazine, Sustained Magazine, and Healthy Magazine etc.
Tracey publishes her debut sustainable living title with Fragile Earth Books, later this year.

CONTACT - Tracey Smith – This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it - www.DownshiftingWeek.com -
Tel: 07817 156 391