ALTERNATIVE TECHNOLOGY AND LIFESTYLE ASSOCIATION

P O Box 27475, Upper Willis Street, Wellington, New Zealand Phone: (04) 382 8343

Do you have anything to contribute to ATLA News eg: experiences; knowledge about subjects that may interest other readers; quotes; advertisements; interesting information you have found on the Internet?

If so, please contact Ruth Denniston on (04) 477 3131 or rdenn@clear.net.nz.

Deadline for contributions to next newsletter: 16^th Feb. 1999

Hi everyone. This edition of ATLA News considers several important issues. For a start, genetically modified food is now a reality, whether we like it or not. Non mandatory labelling means we don't know whether we are eating it or not, so we have no choice here - what price democracy?

Andrew Alcorn draws our attention to the amount of energy embodied in the materials from which we build our houses. As energy is priced at a premium, both in dollar terms and environmentally, it makes sense to minimise its consumption. Andrew puts forward options to consider.

Graham McKenzie from Wanganui might be 68 but his mind is alert to making the best use of materials to hand. He is another example of the Good Kiwi Alternative Life-styler and contributes his tried and tested version of the complete do-it-yourself compost bin, complete with construction drawings.

But first, Simon Prout updates the Tararua Windfarm project.

CLYDE