By Salwa Abdul Tawab

“As a downshifter, I embrace the environment far more than ever before,” says Tracey Smith, 37, British writer and photographer. “One thing seems to lead quite naturally on to another and you realise that the changes that benefit our own health and wellbeing are also fantastically positive for our environment”

In 2002 Tracey traded “a comfortable yet an unfulfilled city existence” in London for a “tumble down 200-year old farmhouse in rural France.” In her words “The family Smith is positively immersed in it; growing their own fruit and vegetables and rearing chickens, ducks and guinea fowl.”

Tracey and husband Ray write articles and provide light-hearted introductory classes for various art mediums. Tracey came up with the idea of the “national downshifting week” which proved a great success. The idea crossed the boarders of the UK and was embraced in other western nations. She is not just another downshifter. Tracey is a believer in downshifting.

When did the downshifting phenomena begin?
I think it probably started as soon as men and women realised there was more to life than earning vast amounts of money. Family values were being compromised as a result of chasing the greenback and the ones who realised this was going on and were not happy about it, were probably the first official downshifters.

And where do you think it is heading?
The 'downshifting' and 'slow' movements as they are often referred to are growing at a rapid pace. There are many organisations drawing upon different aspects of the recommended lifestyle changes in the UK, USA, Canada, New Zealand and of course, Australia. The ideas they promote are becoming more mainstream and thousands of people are leaning towards elements of it. I believe it will continue to grow worldwide.

Who needs to downshift?
An interesting question - only those who feel the need to, is the answer. You cannot force the ideal of 'slowing down' on to anybody who is not ready to embrace the philosophy. They will reject it. However, in my view, everybody could do with embracing at least an element of downshifting, be it financial or time based. It helps you to get in touch with the things that are really important in life. However, if you are wrapped up in what I call, 'The outer world', i.e., materialist gains, it might take some time before you come around to the idea of taking life down a gear.

When is the best time to downshift?
As soon as you realise it holds appeal. Some people are doing it in retirement and others are being brought up in households where 'time together' is the most important thing. If you wake up one day and feel the life you have surrounded yourself with, the one that was supposed to bring you eternal happiness, actually isn't, then it could be your wake up call.

How can anyone convince people of the effectiveness of the downshifting idea?
You can only help those around you by showing the benefits in your own life, which is in the way you behave and interact with others. Everybody's idea of downshifting is completely different as there are so many layers and levels to it. What is good for one person would be a nightmare for another. However, the common benefits are often the same. By being more balanced in your decisions, by being more thoughtful towards others, your community the planet, by having a calmer disposition, by having greater levels of contentment, being happier, healthier… the list goes on and on. If other people can see a positive difference, they may be attracted to making a similar personal change for themselves. If you start being evangelical about it, you can put people off!

How can we choose a place to downshift?
Downshift in your own four walls, in your normal life and home environment – there are no rules that you should move home to achieve success

Why did you choose France to downshift?
It suited our personal family circumstances. We had friends here. We had researched and loved the area. We had already embraced the simple lifestyle in the UK for some time and were happier living with less, so the physical move to France was just taking another step further into our adventure. I had no malice towards England. Strangely enough, I am in the process of moving back to the UK so that I can continue my work to greater effect.

Are there any risks taken when someone decides to downshift?
It depends upon to what extent you take it. My best advice is to take it gently, dip your toes in to simple living and see if it is for you. If it is, you will soon achieve success and be excited and enthused to take the next step.

How did you get the idea for the downshifting week?
Because this subject is the prime focus of my work, I found myself constantly being asked the same questions. This indicated a hunger for information on how to get started. The suggestions for the 'Week' pull together the threads of simpler living, positive attitudes towards recycling, perspective on the use of time, investment in the family, endorsement of charitable behaviour and more besides, which can only benefit the health, environment and welfare of the nation. Might sound a bit grand in places, but I stand by it all!

Do you think governments have a role in making it easier for people to downshift?
Allow me to digress a little. A recent headline in a UK newspaper said the hurricanes that lashed the American coast, were a result of global warming/climate change. NDW might seem to be a superficial 'cheer up' campaign – to some degree it is of course But my deeper aspirations are for people to get a hold of their energy costs, not simply because they want to spend less and feel happier, but because they realise, collectively, they can make a difference to the planet. We 'individuals' must start to make a difference in our homes, workplaces and schools if we are to make any effective change and we must stop being reliant upon the governments to make it happen. - They can't do it any more than they can make us all wear pink knickers tomorrow.... it’s not going to happen!

There are courses for downshifting, consultants, ads, materials books and schools. Isn't this opening the door for some people to turn downshifting into another consumer product?
There will always be people who profit from taking the commercial highway in life and downshifting is no exception. I make my living from writing about it, does that make me an exploitative person? I think not. When you take the simpler path, in my opinion you need to be more entrepreneurial than ever. Living with limited funds is one thing, but you will still have some bills to pay and things to buy, no matter how frugal you are. I don't think anybody who has a great idea and method to help people to get on the right track, should be condemned for doing so. One man may prefer to see a coach; another will prefer to read a book. These are all products people will have to part money with to learn from. However, if the vendors of such products are truly committed to the joys and benefits of simpler living, the interesting thing will be what they do if their millions ever arrive as a result of promoting it!

Do you think downshifting can be treated as a trend that will cool off after some time?
No, it is not a trend, fashion or fad - it will continue to grow at an alarming rate if anything.

What are the tips for a successful downshift?
This is a hard one to condense, but the essence is this: Analyse your life and work out why you are unhappy. Trim your time and financial budgets gently and slowly. Dip your toes into simpler, greener living and take the transition at your own pace.

We read about you starting another downshifting week in America... How is that going? And is the idea spreading to any other countries?
The response I received from overseas to the 'UK Week' was phenomenal. I received support and contacts from many countries, endorsing the project. America, Australia, New Zealand and Canada were the front-runners and I realised I had to create a unique week for each one. I am starting with the Unites States and will be launching America's 1st National Downshifting Week in early summer 2006. The plans for expansion of the awareness campaign to other countries are underway but I cannot wait to launch NDW to a real super-consumer nation; wish me luck!