The embedded principles of patriarchy and industrialisation are complex to untangle, however there is hope as we raise consciousness and demonstrate the benefits of change.
Even those that remain arrogant and abusive in this proximity are often unaware of how their psychologies have been influenced, bringing awareness to dissolve a persons habitual beliefs can be challenging, however when you look at the situation from a place of the roots of industrialisation it is far easier to comprehend and to process, it becomes clear the need for revolution and the different strategies of prowess. Ideas and ways forward are coming on to the market every day, it is important we keep looking for affordable national options. There is nothing that should stand between us and re-centring of human need from a place of individuality, sustainability and prosperity.
Vision -
From the work I have done this year I have realised how super important it is to keep primary survival needs accessible in the home, enabling people to function in their basic needs from a place of ease. This means clean air, water, affordable homes, emotional and physical well being, ways of dealing with sewage in the home. In a future where energy and sustainability are localised, individual homes would become self-sufficient hubs of power and resource management. Advancements in renewable energy systems, such as solar, wind, and geothermal energy, will come on to the market at a lower price, they will be accessible to all, we will reduce reliance on private, industry-driven power grids.
Additionally, water management and sewage systems would be decentralised especially in rural areas, enabling homes to access, treat and recycle their own water, we will continue to reduce waste but also have self reliant sewage systems in the home. Enabling and enhancing sustainability. This vision relies on access to healthy water in the water table, in which we need to pressure governments to protect.
The vision promotes a comprehensive approach to living that encompasses both professional and personal growth while embracing sustainable practices. The initiative includes accessible education, career counselling and ongoing support to individuals at all stages of their careers, complemented by local energy solutions. By reducing private energy sources, by expanding access to essential services like water, in home treatment, review of healthcare and education, this model aims to cultivate robust communities where individuals can prioritise their personal development, well-being, prosperity and innovation without the financial constraints imposed by traditional privatised, centralised systems.
Through this decentralised framework, society can empower individuals to contribute to a sustainable future that values both human welfare and environmental well-being. This vision envisions an interconnected system that prioritises the needs of individuals and the health of the planet, offering everyone the opportunity to flourish both independently and collectively.
Let us start with the more familiar areas; in house eco systems, then move to more complex infrastructures - I think it is actually possible to manage water, rubbish and sewage, in house in to the long term future, this infrastructure could also eventually be government led.
In the present time, individuals that are managing their own in-house water, energy, and sewage systems have a variety of products available on the market that provide these capabilities. There are also smaller dry sewage units, we are at a time when a lot more products are coming on to the market, it is worth looking around. Making sewage systems in house will help clean up the water systems, currently being overloaded by sewage in times of excess water. Before we had mains water we had water 'points', these provided water access to homes, using some of these access points will help to create a new infra-structure, filter and treat. By cleaning up the water table from sewage, farming and harmful bacteria it becomes easier to treat water in-house.
Sewage Treatment Systems
In the United Kingdom, domestic sewage treatment plants are a popular option for homes not connected to the main sewage network. The following systems are available:
Klargester Biodisc: A widely used and effective sewage treatment system. It uses a rotating biological contactor process to treat waste and is suitable for residential properties.
Kingspan BioFicient: Designed to handle all household wastewater, this compact and efficient system uses an activated sludge process to treat the waste.
Both systems are approved for use in the UK and meet regulatory standards.
2. In-House Water Systems (Boreholes and Wells)
For water systems, especially for rural areas or homes looking to be more self-sufficient, borehole water systems are common but at the moment expensive. Boreholes tap into underground water supplies, and once drilled, the water can be filtered and pumped for household use. The use of wells in the past was crucial, so the problems are mainly to do with cost and equipment.
Drilling contractors like Geoquip Water Solutions offer borehole drilling and pump installation services in the UK. They provide tailored filtration systems that meet UK drinking water standards. These are expensive however you can have filtration systems and the usage of how water is channelled into the house can be re-purposed.
Additionally, whole-house water filtration systems like those offered by Harveys Water Softeners or BWT UK are essential to ensure well or borehole water (expensive) is treated effectively for household use.
3. Energy Systems (Solar and Wind)
For localised energy systems, the UK has numerous providers of solar and wind energy products:
Solar Panels: Tesla Solar Roof and SolarEdge offer solar panel systems that can store energy using Tesla’s Powerwall. These are widely available and suitable for the UK’s climate, providing reliable renewable energy.
Wind Turbines: Companies like FuturEnergy provide small-scale wind turbines for residential use. These systems are ideal for homes in windy areas and are capable of generating significant energy output.
Combining the Systems
You can combine these water, sewage, and energy systems for a self-sufficient home. Many companies, such as The Green Home Company or EcoHome Systems, provide consultancy and installation services for off-grid solutions, combining renewable energy, water recycling, and sewage treatment, in the future this would be affordable or accessible to all.
Education
In a future where both career development and healthcare systems are reimagined, we would prioritise the well-being and prosperity of individuals over industrial profit.
Professionals, often pressured to conform to corporate expectations, would be supported holistically, allowing them to organically grow and prosper through continuous education, career guidance, and addressing personal complexities, children that have suffered in their abusive or neglectful families would be effectively supported in to education, learning and growth as adults, there would be no age restriction, or discrimination associated to learning at different stages of life.
Government-led career consultancy would provide affordable pathways for individuals to gain qualifications and financial insight, acknowledging that education, much like healthcare, this should be accessible and publicly supported. By doing so, we enable people to contribute more meaningfully to society, and the government, in turn, would benefit through increased tax revenue.
Healthcare
On the healthcare front, the vision is one that shifts from a treatment-centric model to a preventative, holistic approach. The exorbitant cost of drugs and the inefficiencies of the healthcare systems would be addressed through regulation and on mass legal processes of transparency.
University scientific advancements would be harnessed and expanded on in all areas, to reduce costs and focus on preventative care, both physical and mental, in life sciences, empowering individuals to maintain their health and resources, without dependence on expensive pharmaceuticals or private energy companies. By realigning resources towards public well-being and investing in mental health, nutrition, and lifestyle support, society would foster a healthier population—one where men and women can support each other, developing themselves, and creating a future grounded in intelligence, equity, and wisdom.
In a future-focused healthcare system, by regulating drug prices and ensuring transparency in pharmaceutical practices, governments could alleviate the financial burden on both healthcare providers and patients. Increased investment in public research and personalised medicine would unlock innovations that allow for affordable, targeted treatments, focusing on root causes rather than symptoms. This approach would promote overall health, reduce dependence on expensive pharmaceutical interventions, and make healthcare more accessible to all.
Furthermore, a comprehensive system would integrate mental and physical health, recognising their interconnection and addressing both proactively through accessible services. A focus on preventative care nutrition, mental health, and fitness would empower individuals to take charge of their well-being, lessening the need for costly treatments. By internalising healthcare costs through scientific progress and reallocating resources from profit-driven private sectors to patient-centred public care, the system would ensure that future generations receive care based on need, not industry profit, fostering a healthier and more equitable society.
Creating a system where people are guided toward qualifications, vocations and career growth, without the burden of high education costs, could enhance both personal and societal prosperity. If governments invested in this approach, the benefits could manifest in multiple ways:
Increased tax revenue: Supporting individuals in gaining higher skills and qualifications would lead to better-paying jobs, which in turn means more taxes.
Healthier, sustainable growth: People would be able to pursue career progression at a pace that respects their holistic well-being, preventing burnout and allowing them to integrate personal growth into their professional lives.
Equitable access: A government-backed program would remove some of the barriers that disproportionately affect early career and mid-career individuals, such as the cost of retraining or accessing higher education.
Governments could create frameworks where professionals are empowered to explore new paths, with guidance on making financially viable choices, offering subsidised or free education that leads to higher long-term contributions to the economy. Such systems already exist in smaller forms in some countries, but extending them to cover mid-career professionals in a broader, systemic way would enhance career flexibility and foster a healthier workforce.
Healthcare systems are strained by the cost of drugs and the lack of emphasis on preventative care. The current healthcare model often prioritises treatment over prevention, leading to inflated costs and inefficient allocation of resources. Here are a few ways this challenge could be addressed:
1. Regulating Drug Prices
Price caps on essential medications: Governments could implement stricter regulations on drug prices.
Transparency in pharmaceutical pricing: Introducing transparency requirements in pharmaceutical pricing would prevent companies from artificially inflating the prices of drugs. This would allow for better oversight and make it more difficult for drug manufacturers to justify high prices without cause.
2. Investing in Preventative Care
Focus on long-term health: Governments and healthcare systems could invest heavily in preventative measures—nutrition programs, mental health support, fitness initiatives, and public education on healthy living. Preventative care reduces the need for expensive treatments later on.
Mental health integration: Mental health and physical health are deeply connected. A focus on comprehensive, accessible mental health services could reduce physical health costs, as many chronic diseases are aggravated by stress, anxiety, and untreated mental health issues, distortions in power dynamics.
3. Shift from Industry-Focused Care to Patient-Focused Care
Reducing reliance on private health industries: Much of the healthcare industry's profit-driven nature stems from private companies controlling access to treatments, drugs, and services. Shifting the focus to public health, with patient care and preventative approaches at the core, could reduce overall costs.
Collaborating on public research: Instead of relying on privately funded pharmaceutical companies, more investment in public-sector research could accelerate the development of affordable drugs and healthcare technologies. Governments could take greater control of this, ensuring that scientific advancements are used for public benefit rather than private gain.
4. Scientific Progress and Internalising Costs
Personalised medicine and advancements: As science progresses, breakthroughs like personalised medicine and AI-driven healthcare, holistic healthcare can dramatically reduce costs by preventing over-treatment, supporting with holistic well being and improving diagnosis accuracy.
Genetic research: Leveraging advancements in genetics and biotechnology, diseases could be treated at their root causes rather than waiting for more expensive interventions. This would eventually reduce the overall burden on healthcare systems.
The call for governments to internalise healthcare costs and invest in preventative care, rather than focusing on maintaining profit-driven systems, aligns with many experts’ vision for a sustainable future. The challenge, of course, lies in political will and navigating the entrenched power of private healthcare interests. But with growing public awareness and pressure, shifts in this direction may become more feasible
Education is evolving, this is what can be done to further promote accessible learning that supports both career and family development:
1. The Rise of Online and Flexible Learning
Open Universities and Online Platforms: Institutions like Open University and platforms like Coursera, Udemy, and edX are making higher education more accessible. They offer flexible, self-paced learning that allows people to study while managing jobs, families, or other responsibilities. This type of learning democratises education, making it available to people who might not be able to afford traditional universities or who need to work while studying.
Expanding Access Globally: The expansion of online education, particularly in underserved regions, has been accelerated by improvements in technology. Countries like India, Kenya, and Brazil have seen significant growth in online learning participation, allowing students to access top-tier courses and certifications at lower costs.
Flexible Family-Oriented Programs: The introduction of family-friendly educational programs, such as part-time degrees or evening classes, is helping parents, particularly women, pursue further education while raising children. Universities and vocational schools are beginning to recognize the need for flexible schedules and childcare support to enable more equitable access to education.
2. Government Support and Education Subsidies
Increased Financial Support: Governments in many countries are expanding subsidies for education. In places like Germany and Finland, higher education is either free or heavily subsidised, allowing people to pursue education without financial stress. More countries are following this trend, and there is growing advocacy for similar models in the U.S. and the UK, where student debt and tuition fees are often prohibitive.
Grants for Adult Education: Many governments are now offering grants and scholarships specifically aimed at adults returning to education later in life. These grants cover both career development and personal enrichment courses, making it easier for people to pursue education without taking on debt.
Lifelong Learning and Career Progression: With the rise of automation and changing job markets, many governments are implementing policies to promote lifelong learning. For example, Singapore offers citizens a SkillsFuture Credit that can be used throughout their lives to upskill in various fields. This not only helps individuals adapt to changing careers but also supports family development by enabling continuous professional growth without financial strain.
3. Workplace and Career Integration of Learning
Corporate-Sponsored Education: Some companies are recognizing the value of investing in their employees’ education. Companies like Starbucks and Amazon have introduced programs to pay for their employees’ college degrees. This type of initiative reduces financial barriers and allows workers to upskill without the pressure of managing both work and high tuition costs.
Apprenticeship and Internship Programs: Traditional learning is also becoming more integrated with work. Apprenticeship programs, co-op placements, and internships are helping students gain hands-on experience while studying. These programs, often subsidized by governments, provide pathways for people to transition from education into careers without taking on financial burdens.
On-the-Job Learning: In fields like healthcare, engineering, and IT, companies are offering on-the-job training and continuing education, allowing workers to learn while they earn. These programs offer opportunities for advancement without requiring people to take significant time off work for formal education.
4. Educational Models for Family Development
Holistic Family Development Programs: Education systems are starting to recognise the importance of family support in career and personal development. Family development programs that address financial literacy, parenting, and emotional intelligence, while providing career development resources, could become more widespread. These programs would give individuals the tools to build healthier relationships, manage work-life balance, and develop their careers.
Parenting and Career Mentorship: Some educational programs are now incorporating career mentorship alongside courses, providing support not just for individuals, but for their families. Mentors help learners navigate the challenges of balancing education, career advancement, and family obligations. Governments and educational institutions are also developing support systems for working parents, such as childcare services or parental leave tied to educational programs.
Multi-Generational Learning Spaces: Some educational institutions are exploring multi-generational learning, where parents and children can learn in parallel. For example, a parent might take a course on financial literacy or career development while their child attends a related educational program. This kind of holistic family learning supports both individual growth and collective development, reinforcing family bonds and mutual progress.
5. Affordability through Technology
EdTech Innovations: Technology is driving down the cost of education and making it more accessible. With the advent of AI-powered tutoring, personalised learning paths, and adaptive learning platforms, students can receive a customised education experience at a lower cost. Additionally, blockchain technologies are being explored for managing credentials and certifications, reducing administrative costs and barriers to entering educational programs.
Peer-to-Peer Learning Communities: Peer-to-peer learning, where individuals learn from and teach each other, is becoming more popular through platforms like MasterClass and Skillshare. These communities allow individuals to access affordable education while also contributing their knowledge to others, fostering an accessible and collaborative educational environment.
6. Policy and Legal Framework for Accessibility
Free Community College Initiatives: In countries like the U.S., some states are moving toward making community college education free, making education more accessible to lower-income families and those seeking career change. These initiatives aim to reduce financial barriers for students and working adults, enabling more people to advance their education and career without going into debt.
National and International Education Compacts: Governments are increasingly exploring education compacts that ensure access to affordable or free education for certain groups, such as veterans, low-income families, or displaced workers. International organisations like UNESCO are advocating for universal education as a fundamental human right, encouraging countries to adopt laws and policies that make education a priority for everyone, regardless of socioeconomic status.
Evolving times:
Wider Adoption of Free or Subsidised Higher Education: The future could see more governments adopting free or highly subsidised higher education programs, similar to the models in Scandinavian countries, where education is viewed as a public good rather than a privilege.
Workplace Integration of Education: We may see more partnerships between employers and educational institutions, where companies actively support their employees' education as part of career development. This could include funding degree programs, certifications, or vocational training.
Universal Access to Lifelong Learning: As the job market continues to evolve, the need for continuous education will increase. Governments may implement policies that make lifelong learning free or affordable for all citizens, ensuring that everyone has the opportunity to adapt to changing economic conditions and pursue personal growth.
Increased Focus on Family Development in Education: Educational programs may increasingly integrate family development models, offering more support for parents and families to pursue education while managing their home lives. This could lead to more collaborative and holistic approaches to learning that benefit entire families, not just individuals.
Ensuring education and resources are easily accessible is paramount for personal and professional growth. Reducing the cost of living can empower individuals to focus on their development.
While progress has been made by governments, educational institutions, and companies in this area, there is still more work to be done. By advocating for subsidized education, promoting lifelong learning programs, enhancing pharmaceutical transparency, implementing sustainable energy and water solutions, ensuring fair labor practices, and fostering family-centered education, society can establish an environment conducive to individual and familial prosperity.
When individuals are liberated from financial strain and debt, they are better able to dedicate time, energy, and resources to self-improvement and well-being. Access to education, resources, knowledge and career opportunities leads to increased intelligence and future wisdom. The development of intelligent social entrepreneurial solutions within business models contributes to the advancement of a knowledgeable society.
Ultimately, this fosters a comprehensively intelligent community and culture where self-respect, mutual respect and innovation form the foundation of interpersonal relationships and support systems.
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