Highlighting the sustainable practices of Romani communities
Published: 16 June 2026
New research led by the UofG highlights the important environmental knowledge and sustainable practices embedded within Romani cultures
A film based on research which challenges the widespread belief that Romani people harm the environment will premiere during Gypsy, Roma and Traveller History Month.
‘Gypsies Forcing Sustainable Futures’ documents generations of low waste, repair based, and nature respecting practices within Romani communities, highlighting forms of sustainability, resourcefulness and environmental knowledge that could contribute to mainstream sustainability practices.
The film is based on a University of Glasgow led project challenging stereotypes that portray Romani communities as environmentally harmful, and instead highlights the important environmental knowledge and sustainable practices embedded within Romani cultures.
Funded by the Arts and Humanities Research Council and the University of Glasgow, the project worked with Romani communities across England, Scotland and Spain to explore environmental values, sustainability practices and experiences of environmental injustice.
Researchers found that many Romani communities maintain longstanding traditions that promote sustainability, including repair and reuse; low-waste living; growing food and raising animals; sharing resources within extended families; local craft production; communal living; and passing down environmental knowledge through generations.
"At a time of environmental crisis, Romani communities have important knowledge and practices that could help us all think differently about sustainability, consumption and community life" said Professor Karen Bell, Principal Investigator at the University of Glasgow. "This project challenges damaging stereotypes and highlights traditions of repair, reuse, sharing and respect for nature that remain highly relevant today."
Romani journalist and blacksmith Jake Bowers - who made the film and the sculpture of a Romani Mother Earth that is depicted in it - added: "Across Europe our communities are often very unfairly depicted as an environment problem. But over the course of 18 months I’ve visited numerous Romany communities who say the opposite is true, and that we have a culture with a deep and abiding love of the natural world, because when hatred came hunting, it was our only refuge and source of survival."
Romany resident of the Maresfield Gypsy caravan site in Sussex Terry Green throws open the gates to his home in the film. He said: "From our work in metal recycling to our traditions that teach us to live off the land and never take more than you need, we have much to teach humanity as it tries to forge a sustainable future. This film is the first I have ever seen that truly explores that."
The documentary combines interviews, community stories, music, dance, sculpture and everyday practices from Romani communities in Sussex, Scotland and Almería, Spain.
The public launch event will take place on 20 June 2026 at The Park Centre, Burgess Hill, Sussex.
Image credit of Gypsies Forging Sustainable Futures.
First published: 16 June 2026