Joan Pick was born in 1940 in Barrow-in-Furness, Cumbria. She had a physics and maths degree from Bristol University and was a member of Mensa. She moved to Croydon in 1967. She was a scientist and it was in 1973, while working for a consultancy firm in Croydon advising the energy industry, that she had her 'epiphany'.
"We know we're using too much energy. We have to live within the planet's means. There is no alternative to a fundamental change in the way we live."
So she turned her whole life into an experiment in minimal energy use. She avoided motorised transport and ran or walked everywhere. She didn't use energy to cook or heat her home. She lived on a raw, vegetarian diet.
"I don't expect anyone else to be as resolute as me. But I have to experiment with the energy efficient lifestyle to prove its survivable."
Joan passed away on 29 January 2017 after a battle with oesophageal cancer. On 24 May 2017 a lime-tree was planted in her name at the corner of Addiscombe Road and Bisenden Road, near to where she used to live.
Councillor Patricia Hay-Justice who represents the Addiscombe Ward said, "The community of East Croydon has come together with the council to mark the life of Joan Pick in the finest way possible. Joan was a remarkable citizen of Croydon, who campaigned tirelessly for a sustainable economy. The lime-tree planted will add welcome greenness to our local street scene, and it will not only gladden future generations but also inspire them to continue the work which Joan started."
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Daily Mail 18 November 2008The Guardian 13 November 2008
Croydon Advertiser 13 February 2017
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