OUT-reach and Educate on Purchasing Power

As I sit and ponder what can I do to help make a difference in the world I am in, in the world the next generation will live in I end up on tangents of spectacular plans, ideas, and concepts. There are great innovations occurring all around the world; in energy production, resource recycling, and over all system restructuring of business processes is occurring. Many people may believe that this is happening because there is hype building now on "green", and companies and brands are jumping on the bandwagon. In a way I find this true. There are many many "green-washing" marketing ploys going on right now for this very reason, however, I believe this is only a part of the story, and there is a great amount of good going on as well.

The honest truth is obvious, companies want to turn a profit, and sustain their brand and product in the market as long as possible,they are out to meet the companies bottom line. In order to reach this bottom line of an income there are external forces that shape all company products and services, one of the strongest most underplayed elements is consumers purchasing power, that is the consumers ability to change the market and products themselves by demanding better and more, and usign there money to show it.

Companies change because their consumers tell them what is not working or could be improved in future products, or they stop buying a product. Companies adapt to a changing and demanding market. Without this, they would not survive. I believe there has always been conscience consumers, but I think the number of consumers that are becoming educated and knowledge about the products they purchase has grown.

Companies that continue to adapt and address consumers concerns and requests have continued and will continue to grow and flourish. Companies that have already been aware of there environmental and humanity efforts to be responsible and respectful are gaining customers on that fact alone. Being a responsible, kind, community oriented and real person is good for consumers relations, business profits, and the environment. There is a sense in pride from consumers using products they are knowledgeable about, and proud to be using, which in return, will increase word of mouth marketing, and again - increase business. Businesses like TOMS, local CSA's (community supported agriculture), Patagonia, Home Building products from sustainable resources, etc have all existed in some capacity before it was necessarily marketable to produce something that gives back or  is better for others and the environment, as well as the consumer.

These brands, companies and services have been able to highlight the good that they do while providing a solid good product. You can not sustain a business just because its green, it has to be a good service or product AND be sustainable and giving back. Why are companies doing this? Some have done it because those that developed the company already had in mind they wanted to be socially and environmentally responsible, but increasingly we are seeing more and more businesses, big and small alike, give back to the communities they are in, think about where they get things, and find ways to do things better for those in and around the community they service. Why would they do this if it was not in their original business goals and plans? Simple... Consumer Demand.

Not all people are aware of their purchasing power, but I feel consumers are increasingly becoming aware of the degree to which their purchasing power effects the products developed for them, and they are telling businesses what they want. If the demand is there, someone will find an answer, develop a product, and turn a profit, the consumers must ask for it, demand it, and put their foot down for what they will and will not support.

 I understand many people simply do not know and have never thought about how what they buy impacts things, and for this reason, I can not get mad. I, as someone that knows, need to take this knowledge (both of what I know, and that there are people that do not know) and do something about it. I could sit around, do my own thing, tread lightly, buy locally, etc, but I have the capability and the capacity to educate and outreach.

I do not need to preach, I do not need to tell people they are wrong and that they can not do what they are doing. I do have the ability to plant a seed, and to water the seed, and make sure I live in a way that shows it can be done, and that it can work to benefit me and others. If you plant a seed in someones brain, simply showing them how to think about things by asking them questions, "Hey where is that Wine from? Is it local?" "I got all my veggies from the farmers market this week... its great to know where they come from and support the local community".  This opens the dialog to discuss it, without imposing. You are not telling them to do anything, but you are educating about the choices you are making, it can spur them to consider it, invite them to come with you, have a conversation about this very article.

Look at the examples of where companies have taken notice of consumer demand, or consumer purchasing power... is there something you use to buy that is no longer offered? Why is this, maybe because you where the only one buying it? Because there was a better, more environmentally and humane product out there to replace it?

I know I live within a community, and surround myself with like-minded individuals, so sometimes I, as everyone does on occasion, forget that not everyone knows everything they know, and some things that seem like common sense to me, are not in fact common every day knowledge to others. It is our job to educate, to reach out and provide the knowledge to other, in and outside of everyday connections. Education and outreach is the only way to make successful, wide spread change. 

People wanting a quick answer will find it, the Internet and professionals alike have continued to provide knowledge and answers for those that are looking, that know they are trying to find a solution. The people that do not look are the ones that can make the biggest difference and can make larger shifts and changes, the people that do not know what purchasing power is, or how it can make a difference.

You can wait around for someone to ask you about what you know, or you can OUT-reach and educate, its not called Inreach *wink.

Revolution is a paticipatory sport...

On to my serious topic and thoughts of the day displayed in the way I think about them, comentary and all... our world, planet, future and hope. Now I live in the world of climate change and long range planning to try and reduce emmissions, resource management, to save something for the generations after us. I am also taking a psychology class that touched on the influences of culture on your psychological development

Growing up I always thought, oh I'll grow up, get married, have kids... blah blah blah, and live happily ever after. but the growing up part opens your eyes to how to make a difference.

I have come to the conclusion that to make a difference, we need to do less... less of everything (except maybe educate people) especially in America. Our culture is built off of pride and success for the individual; accomplishments, degrees, financial, material success, the individual before the masses. Other cultures think as a group, they care for the success of the group as a whole (maybe I am a flaming liberal for these statements. it is possible) but WTF america... figure it out.

We need to stop caring about having 5 cars, the big house, we need to start thinking about what we would do if the economy just froze and fell off the face of the planet. In so many other countries families live together, the elderly live with their children, and help their grandchildren grown, foster good family ideals, they teach caring, among many other things. Just because one person is the breadwinner, does not mean the others are not contributing, because the working class are supporting the masses (just as I think we need to support health care) does not make them the only "successful one", every part of a family is part of the success of the system... and each one of those people are ok with that.

Did you know the majority of those without health care in America are children.... who have no say in the matter, (they also are the age bracket highest in extreme poverty) and our elder are supported by social security that is failling, that keeps them below the poverty line, even though they have worked their whole life and given to this country. And who is making the decisions for these groups? Who are the ones that are saying our health care is fine? (not the children born into poverty and with no health care, thats for sure)What happen to caring about those around us? (yes there will be people that choose to take advantage of "the system" but what system does that not happen) and the majority of people in countries that do have universial health care are happy with it, and would not want it privitized (despite news media, if you talk to real people, you will find this is th truth).

We need to stop eatting bananas(I know this one seems random), the number 1 consumed fruit in the US, and something that CAN NOT be grown here... Think of how much energy, effort, and pollution it takes to bring a banana to you (yes, I still eat bananas, but I feel a lot guilty every time I eat them!) let alone many other products that come from other countries and other states. We need to be aware of how we get the things we are privilaged to have access to in this country... minerals, jewels, and think of the lives of the people that bring them to us, that allow us to live the way we do... do we as a country consider this? not with any true compassion.
We need to find joy and pride in "old" things, and not having to have all brand new things, what happen to the pride in items that are passed down, that you fix, that you use adaptively... We need to think locally, and we need to think low impact...

Really I think we would be a whole lot happier as a people, as Americans, as human beings, I think we would relate better with each other, if people reflect in their belongings and see that there is more beauty in a mess of personalized, old, beautiful, passed down items (let alone the stories and pride that come with these items).
We need to have a cultural identity check, think of others, think of the future, but this would take a lot of psychological overdrive to accomplish... do I think its do-able with the environmental impacts? Yes, I do, I hope that we have that ability.

(I honestly have moved from that little girl with a happily ever after, to one that thinks maybe I shouldn't have kids, that I should buy local, where-ever I might be, and live lightly on the world in all ways as I can... but can one person change the world?... if enough "one persons" thought this way, it is possible. Are we past the hope stage?*shruggs shoulders* I could just say fuck it... I mean, I proably won't be around when things go south, but then again, I tend to be a nice caring person that thinks there is good out there, and I have a lot of hope, although I wonder if there is a point to it, or if it is so I personally don't loss my mind. (If you don't have hope, what do you have)
-Heather Phillips
  February 2010

Consumption Conscience

I strongly believe that knowledge is power, and you can never stop learning enough. The world has many many things to grab your attention, and if you can just hold on for the wild ride you would be surprised what all you can absorb.

My father is a history buff, do not ever take him on in a game of trivial pursuit with any intentions of winning, but if its teams, nab him up before anyone can blink. When we would travel as a family, vacations typically consisted of museums, battle fields, memorials, and any other historically significant thing there was. I admire these places for what they are, but have never been so interested to dive in and absorb everything I can, for hours and hours, about the history of a place and events.

I do however love science museums, interactive exhibits,  shows, and can even enjoy lectures about anything, including history. I am a visual learner, hands on, down and dirty. I went to a Polytechnic University with the motto "Learn by Doing" for pete's sake... I think we can nail the coffin on that one.

I have always been an observer, and great and remembering the placing of things, locations of places, and directions to places I have been to once.  I have been the practical one, the planner....

The other half of my family, consists of much more book people type, very very smart, intelligent people as well, just in a very different way, history buff book smart.

I note this only because I am back in the home town visiting the family and observing the difference in lifestyle, choices, actions from myself and those I surround myself with. It is fascinating the small differences that I notice and scream at me, that the teenager (I realize the fact that she is a teenage skews the results due to teenage hormones, listening and observing skills) does not see, that my mother is trying to see, and that my father and other sister are just oblivious to at times.

There is a huge house,  which is slowly loosing tenants, as the kids grow up, with the youngest, the teenager taking over the front living room with every electronic device known to a teenager..... all on at the same time, half sitting ideal.... in a southern california desert.... when its 110 outside, and people have not 1, but 2 air conditioners for their homes... and the green lawn that is only green because the California Water Project brings water to southern california deserts...

I notice there is no chickens or compost bin for leftovers and scraps... something new to even my every day life style, but non-the less, something I am excited about taking part in, because it reduces the amount being carted to a landfill hundreds of miles away.

I have developed a consumption conscience that is getting stronger by the day... I am thinking of everything, buying items that will last a long time if I need them to, clothes, shoes, pots and pans, furniture, buying second hand when I can, and not at all when I do not need something.

My sister is a pack rat, I joke (seriously) that I want to be notified of when she will actually be moving out (she is getting married in march) so I can come park a lawn chair and in the front lawn and watch, with a pitcher of sweet tea vodka lemonade...

I understand she is what she sees, people needing things, filling up spaces, going shopping for good deals. I understand that I am also challenging myself, and it is tough as well, to not buy things because I think I might use them, because its pretty, because it would be nice to have, instead trying to only by things that I need, have a good use for, and do not already have something that will do the same job.

Sometimes I think Ignorance is Bliss, and then I found knowledge, and knowledge allows me to choose to do better or be a part of the problem... now, how do we get everyone else, that is not ingrained in the energy/environmental/resource world to understand, care, and most importantly change?

Education and Knowledge I suppose, it worked for me didn't it? Of course I am the hands on visual learner, so seeing it in front of me works, maybe for this history buffs they might have to wait a few years for the history books to take hold of it...hopefully we can get through to them before then....

Until then I will have to just continue to learn by doing, and outreach and educate. Knowledge is Power waitting to be applied, now my job is to go apply it where it is needed most.

Can you and I make any difference?

I have been surrounded by climate change discussions, and greenhouse gas emissions, energy use, and reduction strategies galore, for a few years now. To the group of people that make up the professional realm of climate science, resource management, and solution development, I feel like only a spectator, but once you consider the idea that planners really focus more on the future, and not the present, with their work, you start to see the connections possible when climate science and planning colliding and combining forces.

Planners give selflessly when develop long range planning documents. Most professionals will have moved on to another position, another career, or may not even live to see the effects of their work. Place making, creating environments, through words, being the bad guy and having to tell people the great dream that they have imagined, is not possible, due to zoning, which, the planner (yourself, or "the guy before you" developed). However, being able to envision what can be, and attempting to set up the "mainframe" for the development of the future successful community, is a gift.

When I was introduced to greenhouse gases, climate change, and ppm, I was over my head, but after hearing about it, reading about it, hearing about it again, and reading about it about 200 times over, I started to develop an understanding of what planning and I could truly do with my knowledge and abilities for this area of focus. I developed an understanding of how this data, scientific articles, numbers, graphs and descriptions actually pertained to the every day person, and how the every day person in America contributes to it. I also have come to a point in which I think there are things that can be done to alter the future choices and decesions we all make. The real battle at hnad is can we do enough, soon enough, and how. I think there has been enough discussion, debate, and you should do this or that and it will solve it all talk... its time to buckle down and do it, for yourself, your neighbor, your community, health, well-being, and future generations, lead by example people, professionally, but also personally.

Yes there are many contributions that large corporations, cities, states, and the nation need to take, and are able to take, that you and I could not accomplish, nor would amount to the difference we can make. However, you + I + your neighbor, best friend, sister, and the chain of people they are all attached to, can be more respectful and concise of what we do and how that effects the environment and everyone/thing that rely on it.

Now, back to the question at hand. Are a group of individual personal changes or professional plans capable of making really change, that will have enough effect on future development to make any amount of measurable mitigation of climate change or greenhouse gas emissions?

In short... partially. Just like there is no "solve all solution" to the oil crisis or any other over-utilized, over-demanded resource, personal and professional planning can not solve all of it. But planning for the future, just like your parents taught you about finances, is a vital part of the puzzle. And realizing that we may not be able to stop it soon enough, adaptation strategies may become increasingly important as the years go on.

As a planner I feel as though I am charged with the idea of taking technical documents, and translating them to an understandable pattern, navigating lengthy documents that drive even planners themselves crazy. Holding public hearing meetings and making sure everyone gets heard, as well as making sure the finally verdict of any decision are upheld and clearly spelled out to those it applies to.

And because of this, I will try to explain to you what it is that you could possibly do, that just might make the difference.

In reality I look at the entire environmental movement of the 21st century and see a clear step of the solution, its a as a triple answer, reduce, reuse, recycle... it isn't rocket science, as most logically answers today aren't, its simple, but yet increasingly difficult to set in motion and apply.

The most prevalent and affective step to a solution I see is that we need to focus on the R's (Reduce, Reuse, Recycle) in the order they are listed, rather than backpedaling, although we seem to have mastered that as a society... professional back peddlers... but backpedaling will not work forever... if we can reduce our demand on the earth, the demand for resources, the demand to move about so much, to reduce our footprints, intake, need for things from far away that we could simply get around the corner or in our backyard, there could be a real impact. Things such as vegetables, clothes made in the US, our state, or regional neighborhood, rather than aboard. Furniture and art by local craftsman and artist not only supports the local community, but reduces the emissions used to get it to you, it didn't have to travel across oceans, or the country, and it will provide a sense of pride within you, the piece has a story, its a piece that has not been made 1,000,000 times over, it is unique, it has a story, and becomes special to you. What isn't to like about that?

Planningyour future is vital to having a postive outcome and impact, on your life and others. Taking the time to really think and consider each purchase, the life-cycle of each item, financially for yourself,  as well as environmentally, has the potential to make a difference. Planning head allows to you to think about the future, act responsibly, and be aware of yourself and your habits. Education and awareness change peoples choices, their decisions, their actions. I challenge you to become part of the education and awareness of to yourself, your family, your friends and start the change you wish to see in the world.

100

I have run across a few different articles recently that discuss the applicant of the concept of less is more. A fight against American Consumerism for some, for others a way to escape from a world in which they feel isolated, constrained, or drowning in their life.

The idea is that if you limit the number of things you own, and keep this number fixed, that you will result a less stressful, more financially stable life. Mostly I have come across people that have decided to place 100 as the "magic" number, with some flexibility on the rules of what counts, what doesn't, and what you can group (some count things such as pots and pans, some decide shared items such as dining room tables, chairs, kitchen items should not count, and then items that are hygiene related and really is just gross to limit to 1 or 2 total, such as underwear, sock, etc. ) Some say 100 personal items, some say 100 items total... your life, your rules, as long as you set them, and stick to them.

The idea fascinates me. I mean, realistically it makes a lot of sense, you end up not making nearly as many purchases b/c something is on sale, you simply like something, but won't use it, type sales. Reducing the amount of waste coming from you, and reduce the demand.

I have an article in the works discussing the 3 R's; reduce, reuse, recycle, and this idea does touch on the reduce R.

You reduce demand, you end up purchasing quality items when you do buy them, and your overall satisfaction with the items you own theoretically goes up. You consider your purchases more thoroughly, and spend more time desiring them, making the purchase more pleasing, even purchasing things like houses, taking into consideration and valuing the local environment you are putting yourself in outweighing the "typical desirees" (such as access to trails, and places you will enjoy, over the size of the space).

It is as much an environmental shift as it is a mental and financial shift. Many of those that have accomplished this feat claim their debt decreases, they feel less stressed, more free to explore the world, and financially stable, and available to do as they please, take jobs that pay less, b/c they do not need as much money to do the things they find satisfying.

There are many TV shows that focus on less is more, and as Americans in an economic down turn, it is truly an ideal time to focus on this. The focus of making yourself a better person seems to be a trend, with less is more, think less weight = biggest loser, less stuff = hoarders... These are extreme cases, but the fact they get air time, means that there is a population out there that connects with the theme... You have too much weight, internal and externally around, and shedding this "weight" can open a whole new world of possibilities.

Quality over Quantity, Less over More, truly thinking Long-term investment over short term thrill.

I do not know if I could truly get down to 100 ( I counted the items I have hung in my closet yesterday, just to see where I stood, I was at about 90, just there, and then the shoes below not even counted) If I really stand there and look at what is there, I could eliminate things I do not need, but enjoy having. Maybe slowly I will start eliminating this unnecessary items. Mostly I think it begins with not buying more, because I do shop second hand more often, but find that I will sometimes buy things (even second hand) that I do not need, but might want or might use, if I eliminated these purchases, I would save money, save stress, and save closet space.... it is a short "high" so to speak of buying things, the excitement of having something "new".

Studies also show that people value experiences more so then things, spending times doing things rather than a new shirt, new gadget... which honestly makes sense, items are replaceable, experiences stay with you forever, and those items that do stick with you for a long time, become valuable and are justified. That pair of shoes (I grit my teeth as I say this, b/c I love shoes) that seem fun for the moment, may not be so exciting in say, even a year or two...

In all honesty, it could be a rough road at first... but the idea of seriously considering items as needs and wants, and narrowing down the needs to less, is not such a terrible idea. The positives of environmental, financial, and personal happiness that could come from it long term, may be worth the challenge and struggle... You may open up your world to a whole new concept of happiness and make way for things that you never imagined...

Maybe the task at first does not focus on how much to keep, but instead starts with a number of things to get rid of, say 50.... then you shift into the owning number bracket, say, 200 personal things, and see how we go from there. If nothing else this concept of accounting for belongings, making wise decisions, and reducing the need in your life, makes you observant and aware, which, really is the purpose of the excerise, and freeing yourself from the Haves to realizing what you really Need and want out of life.

-Heather Phillips

Locavores

In the beginning of May, I wrote a guest post for Teri about eating local. Now that it’s summer and farmers’ market season is at its prime, I thought I’d post my article once more for those who may have missed it the first time.
* * *
I am sure you are all familiar with the terms carnivore, herbivore, and even omnivore. I assume most consider themselves the latter – eating both plants and animals – while those who eat a vegan diet (and perhaps even vegetarians too) title themselves as herbivores. What and who are locavores, you may ask? Locavores, as the name indicates, are those that focus on eating locally-grown and produced foods. With our country’s current effort on “going green,” local food is a hot topic; I wanted to share a few facts and my two cents on the importance of a locavore lifestyle.

Growing up in a rural town on California’s north coast, fresh, local food was in abundance. I have fond memories of strolling the farmer’s market centered on our town’s square with my mom almost every Saturday morning between the months of April and November. The plaza would come alive between the hours of 9am and 2pm with live music, happy vendors, and friendly shoppers with baskets bulging with farm-fresh produce. Little did I know, this weekend family ritual has had a significant impact on my life today.















Although I do not currently reside in the agriculture haven of Humboldt County, making smart choices about what type of foods I chose to support, and where I buy my groceries hasn’t slipped my mind while away at school. As a college student on a rigid budget, I cannot say that my kitchen is stocked only with organic, locally-grown food as would be my preference; however, the more and more I learn about the devastating effects industrial agricultural has on our environment, the more I am willing to shell out a few extra bucks to support a movement I believe will help our planet spin longer and healthier.

The importance of eating locally can be rather complex, but perhaps a few statistics will inspire you to think about the route your food travels from farm to table:
Industrial food travels an average of 1,500 miles from farm to fork.
Locally-produced food requires 17x less petroleum than does a diet based on food shipped across the country.
Industrial agriculture has reduced the varieties of fruits and vegetables available by 75% since the beginning of the 20th century.
Today, 75% of the world’s food is generated from just 12 varieties of plants and 5 animal species. Iceberg lettuce, frozen and fried potatoes, potato chips and canned tomatoes make up almost half of U.S. vegetable consumption.
Here are a few of the many benefits of eating local:
Locally gown food tastes better.
As kids, my brother and I loved when my mom would buy a big bag of raw, organic greenbeans for us to crunch on as we sauntered around the Saturday market. The flavors and aromas of foods that have been plucked out of the earth just hours before consuming donot even compare to the plastic-wrapped bags of starched lettuces that survive on supermarket shelves for unnatural amounts of time.
Local organically-grown food is healthier for you.
“Local organically-grown food that is eaten soon after being harvested is higher in nutrients and does not contain pesticides and added hormones found in industrially-produced food” (pg. 10). More often than not, local famers use organic farming methods which build soil and soil fertility. Soils rich in organic matter have a greater capacity for additional nutrients that they can convey to the plants.
Buying local helps build our economy & community.
Growing up in a small town with little to no corporations (and the fact that my family has been running our family-owned and operated business for 35+ years), supporting others trying to make their way in this world the same way is a no-brainer. “Several studies have shown that every dollar spent in a locally-owned store has three times the effect of a dollar spent at a store owned by a distant corporation” (pg. 10).
I hope these few words have inspired you to learn more about becoming a locavore, whether you chose to continue eating a carnivore, herbivore, or omnivore diet. Our agricultural standards and food industry in general has frankly gotten out of hand. I hope you will take part in putting the dirt back into your own hands. Start by researching farmer’s markets in your area, look into receiving weekly boxes of produce from your neighborhood famers, or better yet… turn over the soil in your own backyard and plant some seeds of your own. ‘Tis [always] the season to eat sustainability, organically, and locally.
Here’s to a healthy planet and a healthy YOU!
Your farmers’ market fan,
Hillary

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Michael Rubinger delivers keynote at International Housing Conference

Michael Rubinger delivers keynote at international housing conference

23 Jun 2010

Michael Rubinger, LISC’s President and CEO, delivers keynote address at Housing 2010 Conference & Exhibition, an international housing forum sponsored by the Chartered Institute of Housing in England.

On the second day of the conference, which was focused on local empowerment—Our communities: Improving lives through provision, performance and empowerment. How do we engage and empower communities?—Rubinger delivered a speech about the importance of community and local participation in revitalization efforts.

He spoke of how local and resident engagement plays out in the United States and with LISC. “Experience tells us that decisions about what needs to be done and how it needs to be done should be made by those with the most to gain or lose from the outcome, stated Rubinger. That includes not just residents, but local business-owners; schools; social services agencies; and elected leaders, among others.”

LISC’s role, he noted, is to provide expertise, training, and financing to local community groups and projects, emphasizing the need to strengthen local leadership, capacity and networks. “It's about how new relationships among local organizations and residents create a powerful neighborhood platform to raise the level of effort, and sustain the work for the long haul.”

The Chartered Institute of Housing Annual Conference and Exhibition is the leading social and affordable housing event in the UK, bringing together housing associations, ALMO’s and local authorities together with the private and voluntary sectors. The conference is exploring the key national issues facing the housing sector, share best practice, and debate solutions to current and future challenges. The conference exhibition focuses on the provision of social and affordable housing and the development of sustainable communities.

The event, held June 22-24, 2010, is the biggest and best attended event in the UK as it brings together more than 5,000 housing professionals, together with over 300 key suppliers all under one roof.

Regrowing Local Roots - David Narum

Regrowing Local Roots

Arcata Eye, 3/31/10
By David Narum

In the movie Being There,“Chance” the Gardener, played by Peter Sellers, observes that “As long as the rootsare not severed, all is well. And all will be well in the garden.” Chance, who was not a deep thinker, was speaking literally about the garden he tended, but he is taken by key policymakers (including the President) as a profound policy wonk who was using a garden metaphor to speak about the national economy. There are many funny moments.

But as it turns out Chance’s commentsdi d have a deeper meaning: our roots have been severed, and all is notwell in our (economic) garden. The U.S. economy rests on a fragile and poorly-rooted foundation. Over the pastcentury we have created unstable and far-reaching connections for our energy and material needs. We areheavily dependent on foreign energy sources, on aging and centralized power systems and infrastructure, and ona food system that has most Americans eating low-quality food produced and processed often thousands ofmiles from where they live. And creating these long connections has had the unintended consequence ofdisconnecting people from each other and the local resources that in the not-so-distant past allowed communitiesand regions to largely support themselves.

But we can draw on traditional American values, including individualism, community, creativity andinnovation, to envision another way—to re-grow our roots in our local economic“gar dens.” We may need tospend some time getting the old weed mat up, but once we turn the soil over it should reveal a number ofopportunities for new connections and new growth. And with the right adjustments, we should be able to createan economic soil that is more receptive to the“i dea seeds” of local entrepreneurs and the growth they canproduce if given the opportunity. Basically, we need to figure out what grows best here and then fertilize theheck out of it (with organic fertilizer, or course).

Local energy and resource (e.g., food) systems would not meet all of our needs, but they can meet far more ofthem than they currently do, and reconnecting local economies to these local supply bases can provideopportunities for job growth, innovation, and for cleaner energy and healthier food. Of course we will alwaysbe connected to the broader world for many things (they will want our exports, for example), but we shouldstructure these connections more on our own terms.

Some of the strategies for strengthening local economies include reducing barriers to entry for business start-ups, creating local capital funds (e.g., Economic Fuel) and groups such as community corporations to invest inor grow local enterprises, revitalizing local banks and community currencies, developing local and regionalmarket identities (e.g., Humboldt Made), workforce education, business incubators, university/communityconnections, and so on. We need to foster creative thinking as well as be creative in how we capitalize thosewho have good ideas but who have no practical way to turn those ideas into business opportunities. Hewlett-Packard started in a garage, but lucky for them they had access to both ideas and capital. The innovationecosystem worked for them, and it can work here, too.

Local economies will be stronger if we take the time to understand what our local places can provide for us. We can make our local economic gardens flourish by breaking up the dry, colorless, compacted and sterile clods of our existing economic system and by liberally sprinkling over this newly turned soil the nutrients needed for new ideas and ventures to thrive. It’s time to roll up our sleeves and get out the garden rake.

David Narum is a Principal of GreenWay Partners in Arcata.

For more on how to relocalize our economy come to the Fourth Annual Plan It Green Building Green Communities Conference, April 3, 8 a.m. to 8 p.m., at the Arcata Community Center. This year’s conference is titled “Local Self-Reliance: Making Connections.” It’s free and open to the public. Details are available at humboldtplanitgreen.org.

Purpose

I have high hopes for this blog as I move forward. I have never considered myself a writer, a good writer at that. I always was either highly approved of in English/writing courses, or terrible dreaded and unsuccessful and meeting the teachers desired writing styles.

For now I am simply going to begin accumulating articles that inspire me, align with my principles, or push the ideas and concepts of sustained communities farther. Eventually, or in addition to collecting pertinent articles I will begin to either reflect on the articles posted, or hopefully, eventually begin to write my own articles that could maybe inspire and be helpful to others in the community.

The title of the blog "And no message could have been any clearer" is in reference to "The man in the mirror" by the beloved Michael Jackson, explaining the basic concept that I believe anything I find will ultimately boil down to, that it starts with each individual making a change, a society as a whole can push change, and there are many elements in which government and organizations assist and foster sustainable principles, however, the key to the success of any of the existing or future plans, is the individuals, the base for society. Those are the key stake holders that we need to "buy in" to innovative or basic life changes that can make a larger impact.

We shall see as this blog develops, as I am sure I continue to grow professional this blog may be able to document the change and impact "experience" has on my thoughts, beliefs, and practices of engaging community members and individuals to care, and to act, as well as influence policy makers to adjust "age old" practices to be flexible, applicable, and inviting to the everyday citizen.