Act: Inspiration

“Architecture 2030” plan to revive economy

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Message to Washington: You’re not getting it – we’re still out of work. WInd farms and energy efficient public buildings are important, but what about the housing industry? The recession started with the housing industry — and can end if we bring back construction — so lets focus on the real problem. That’s the heart of the message to Congress and the Obama administration from a group of architects and builders who are promoting a plan to end the recession by revitalizing America’s

Definancialisation, deglobalisation, relocalisation

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So what are we to do in the meantime, while we wait for collapse, followed by good things? It’s no use wasting your energy, running yourself ragged and ageing prematurely, so get plenty of rest, and try to live a slow and measured life… The future is unpredictable, so try to plan so as to be able to change your plans at any time… Lastly, people who lack a sense of humour are going to be in for a very hard time, and can drag down those around them. Plus, they are just not that funny. So avoid people who aren’t funny, and look for those who can laugh at the world no matter what happens.

Age-old wisdom for the new economy

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Indigenous peoples have known hard times. There are signs of drought, crop failure, and forced migration over the millennia, and of course these peoples survived centuries of colonialism. When we were looking for some wisdom on building a new economy, I immediately thought of Rebecca Adamson. Native peoples have developed societies that function within ecological limits and counter the tendency of societies to polarize between rich and poor, powerful and excluded.

Sacred Demise (review)

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If you are familiar with author and ecopsychologist Carolyn Baker’s previous work, you know she makes no apologies for the doomer stance she developed since becoming aware of “the invasion and occupation of Iraq, Peak Oil, a fraudulent 2004 election, global warming, and at this writing, what appears to be full-blown economic meltdown.”

A Day in the Life – Part 3

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As our families are rocking away the evening under our kiwi arbor, my friend mentions that her sister is pregnant. After having one baby by C-section, she is worried about having another one at home, without drugs. Pregnancy and birth have changed a lot since the old economy failed and insurance and government stopped paying for epidurals and Cesareans. Of course, without insurance or government support, no one can afford them, and hospitals want payment up front now.