Act: Inspiration

Illusions of inclusivity in the culture of “whatever”

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As the collapse of civilization exacerbates and intensifies, the most well-intentioned and open-hearted human beings will make many mistakes. And at the same time, it is possible to become adept and wizened by warrior/elder principles that skillfully set limits and to adhere to them when it would be much easier to garner kudos from self and others for indiscriminate inclusivity. It is a delicate and daunting dance-sometimes ecstatic, sometimes excruciating. But regardless of its outcome, its pathway traverses nowhere near the land of “Whatever”.

Permaculture White House

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Eight years ago my husband Richard and I, the eccentric new kids on the block, snuffed out our front and back lawns with sheets of cardboard and turkey mulch and planted edibles. Lately, in my strolls around the ’hood I’ve noticed more than a few shrinking or altogether disappeared lawns, some sporting edible replacements. It appears as though rising food and energy costs have finally hit mainstream and human adaptability may be kicking in.

Dispatches from the Fields: The trouble with small-scale farming

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Should small-scale farmers who grow organically and sell locally or regionally be able to make a middle-class living with farming as their sole source of income? I’ve always answered this question with a fervent “yes,” at least from a philosophical perspective. But the answer to the follow-up question — “do they?” — is nearly always a resounding no.

Slow Food Nation to release healthy food & agriculture declaration

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“We, the undersigned, believe that a healthy food system is necessary to meet the urgent challenges of our time,” begins the final draft of the Declaration for Healthy Food and Agriculture. Initiated by Roots of Change and half a year in the drafting, it will be released August 29 at Slow Food Nation (SFN) at San Francisco’s City Hall.