"Jacynthe, have you seen Tomorrow the Movie?" I'm asked here and there.
I understand why. Permaculture, energy, community, alternative schools... possibilities for now because we have 20 years to make tomorrow beautiful!
What I remember from this fabulous project, here are my notes:
Agriculture
What to do? Take action, starting where we are.
An example is the movement in Detroit: planting where people are, urban agriculture, "sacred" places, hands at work, vegetable roads, flowerbeds here and there where people can help themselves to food, learn by doing, the community takes charge.
Another example: Calderdale and the "Incredible Farm." "Industrial agriculture is bad for providing food: those who control the economy don't produce food. Where is the food system? 70% of what we eat comes from small farms."
Concept of agro-ecology instead of destroying nature and farmers in addition to making people sick. Example of permaculture at Bec Héllouin, working without oil but manually is a necessity; long live associated culture (basil and tomatoes under the vine all produce and play a role) and innovative tools to increase the yield per square meter; the power of being able to produce one's own food; an oasis of biodiversity, a forest of perennial edible plants (vs wheat, rice and soy which occupy the plantations and are annuals while our body is made to eat berries, roots... perennials); achieve such luxuriance after 8 years by caring for the soil with one's hands with a density of diversified crops on 1000m square by storing CO2 in the soil, by planting more green and giving money back to the farmers.
Energy, agri-energy. Around a prison, we learn how to design solar panels, under which we install greenhouses. 60% of energy waste could be avoided. Urban planning creates unhealthy conditions, while it is inexpensive to make facilities for cycling and walking (it has been shown that with beautiful developments, people travel by bike and on foot); we can build to influence lifestyle. San Francisco is 80% zero waste. We give back to the earth with fine compost. We see waste as resources.
I'm learning about economics ! Circularity and sustainable impact in a context where everything is limited and must not last forever: there's no need to be richer and faster.
I finally see Rob Hopkins in Totnes where we value know-how and where we explain our financial system built on debt: without borrowing there is no money... "if we understood how banks work there would be a revolution" Henry Ford is said to have said. At the same time, financial systems are being formed linking SMEs and supporting the local economy (example of Balle). When we invest in this way between local companies, we generate 2 to 4 times more jobs, whereas when we invest in multinationals, we invest in policies. Promoting higher law, protection of the earth and diversity.
Alternative education without assessment or ranking; providing many role models, many possibilities because there are many good ways! Fostering talents and self-confidence instead of scaring, instead of instilling fear. Making children feel safe, that they can choose... punishments don't help.
What I take away in the end? The power of the network.
I want to make a difference with you. I've been thinking about composting, what are your ideas??? I'm taking action now. I've already started!
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