The Flaw of Western Economies and Building the Sustainable Economy

[David Waugh]

Tonight at the Fall Feast there was much lively and stimulating conversation on various topics and issues. One of the conversations I was involved in had to do with big issues such as "the system" of our country, money, and democracy (topics that all go together). We were thinking of what we need for the future, a major focus being community centers and gardens for every neighborhood or area, and community based democracy. This got me to thinking about a pair of great articles that appeared on Energy Bulletin sometime last year dealing with these exact subjects and how to change things for the better.

The articles are not short and will take time to read, but they are certainly worth the read. Here are the links to each article:

The Flaw of Western Economies

Building the Sustainable Economy

Bring on the comments and let's discuss how we can use some of this information here!

[David MacLeod]

Thank you David Waugh! I also was highly recommending the "Flaw of Western Economies" article when it came out, and featured it in my Sustainable Bellingham newsletter. Note that it was published by the Permaculture Research Institute of Australia. These are Permaculture concepts through and through, and I think it's important for people to learn that Permaculture is about much more than how to grow food sustainably (see David Holmgren's "Permaculture: Principles and Pathways Beyond Sustainability).

This article really gets you to think beyond simply reducing consumption, and to add to the mix increasing sustainable production from each of us as individuals (and putting systems in place that will encourage such practices).

I missed the 2nd article when it came out, so I look forward to reading it soon!