January 2010 Blog Posts (7)

Transition movement too little too late according to Peter Goodchild on Culture Change

http://www.culturechange.org/cms/index.php?option=com_content&task=view&id=597&Itemid=66

Editor's note: The author presents a definitive essay. Learn why:

• "Those who expect to get by with 'victory gardens' are unaware of the arithmetic involved."

• "There are already too many people to be supported by non-mechanized agriculture."

• "To meet… Continue

Added by Frank James on January 31, 2010 at 9:32am — No Comments

the tale of the ring

I have a ring that I wear pretty constantly-- a simple silver, or more likely nickel, ring. Because of when and how and by whom I came to have the ring, it is a constant reminder for me to own little and give generously.

When I was 16, I had the opportunity to go to El Salvador in a solidarity mission to visit Bellingham's "sister city" down there. It was, of course, an incredible experience for me (in fact, I have not said the Pledge of Allegance ever since I learned what our… Continue

Added by Chris Wolf on January 21, 2010 at 11:40pm — 1 Comment

European Nuclear Power Grows Long in the Tooth

No matter what nuclear power fans say on the other side of the Atlantic, French power plants are not aging well.

New Nuke Plants are the Answer!

Added by Rob Olason on January 17, 2010 at 10:25pm — No Comments

Feeding Whatcom County for a day.

How much food is consumed in Whatcom County in a day, a week, a month, a year? We know that the commercial farms in Whatcom County produce an abundance of milk, fruits and vegetables, more than can be consumed by our country residents. But how much food is produced in backyard gardens by gardeners who grow food to be consumed locally by themselves and others?

As we look to a future economy where imported food becomes impossibly expensive due to high growing and transportation costs,… Continue

Added by Rob Olason on January 17, 2010 at 3:02pm — No Comments

A Year of Voluntary Simplicity

Hello everyone,

My new year's resolution for 2010 is that I am going to practice Voluntary Simplicity, vowing to make little enough money that I don't have to pay taxes toward war (so about $9,350 for the year), and so that every lifestyle choice I make is carefully thought out and in line with my values. I have started this blog to record experiences I have, share tips that I stumble upon, and learn from your tips as well.

I had an interesting experience a few days ago. I… Continue

Added by Chris Wolf on January 9, 2010 at 2:20pm — 6 Comments

Even the worst days on the farm are better than the best days in a factory.

Gene Lodgson has written a wonderful tribute to the often ignored tree. For a breath of fresh air, read his essay...

Harveting Tranquility

Added by Rob Olason on January 7, 2010 at 7:19pm — 1 Comment

Future Hunger

"We are facing a problem that literally has never been faced in human history - we don't have enough people who know how to feed us to keep going foward. And for the most part, we're not even fully aware of the problem. We have no plan going forward. And our children are being taught that farming is unworthy of them. This, folks, is a crisis."

This article uncovers a huge challenge to future food supplies.

Added by Rob Olason on January 5, 2010 at 10:25am — No Comments