I am currently traveling through the Eurasian continent and writing about the slow but steady emergence of renewable energy and ecological agriculture. I aim to show my readers that sustainability is not a passing fad but a concerted movement led by dedicated individuals and communities who are working to live within the planet's natural limitations.
The idea for this trip was a slow inception, tied intimately with self-confidence and a faith in potential abilities.
The original inspiration came from Bill McKibben's book Deep Economy.
After reading the book over 6 times, two ideas impacted me most.
First, was the idea that the movement for sustainable living, renewable energy and great environmental justice was not just some western concept or temporary trend, but a desire from communities around the world to live within the planet's natural limitations. Second, was that sustainability is cheap. There are many ways communities can be sustainable and most ways involve little to no cost. Although, it involves great costs that are not financial: costs of commitment, a belief in the value of caring for the environment, and time.
I remember being awestruck learning about turning to organic agriculture and thriving by using composting techniques. In Africa, they developed a system whereby chicken coops positioned above fishponds and rice patties would feed the fish and fertilize the rice crop through the chickens' waste. These farms prospered through the technique of natural ecological systems. In Curitiba, Brazil the public bus system is one of the most widely used system in the world due to its commitment to the public and the environment. In China and other parts of the world, there is a massive use of biogas digesters for cooking gas and electricity. In my own country (USA), there is an increasing popularity of farmers' markets (link to rise of farmers markets).
It was an incredible and inspiring message of what communities are capable of.
I immediately wanted to go to these places and witness solutions to industrial agriculture, fossil fuels and ailing communities. McKibben makes it clear that there are still many difficult challenges ahead but that people from all over the world have made tremendous progress. Moreover, the movement continues and grows everyday.
This blog will draw attention to real individuals, communities, non-profit organizations, and companies that are working to make this planet habitable for generations to come.
This blog will not be a 'doom and gloom' voice in the chorus about the epic disaster of climate change and what a futile exercise it is to stop it.
This blog will not complain that some countries are farther behind than others in the search for renewable energy and sustainable practices.
This blog will strive to be a message of progress, hope and the potential for mankind to overcome the greatest threat to our survival.
Mission: Sasha Merigan and I plan to visit individuals, communities and organizations that are actively engaged in developing renewable energy and sustainability projects around Asia.
“Thoreau says give me a wildness no civilization can endure. That's clearly not difficult to find. It is harder to imagine a civilization that wildness can endure, yet this is just what we must try to do.” -Gary Snyder
Here goes nothing! Wish us luck!
The idea for this trip was a slow inception, tied intimately with self-confidence and a faith in potential abilities.
The original inspiration came from Bill McKibben's book Deep Economy.
After reading the book over 6 times, two ideas impacted me most.
First, was the idea that the movement for sustainable living, renewable energy and great environmental justice was not just some western concept or temporary trend, but a desire from communities around the world to live within the planet's natural limitations. Second, was that sustainability is cheap. There are many ways communities can be sustainable and most ways involve little to no cost. Although, it involves great costs that are not financial: costs of commitment, a belief in the value of caring for the environment, and time.
I remember being awestruck learning about turning to organic agriculture and thriving by using composting techniques. In Africa, they developed a system whereby chicken coops positioned above fishponds and rice patties would feed the fish and fertilize the rice crop through the chickens' waste. These farms prospered through the technique of natural ecological systems. In Curitiba, Brazil the public bus system is one of the most widely used system in the world due to its commitment to the public and the environment. In China and other parts of the world, there is a massive use of biogas digesters for cooking gas and electricity. In my own country (USA), there is an increasing popularity of farmers' markets (link to rise of farmers markets).
It was an incredible and inspiring message of what communities are capable of.
I immediately wanted to go to these places and witness solutions to industrial agriculture, fossil fuels and ailing communities. McKibben makes it clear that there are still many difficult challenges ahead but that people from all over the world have made tremendous progress. Moreover, the movement continues and grows everyday.
This blog will draw attention to real individuals, communities, non-profit organizations, and companies that are working to make this planet habitable for generations to come.
This blog will not be a 'doom and gloom' voice in the chorus about the epic disaster of climate change and what a futile exercise it is to stop it.
This blog will not complain that some countries are farther behind than others in the search for renewable energy and sustainable practices.
This blog will strive to be a message of progress, hope and the potential for mankind to overcome the greatest threat to our survival.
Mission: Sasha Merigan and I plan to visit individuals, communities and organizations that are actively engaged in developing renewable energy and sustainability projects around Asia.
“Thoreau says give me a wildness no civilization can endure. That's clearly not difficult to find. It is harder to imagine a civilization that wildness can endure, yet this is just what we must try to do.” -Gary Snyder
Here goes nothing! Wish us luck!
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