From Oil Dependency to Local Resilience
Rob Hopkins
Chelsea Green (2008)
We have choices about the future of the planet which include joining proactive groups building more resilient communities or fearing the worst from Climate Change and Peak Oil. Rob Hopkins, Founder of the Transitions Town movement in England chose to join with others and not only visualize a healthier and happier future for life on this planet, but he has sparked Transition Towns to sprout and take up wings around the globe.
Published in 2008, "The Transition Handbook" tells the story of the early years when Transition Towns in Totnes and Lewes started the ball rolling in the UK when 300 to 400 townspeople showed up to movie screenings on local resiliency and other Transition Town events, where mistakes were made and creativity envisioned better human-powered communities. These folks reassessed the use of fossil fuels, planted nut trees, build cob structures, and celebrated their communities, instead of spreading doom and gloom. The message of putting community first ahead of commerce reminds me of the Volunteer Simplicity movement of the 1990s. Less truly is more.
However, Hopkins goes beyond just spreading good vibes of community efforts. The book provides recipes and exercises for launching Transition Towns on islands, regions in cities, and towns. Fortunately, I don't have to join with others in starting a Transition Town in Bellingham, since this green city falls under Transition Whatcom--over 1,000 members strong. Similar to the original Transition Towns in the UK, Transition Whatcom also has permaculture, money, Heart and Soul, neighborhood, farming, barter and exchange and other groups. Transition Whatcom hosts a movie night every month, lines up with like-minded organizations, and hosts several events throughout the year including a Skill Share Faire in September.
Join the movement.
http://www.transitionculture.org