Relocalization: An overview of an answer to peak oil crises
Posted by patriciamikkelson on March 18, 2008
Relocalization
To reach the goal of Sustainability, we advocate for the process of Relocalization. RELOCALIZATION means becoming self-reliant (not self-sufficient) at the local level and rebuilding our communities based on the local production of food, energy, and goods as well as the relocalization of governance and culture. It moves one step further than the strategy of Localization (increasing the local production of goods and services in order to fight the detrimental effects of globalization) in that Relocalization also makes a firm commitment to reducing consumption and improving environmental and social conditions. In this way, communities begin to develop a greater degree of economic self-reliance and stronger sense of community.
The Goals of Relocalization:
* Increase community energy security
* Strengthen local economics
* Dramatically improve environmental conditions and social equity
* Operate well inside eco-system limits
* Address the fears of scarcity and redefining the concept of “needs” and “enough.”
* Implementation of the Earth Charter – a sustainable framework and progress measure
The Results of Relocalization:
* A self-reliant local economy run by local stakeholders.
* A healthy community for ALL.
* A healthy and intact ecosystem that can sustain us.
* An increase in local manufacturing and energy production.
* Living wage jobs that fulfill the desire for right livelihood, and opportunities to reclaim lost skills.
* Healthy food grown locally on family farms.
* An improved quality of life—meeting the basic needs of all.
In these times of uncertainty, are you interested in actively helping to create the systemic change necessary to ensure the continued quality of life we enjoy so much here in Whatcom County? Yes, this is a challenge. But, together, it’s one we can meet. We have more in common than our needs for clean air and water, and nourishing soil.
We can work locally to create a microcosm of sustainability than can serve as an example for all the people that are fleeing the areas they live in now because they’ve been destroyed. Together, we can build a society that is ecologically wise and socially just. Our grandchildren will thank us for it.
Join us–because it is going to take us all to create the change we want to see in the world.
Sustainable Bellingham is a member of the Post Carbon Institute’s Relocalization Network.
http://www.relocalize.net/groups/bellingham
For more, read Global Relocalization – A Call To Action, from the Post Carbon Institute.
http://www.postcarbon.org/informed/relocalization
And Relocalization: A Strategic Response to Climate Change and Peak Oil, by Jason Bradford of WELL.
http://www.theoildrum.com/node/2598
And Relocalization and Reconnection, by Dave Ewoldt.
http://sustainablebellingham.org/wiki/wikka.php?wakka=RelocalizationAndR…
