In my last column I proposed that part of our
strategy to cope with our present energy and ecological crisis might
be to rediscover village life today. But is it possible to turn back
the clock? To reverse modern progress and re-adopt patterns of life
from the past? Is it not ludicrous to suggest that the way forward is
backward?
To be sure, there is not likely to be a mass
exodus from our cities to re-establish villages in the countryside.
Although I know of some people who have indeed left the big city in
search of a more sustainable and holistic lifestyle. I think this
will happen with increasing frequency in the future. I support such
moves, especially when it does not mean long commutes to the city for
work and shopping.
But the big challenge is for those of
us who remain in the city to transition to a village lifestyle where
we live. For starters, we must reject the philosophy of autonomous
individualism that forms the bedrock of modern cities. The notion
that cities are a collection of individuals all seeking their own
customized lifestyles not only feeds a consumptive lifestyle that
requires large amounts of energy but also puts undue stress on our
environment.
So here are a few ideas for urbanites
to morph into “villagers” in the city.
Find ways to get around that require less
energy coming from fossil fuel. Biking is making a comeback in our
cities, even in winter. Carpooling is another option. Driving
smaller, more fuel efficient or even electric vehicles is another.
When I was a teenager, the rite of passage to adulthood was to buy a
car. My youngest son has rejected that notion and at age 27 doesn’t
own a vehicle. Learn from your children!
Look for points of interest to
discover close to home. Sure there is a world to explore in far-away
places, but it is ironic that many globe-trotters have never even
looked in their own backyards for vacation spots that often attract
people from the other side of the world. And even if you don’t
meet world travelers there, you might meet your neighbor!
Discover, support and
participate in entertainment that emerges at home. Big name bands in
far away places, for example, also come from some place, just like
your local group does.
Grow as much of your own food in
your backyard or in a community garden as you can. And suggest to
other gardening families that you work together at preserving the
local harvest by canning, freezing and especially drying fruits and
vegetables.
These are only a few
suggestions on how to re-discover village life in the 21st
century. You can surely add ideas to this list if your heart is in
it. And rest assured that the further you go down this road the more
you will begin to experience true community at least somewhat
reminiscent of village life a century ago.
Jack Heppner | 