One: 06-04-2009 [Idea for Self-sustainabilty/support system in your neighborhood]

Hi All
I am officially back home and ready to get started on this project I have had in mind for some time. I have discussed it with a few people already and have received very positive responses from them. Now I would like to put it forward with the rest of you.
I want to create something of a support system within each suburb to somewhat ease the effects that the recession is having on us. Now, perhaps more so than ever before, we need to explore methods of self sustainability and support those struggling with unemployment.

I have discussed vegetable and herb garden ideas a few times in previous blogs, and again, it forms the foundation or starting point for this project. This is intended to lower monthly grocery costs, provide fresh produce that is of a higher nutritional value, and most importantly, bring people together.

I propose that the houses within a suburb are grouped together into groups of, say, ten houses. Each group then specializes in growing certain vegetables. Originally I had thought to have ten houses growing carrots, ten growing potatoes, another ten grow tomatoes, and so forth. But then thought perhaps it would be better to look at permaculture and companion planting so as to avoid the need for transplanting. Vegetables can also then grow within your existing garden beds if you don’t have space to start a separate vegetable patch. Correct companion planting will also eliminate the need for insecticides and such products as certain plants act as natural insect repellants.

So each house, or group of houses, will grow say three different vegetables. A list is then compiled of who is growing what and then distributed to all the residents. Whenever you are in need of a particular vegetable, you can just check the list, ring up one of the residents growing it, and collect from them. Produce is to be given freely. There is to be no cost or need for trading of items. This applies to all residents in the neighborhood.

I suggest this instead of exchanging for the following reasons. One: You may want tomatoes from me, but I have no need for anything you are growing. And if I did, how many tomatoes are to be traded for so many carrots for example. To avoid this uncertainty and also any sort of competition, giving freely is the best option. This leads me to the second point: It is time for people to make that shift to have no expectation of receiving anything in return when they help or give something to another.

This project also aims to develop more of a relationship between all of the residents. So many of us don’t even know who our next-door neighbors are, I would like to see this change; to see neighbors supporting one another through difficult times.

Many of you may not know a thing about growing your own vegetables, let alone companion planting and permaculture. Well, nor do I, but it is something I plan to learn more about. This also provides yet another opportunity for us to learn form one another. Those who have even basic knowledge on this topic are encouraged to share what they know and help with any problems that may arise. The rest of us have the responsibility of making an effort to learn.

Growing your own foods also opens up a door for recycling. Any organic waste and scraps can be used for compost heaps or to maintain earthworm farms, both of which provide food for your garden. Each person could have their own small system going with earthworms or compost heaps, or a group of people in the neighborhood could handle this instead of growing vegetables themselves.

This is just the starting point for the project and I believe it has the potential to go much further. I encourage you to share your thoughts on all this and any ideas that could help to develop it further. I would like to hear from you first before I approach the ward councilors from nearby areas about it. It may not be an easy task getting all of this going. Growing your own foods may initially require a fair amount of work, but I think it is important work to do. It isn’t necessary for the whole neighborhood to be interested or get involved in order for this to work. It can work, perhaps more effectively, with a small group, and then it can grow from there.

I hope you enjoyed reading this and that it inspires some ideas in your own mind. I will write more on this once the idea is more developed and has gained more interest. Again, your input would be greatly appreciated.

Your Brother in Love, Light, and Service,
Ryan

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