Info, news & debate

People

More on the money problem: it doesn’t have to be ‘scarce’

| 0

Following on from a recent post by Tom Greco, on the essential nature of money, Dil Green of Lowimpact.org and Mutual Credit Services here talks about its apparent scarcity, how that negatively affects our communities and our well-being, and how it could be different – based on mutual credit and the commons economy.

Read more about More on the money problem: it doesn’t have to be ‘scarce’

Earth Overshoot day and the importance of low impact living

| 0

Today (August 2nd) is Earth Overshoot day. Not heard of this? It means that between January 1st and August 2nd our use of Earth’s resources is equivalent to what it can regenerate in a year. Our demand on nature exceed it’s biocapacity. Sadly, since 1971 this date has crept forward as we continue to live

Read more about Earth Overshoot day and the importance of low impact living

Stroud Commons 5: forming a ‘commoners’ group for each sector of the economy

| 0

This is the latest in a series of articles documenting our group’s attempts to build the commons economy in Stroud, in a way that can be implemented in other towns, and connected together to build the foundations of a new, commons economy. It covers what we’ve done so far, and how people can get involved.

Read more about Stroud Commons 5: forming a ‘commoners’ group for each sector of the economy





Conversation with Jem Bendell, part 2: how should we respond to the collapse of capitalism?

| 0

This is the second part of a conversation between Dave Darby of Lowimpact.org and Jem Bendell, professor of sustainability leadership at the University of Cumbria, and author of the now famous 2018 Deep Adaptation paper that claimed that we’re on an inevitable path to civilisational collapse.

Read more about Conversation with Jem Bendell, part 2: how should we respond to the collapse of capitalism?

Conversation with Jem Bendell, part 1: is industrial capitalism coming to an end?

| 7

This is the first part of a conversation between Dave Darby of Lowimpact.org and Jem Bendell, professor of sustainability leadership at the University of Cumbria, and author of the now famous 2018 Deep Adaptation paper that claimed that we’re on an inevitable path to civilisational collapse.

Read more about Conversation with Jem Bendell, part 1: is industrial capitalism coming to an end?

Regenerative traditions in Africa: inspiration for the commons everywhere

| 0

Building the commons may be hard in wealthier countries, where traditions of mutual aid were lost many years ago. But they’re still alive and well in other parts of the world – as this article by Janet of Grassroots Economics / Sarafu Network shows. I interviewed the director of Grassroots Economics, Shaila Agha, who told me about ‘chamas’ in Kenya – mutual savings groups, built on trusted relationships in local communities.

Read more about Regenerative traditions in Africa: inspiration for the commons everywhere




Calendula

Calendula moisturising bars

| 2

The best thing about growing Calendula for me is watching all the insects that come to enjoy those bright happy flowers that sway and sing with the wind. Calendula is a must have for any cottage garden/allotment/informal space and is an excellent open flower which is perfect for those insects and bees. Calendula officinalis is

Read more about Calendula moisturising bars


Why is the co-operative movement so successful in Emilia Romagna? With Matt Hancock (no, not that one)

| 7

Today I’m talking with Matt Hancock, who’s been heavily involved with the co-operative movement in Emilia Romagna – the region of Italy around Bologna. There’s a huge, very successful co-op sector in ER. I want to try to find out in this interview is why – what’s special about ER, and can it be emulated elsewhere?

Read more about Why is the co-operative movement so successful in Emilia Romagna? With Matt Hancock (no, not that one)