The study of our genuine needs: healthy food;
clean air and water, shelter, clothing, heating, power, transport,
close community relations, art and entertainment.
That
we become aware of the basic skills required to produce these
needs locally.
The pinpointing of local craftspeople possessing these skills
and making this informlation available to all concerned.
The
training of Cortes Islanders in these skills and in the concept
of natural sustainability.
The
setting up of a local trading/gift economy to reduce the need
for high wage employment and its resulting stress.
Local processing of raw materials and keeping
value-added at home.
Major reduction
in motor vehicle traffic and the use of fossil fuels. Improvement
in public transport.
Reducing imports
of materials from off Island and abroad.
Getting other communities
in BC involved in local self-sufficiency, and studying their
ideas.
THE
METHOD
A data base of
craft Guilds and the interests and skills of Cortes Islanders
has already been prepared in the "Earmark Book". See
"An
Evolving List of the Guilds",
below.
Guild
leaders are high-lighted in the "Earmark Book list"
. They can be contacted by anyone (particularly young people)
wishing to learn or improve their skills.
A LOCAL
TRADING/GIFT ECONOMY
Barter is a simple
means of trading one's skills or possessions in return for one's
needs without exchange of money.
The
Gift Economy - giving without expecting repayment, has been practiced
successfully in many small communities worldwide, throughout
history. If even a small group of people are open to giving freely
of their time and resources, eveyone wins. A helps B, B helps
C and so on; X, Y or Z helps A. The system promotes close community
relations and all are happier and less stressed. One asks for
help when necessary, and offers help when asked. If one is asked
"What do I owe you?" the answer is "Nothing; help
someone else when you get the chance."
"I believe
that this system, which I have seen working well in Wales, India,
Nepal and on Cortes Island, carries with it a beneficial Multiplication
Factor in which all participants are happier, and receive much
more than they give."
Sedley
Sweeny:
founder Cortes SeIf-Sufficiency