SEEDS FROM PLOT 509

     Like layers of an onion, there are many layers of consciousness to wrap one's head around when it comes to our lives and living. For example, I describe below what I can imagine as being possible and even today does exist. Looking at many of the midwestern communities that have come over from Europe, the Mennonites, the Quakers, and even some that had sprouted from the 60's, these people have shown that we can live well with each other and well with the land.


1st: Choosing to eat more vegetables and fruits and whole grains.

2nd: Choosing to eat organic foods over conventionally raised foods.

3rd: Buying bulk goods to reduce packaging.

4th: Using reusable containers for the bulk goods.

5th: Avoiding store-bought canned goods, and, instead, processing ones own canned goods from large amounts of produce and other goods purchased from local markets and farms.

6th: Creating a space and growing one's own cooking herbs, as well as drying some for later use.

7th: Creating a larger space and growing favorite selections of heirloom vegetables and fruits during the available growing season.


     At this point I can point out that one can create gardening nutrients by composting the garden scraps and food scraps. One does not need to purchase outside fertilizer.


8th: Getting together with one or more families and obtaining some land to share the work and benefits of raising chickens for fresh eggs and hens for meat.

9th: Raising small or miniature cattle for milk, creating dairy foods and meat that can be used too.


     It would be wise to grow ones own grains for feed for the chickens and the cattle. Thus more land could be shared for this opportunity.

10th: Trading goods in amongst community settings can bring about new tastes and ideas and general all around good feelings for each other.

11th: Using farm equipment that uses biodisel. Trading skills, equipment and goods to bring the communities together.

12th: Using animal wastes to create fertilizing nutrients, ie: compost for the gardens and grains.

13th: Rotating grazing and farming lots so that overuse of the land does not occur.

14th: Studying and practicing whenever possible the techniques of Masanobu Fukuoka from the book he wrote: The One Straw Revolution.

15th: Utilizing solar and wind energy on the farm and at one's own home, too.

16th: Biking whenever possible and utilizing the energy created by stationary biking, ie: to run a television or a blender.

17th: Holding swap meets for clothing and other items within the communities.

18th: Learning to repair as much as possible. Avoiding disposable products and aquiring durable items instead.


     If we all implement even just the first few layers discribed above, we could enjoy the benefits of a healthier foundation and the bliss of being outside in nature. Possibly by following further layers, I think that this can be a start towards fending off earlier effects of global warming and help keep humankind around a little longer with our brother and sister animal friends.

     By Aspen Marks