Getting Local

I recently read an article by Max Gladwell, one of the major players in the 'sustainability through social media' conversation. On his blog Gladwell wrote about the recent SXSW panel on 'accelerating sustainability through social media' and explains the distinctions between true sustainable systems versus convenient shades of green.

It's an interesting article and while I certainly don't agree with all of Max's ideas, especially when it comes to what he referred to as "meaningful solutions" (read about that conversation on Way Beyond Green), I am promoting the part about decentralized food production.

Gladwell may not have a clue about indigenous practices, but when it came to decentralizing food production he hit the nail on the head. If implemented, the idea of promoting local crops would be a tremendous step forward for both sustainable food production and energy conservation.

Whether through local farms, community gardens or in local farmer's markets, the practice of growing and sharing in the harvest encourages community sustainability and a develops participation in the local environment. It builds in all kinds of great stuff like relationships based on the successful life cycle of place. It's deep sustainability with ancient indigenous roots.

True sustainable solutions start with learning about indigenous practices. Food traditions is a big part of the conversation. Feel free to 'eavesdrop' on the indigenous conversation by joining twitter and listening in on the #indigneous and #nativefoods twitter stream. Ask a question (keep it clean please) and promote a conversation. We'd love to hear from you. And let us know what you're doing to build local food connections.

image courtesy of Creative Commons & NatalieMaynor


Technorati Tags: sustainability, SXSW, social media and green living, max gladwell