Local needs met locally

“Every increase in local capacity to grow food, generate energy, repair, build and finance will strengthen the capacity to withstand disturbances of all kinds. Distributed energy in the form of widely disbursed solar and wind technology, for example, buffers communities from supply interruptions, failure of the electrical grid, and price shocks. Similarly, a regionally based, solar-powered food system would restore small farms, preserve soil, create local employment, rebuilt stable economies, and provide better food while reducing carbon emissions and dependence on long-distance transport from distant suppliers. The primary goal in rethinking development and economic growth is to create resilience – capacity to withstand the disturbances that will become more frequent and severe in the decades ahead”. David Orr, ‘Down to the Wire’
A vibrant, diverse local economy is a healthy and resilient economy. Meeting local needs locally can mean less pollution and emissions from unnecessary transport, as well as providing economic opportunities. Some have tried to argue that this approach is anti-trade. Others contend it is just anti dependence on trade.
=== Action Ideas ===
=== Resources ===
*Will You and Your Community Survive Collapse?, Dave Pollard, December 24, 2010. Transition and Resilience: 65 Essential Abilities For a Relocalized World
*Short Circuit, Strengthening Local Economies for Security in an Unstable World: online edition of the book, by Richard Douthwaite. Includes updates to individual sections.
=== Random facts ===
*Studies show that people at farmers’ markets have as many as 10 times more conversations, greetings, and other social interactions than people in supermarkets. Source: Worldwatch Institute 
=== Related ===
*Green Map System
*Green Map Atlas
*Local Greenlinks Directories
*International Society for Ecology and Culture