Keeling Curve

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Project Summary / Description:

These projects were formed to address a long list of ""dis-ease"" within our current socio-economic paradigm. Fundamentally, we are slowly discovering our perceptions and cosmologies are misaligned with the physics and ecology of our Planet. The rapid shift from top down policies in energy, food, finance, etc. have not occurred at the rate of change necessary to avoid feed-back loops that will cause punctuated catastrophic decline of global ecosystem services. Thus, small-scale, decentralized local and community-based resiliency strategies that directly address basic needs, cohesion and environmental justice are desperately needed to achieve appropriate scale and replication.

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Best Estimate of GHG Avoidance/Reduction of This Project (Tonnes CO2 Equivalent/Year):

Impact on Underrepresented Groups:

Though this has not been the founding mission, the issue of environmental and social justice has become strongly wrapped in the history of all organizations represented. We learned early that we can not save the vital biodiversity and ecosystems of our Planet without engaging people. We simply can not put up a fence--all of us must learn to ""live within the Park."" Our models of development have always focused on self-sufficiency, of ""walking the talk"", pragmatic and realistic solutions, of inclusion of all actors and players in visioning a world better than what we were given. Most of our early work in natural fiber handicrafts was with women's groups, indigenous communities and low income communities of color. Our first three biodiesel plants were located in Brownfields in an industrial corridor and Hope VI Community of color. We learned quickly that we needed to include the community in all aspects of operations and nearly all of our employees were ex-offenders or have suffered trauma from addiction or other challenges. Though we have no managers that represent people of color (the challenge of finding and being able to pay for those with environmental science training), the biggest impact has been engagement of minority children within the neighborhoods we have worked. Hundreds of kids have gained their first job and experience helping at our sites. Several still work with us today as adults. Of the 5 part-time Managers, two are women.

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