SOCIAL ORGANIZATION

How quickly and effectively we respond to the challenges of our changing world will largely depend on how our communities function. Communication and collaboration will be a key element in a graceful transition to a post-carbon world. Fostering relationships within our communities, especially with our neighbors, can promote mutual cooperation and provide a firm foundation for the creation of vibrant economically, socially and environmentally sustainable communities.

Here are a few neighborhood based ideas that could lead to discovering common interests, creating new friendships, reducing individuals’ labor, reducing cost, and creating closeness and a sense of belonging:

Ø      Create a carpool – This will reduce individuals’ cost for fuel and reduce Greenhouse Gas (GHG) Emissions.

Ø      Form a gardening group – Many hands make quick work. Exchange knowledge.

Ø      Create a buying club. This might be seeds, produce, or other materials.

Ø      Establish a babysitting exchange – Allows a parent much needed time and gives neighborhood kids a chance to discover each other.

Ø      Gather at neighborhood potlucks – Sharing food is a wonderful way of discovering each other. Have fun together.

Ø      Create a neighborhood asset inventory – Does everyone really need their own chainsaw, tractor, and lawnmower? Sharing existing tools and equipment would greatly reduce individuals’ carbon footprint and again offer an opportunity for cooperation.

Ø      Create a common playground and room for sports

Ø      Establish a neighborhood composting facility

Ø      Engage in barn/shed/house raisings

Ø      Become a Community Emergency Response Team member.

Ø      Send us your ideas.

Any action we can take as individuals that will reduce our use of fuel and associated GHG emissions will benefit future generations. So before you get in the car to run to the store for sugar, knock on your neighbor’s door and see if they can spare a cup!