The Life and Culture of Ecotopia

E.N. Anderson

Everyone is an advocate or student of man’s relationship with nature, however the state of the environment does not reflect this.

The increase of population and resources put more pressure on the food base every year.

Few have paid attention to the food crisis. Anthropologists are unique and shuttle between two different

worlds. Anthropologists are also noted for bridging the gap between

biological and social sciences. Anthropologists must take responsibility for their actions.

Research needs to be oriented toward genuine solutions of the problem

1

Ecological crisis is due to exploitation Ecological costs will show up in economic costs and

someone will pay. Real costs are always passed onto general public Peru overfishing their anchovy stocks. Concerns:- Extraction is cheaper than recycling- Single use is more economical than multiple use- Population explosion occurs.

2

3Ecological crisis is the result of the political

and economic structureDisagrees with Lynn White Difference between demand and effective

demand- Example: Americans demand wilderness

conservation, but do not pay for it in the marketplace

4Constructing and ecotopia is a final goal

for anthropologistsGroundwork in the form of research is

neededPlanning is necessary as wellPopulation and consumption will stop

because they must- energy consumption must level itself

5Anthropologists should allocate their efforts in seven ways:1) When research is conducted, make it relevant to some

aspect of planning2) In studies, the relationship between community and world

market should be determined3) How to maximize the local relationship should also be

determined4) Look at designing a new culture on a worldwide scale5) New priorities must be established6) Organizational changes must be made7) Anthropologists must learn and cooperate from other

disciplines.

Question:

In your opinion, what is the most effective way anthropologists can allocate their efforts?

Ecotopian Possibilities and the Sustainable Future

James Veteto and Joshua Lockyer

Earthaven Ecovillage

Earthaven Ecovillage

Located in western North CarolinaFounded in 1994 on 320 acresCurrently has 60 members

‘‘Ecovillages are human-scale, fullfeatured settlements in which human activities are harmlessly integrated into the natural world in a way that is supportive of healthy human development, andwhich can be successfully continued into the indefinite future’’ (Dawson 2006:13).

To achieve sustainability, actions grounded in knowledge of “local ecological, political–economic, and socio-cultural systems combined with a global awareness and scientific acumen”

Permaculture is an ethical philosophyEarthaven followed this philosophyPermaculture is a combination of permanent,

culture, and agriculture.Views humans and their activities and

creations as part of the natural world

History of Permaculture

Created by Bill Mollison and David HolmgrenNegative response among academicsPositive response among the public

Three Ethical Principles of Permaculture

1) Care for the earth2) Care for people3) Set limits to consumption and reproduction

and redistribute surplusQuestion:

Do you live by any of the principles above? How?

12 Design Principles of Permaculture

1) Observe and interact2) Catch and store energy3) Obtain a yield4) Apply self regulation

and feedback5) Use and value

renewable resources and services

6) Produce no waste

7) Design from patterns to details

8) Integrate rather than segregate

9) Small and slow solutions10) Use and value diversity11) Use edges and value

the marginal12) Creatively use and

respond to change

Engaging Permaculture: Areas of Theoreticaland Applied Compatibility

Cultural EcologyAgricultural AnthropologyHistorical EcologyEthnoecologyPolitical Ecology

Question:Given the two scenarios, which one best fits

you?

“Permaculture: A Designers Manual”

Bill Mollison

Permaculture Design Philosophy

Action is pertinent and necessaryLife is a cooperative forceAdoption of aboriginal belief systems will be

of great benefit to us

Question:Do you use a spiritual belief system in your

interactions with the environment?

Ethics

Ethical basis of permaculture as described by Anderson

Philosophy of working with, not against the earth

Questions can be asked in two waysRules of use:- Necessitous use- Conservative use

Multiple ways to achieve permanence and stability

- Peasant approach- Permanent approach- Communal approach

- The move from permanent productive systems to annual, commercial systems has created a shift from low to high energy

- No such thing as “free energy”

Permaculture in Landscape and Society

Basis of permaculture is beneficial design Difference between cultivated ecosystem and

natural one Home and garden is important

Two Responsibilities:

1) Get your home and garden to support you2) Limit population growth