I hear it all the time, from many quarters, that magic word “hope.” Indeed, we stand at the brink of a new administration in Washington, one that explicitly promotes hope along side another favorite buzzword, change. “Hope” was even in the title of our new president’s book, “The Audacity of Hope: Thoughts on Reclaiming the American Dream.” But an even stronger word hovers just out of range, barely below the surface, but suggested so forcefully by that very title. That word is denial.

Dear Friends:

Public awareness about global warming has surged since the release of Al Gore’s “An Inconvenient Truth” – but we have a long way to go. Many climate scientists tell us that we must reduce carbon emissions by 2% each year - or 80% by 2050. Others tell us we need to reduce carbon emissions 80% or 90% within 10 years. If we do not begin immediately reducing our carbon emissions (our energy use), we’re headed for runaway accelerating climate change. Continuing to do business as usual will lead us off a cliff.

Everyone enjoys a little romp with a favorite pet on a well kept lawn or perhaps relaxing on a lovely day with a good book or picnic spread. But few are aware that lawns got their start in pre-industrial Britain and France with the aristocratic classes desiring to show off their excess acreage by growing grass and ornamentals. At that time, having these elegantly manicured expanses was a sign of stature and wealth because it meant the owner didn’t need to use all his land for the cultivation of food.

Permaculture is a design system for sustainable living and for land use. It is an empowering response to environmental and social crisis.