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Living In Place

© Bob Ewing

Rain, after a too long dry spell it rained. It rained for hours, a slow and gentle fall that had time to sink into the ground and nourish the thirsty earth. The sun is out now warming the soil. The late afternoon breeze blowing off the Lake and through my kitchen window feels fresh and alive. We may get some more rain tomorrow. I can only hope that it is so.

We can do little, at least in the short term, about the weather, but we can use our imagination and our abilities to create ways that we can live sustainably. Last week I began a review of Anna Edey's book: "Solviva: How To Grow $500,000 On One Acre & Peace On Earth." Solviva is more than just another self-sufficiency book. Edey has given us a blueprint for creating a sustainable home. One where we can enjoy Life to the fullest and truly Live in Place, regardless of where that place may be.

I quote from the cover; "Revealing the Truth about how we can provide electricity, heating, cooling, transportation, food, solid waste and wastewater management in ways that reduce pollution and depletion of resources by 80 percent or more, and at the same time reduce cost of living and improve quality of life."

Imagination and innovation are watchwords throughout this blueprint. The colour photographs and drawings enhance the text and give visual support to the work that Edey has undertaken and what could be possible if we would let it be so.

Solviva is also a journey of self-discovery, a journey that most of us, who are seeking to Live sustainably in place, are on. I am in the process of designing my home which will eventually be built on property, which my partner and I manage in trust, in Nova Scotia. Solviva has been an inspiration and opened up design possibilities that I had not previously considered. More importantly, it has given me a renewed sense of hope that sustainable living is possible, not just for a few but for society as well. Edey's drawing of the Solargreen White House shows what we can do when we make a commitment, a political and social commitment to live in harmony within a healthy, self-regenerating ecosystem.

Edey has provided a new definition for home and homestead. You don't need sprawling acres to make ends meet. What you do need is inspiration, imagination and determination. When you live with a clear intent you can work miracles.

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