Food and Festival

Permaculture is a way of life which shows us how to make the most of our resources by minimizing waste and maximizing potential. Living ecologically doesn't mean giving everything up, but relearning the value of nature and understanding new ways of being wealthy. It is the conscious design of a lifestyle which is highly productive and does not cause environmental damage. A way to meet our basic needs and still leave the earth a richer place for future generations.

A richer place for future generations, I do like how that sounds. After all, isn't that what our real legacy should be a healthy, prosperous planet where all Life thrives. This is not a dream or a fantasy but a practical reality. The knowledge exists; the technology exists, what we need is the will. What does it take for people to move from their self-centred, consumerist lifestyles to a way of living that not only nurtures but replenishes? In other words, what does it take to awaken the will, the free will we all posses to make choices each and every day.

I was giving voice to this line of thought, last Saturday as my partner and I we experiencing the Great Rendevous at Fort William on the outskirts of Thunder Bay. If you enjoy historical re-enactments, this yearly event is quite a treat. The heavy rain added an all too real reminder of the conditions these voyageurs endured in order to earn a meagre living.

As we were invited quests of the Fort we were provided with a buffet lunch which was held adjacent to their garden. I like of the idea of having lunch while watching food grow. It feels right.

This quiet contemplation and the ensuing discussion with my partner has lead to the topic that will consume us over the next three weeks, Food and Festival. It begins with an exploration of the question that I asked earlier: what does it take to awaken the will, the free will we all possess to make choices each and every day. Specifically, what role does food play in our society? We will then examine food as an attraction, a way to encourage people to partake in public activities.

We all need to eat. It is a common ground upon which to begin a discussion about our common future for we all share whatever fate may happen to us because of the choices we made. Why not explore the possibilities over a good meal made from organically grown local produce.

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