U R Here of people’s wealth has stagnated or declined in the global economy of recent decades) and the little known or considered (human happiness and satisfaction have measurably declined with the rise of the globalized economy). McKibben does not undermine basic economic precepts. He says we need markets. And he says wealth does make people happier. But only up to a point. Today, only the few in control of the global economy actually are increasing their wealth (and they’re going south now, too). And wealth raises happiness fairly quickly, but a point of diminishing returns soon sets in.
EAT LOCAL. RENT LOCAL. BUY LOCAL.
SHOP THE
northside NEAR LINN AND MARKET
You will not hear Barack Obama talk about relocalization of our economies. So it’s up to us.
All three of these visionary—but oh so practical—thinkers go into much more specific detail about how the relocalization of economies would actually work, detail that I cannot adequately address in this short space. If you’re skeptical, McKibben especially can show you how and why relocalization is not only necessary but eminently doable (yet not without problems and challenges, admittedly). And as all three of the authors I’ve cited point out, relocalization is already happening—and happening at accelerating rates. You will not hear Barack Obama talk about relocalization of our economies as he fashions his own federal policies to help “Joe the Plumber.” So it’s up to us—to shop at our local merchants, to patronize the farmers market, to produce (and conserve) energy to the extent we can close to home, to care for our local fields and woodlands and streams, to create and share our own stories and songs and artworks. As we relocalize, we turn our attention to supporting each other in community directly. We share our treasure more willingly and equitably. We help ensure social justice much more readily. We produce and enjoy much higherquality goods and services. And we build a happier, more resilient, and more abundant society. Indeed, being together in this place is our most promising field of hope. Thomas Dean teaches Introduction to Place Studies and The Good Society through The University of Iowa Division of Interdisciplinary Programs.
For great food and shopping, HEAD TO THE NORTHSIDE!
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January 2009 | Little Village
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