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Is it our Moment to Shine, Byron? In her landmark work Doughnut Economic, economist and author Kate Raworth outlines an alternative economic model to the current one – which has cost us so dearly over the past decades, in terms of social inequality, ecological disaster and economic instability. As she outlines in the work, it was self evident long ago – to Marx and others – that there is really no such thing as a ‘free market’ and that there were ludicrously gaping assumptions in the suggestion that markets, left to their own devices, would self-correct and achieve stability over time. What in fact happens, is exactly what Elizabeth Magie intended to demonstrate when she created the game that would later go on to be re-named Monopoly – that free markets intrinsically create radical inequality over time, by their very nature. I mention all of this because many in our unique community of outliers, dissenters and black sheep have been saying such things about the fundamental flaws of capitalism for decades. The problem too often
though has been the lack of an actionable solution being brought to the table. It’s been easy to suggest that pushing the needle all the way to the other extreme and embracing socialism was the answer. But of course socialism (in its pure form at least) also failed as a model long ago. Indeed the success stories of ‘socialism’ (primarily in Scandinavian countries) are all hybrid models – an a la carte mash-up of socialism and capitalism. In the doughnut economic model though, we have the first truly new system put on the table in over half a century – at least inasmuch as feasible and viable social / political models go. The first step of course is to redefine the KPIs – how we define success, and what it is that we consider worth measuring. A re-boot of fundamental social values, if you will. I get excited about an opportunity as grandiose in scope as this, primarily because in a world of so much anxiety and angst with the way things are, there is an invitation for us to focus upon the kinds of paradigm shifts such radical
new solutions that such a time can be a catalyst for. Indeed no band-aid solution, incremental innovation or legislative amendment is going to fix what is broken right now. We’re going to need to embrace the creative destruction of redundant models and try something entirely new. I believe that we as a community are natural leaders in role modelling just this kind of new model, and indeed many amongst us are already making great strides in areas of focus, including: the circular economy, impact investing, micro-finance, regenerative agriculture and generally transitioning out of an inequitable, perpetual-debt-based system – one which requires perpetual growth that we can no longer facilitate or afford. So, be encouraged – our community of exceptional out-of-the-box progressive thinkers – that there are practical, actionable solutions for moving us all toward the kind of world we would like to inhabit. And the entire world is very much open right now to having those solutions role-modelled for them.
Todd Sotheren
Device Trader (formerly iRepairs Byron Bay) are taking a new approach to consumer electronics with their Trade in, Repair, Refurbish and Resell business model. When speaking to The Echo, founder Duane Tutchen said ‘The purchase of refurbished electronics has increased massively over the past couple of years. Basically, for a lot of the population there has been a shift away from the need to have the latest and greatest electronics. We believe there are a few reasons for this. The price tag plays a huge factor (refurbished can mean up to 50% off the original retail price) but also, devices that are only a few years old are still more than capable of doing the job that most people need them to perform’. 1/130 Jonson St, Byron Bay | Phone: 6685 5585 Email: info@devicetrader.co www.devicetrader.co
Buying or selling a property should be a wonderful, exciting experience! Enjoy the journey, let Megan and her team take out the stress and worry!
www.echo.net.au/byron-echo Byron Shire Echo archives
Proud Byron community member Todd Sotheren. President, Byron Bay Chamber of Commerce.
The Green Tech Effect
Megan Middleton Conveyancing Megan’s quick tips: Selling a property in NSW? Contact us early as NSW legislation requires a complete contract for sale to be prepared prior to marketing by your real estate agent – get in touch with us now and we’ll help you get it right. Purchasing a home is a huge investment. For many of us, it’s the largest investment we’ll make so ensure you engage our services early, so that we can check the contract, do any pre-exchange checks of the property and liaise with your financier, to ensure your loan approval is in place. Using a conveyancer saves time and money because you’re engaging the services of a professional who focuses solely on your conveyancing needs. Legal practitioners must also perform other types of legal work, where conveyancers deal only with property transactions. It’s all we do and that’s why we are so good at it! For exceptional attention to detail, fixed fees, and local expertise, Megan Middleton Conveyancing is your best choice when buying or selling property. Megan Middleton Conveyancing is local to Byron Bay. Contact Megan or her assistant Coby today on 0499 149 832
It’s our moment to shine Byron – let’s embrace the opportunity to role-model a more equitable and sustainable way forward for humanity.
Synergy Group Synergy Group is a local HACCP & ACO certified facility offering cost effective packaging and labelling solutions for the food, beverage and cosmetic industries. Operating from their coolrooms at their Tweed Heads factory, the team are experienced and efficient in all types of assembly, labelling and packaging – from powders and hard foods, to oils and sauces. In addition to this they run as a not-for-profit, providing employment opportunities to adults living with a disability in our community. For businesses big and small – low minimum orders and fast turnarounds guaranteed. Visit our website for services and testimonials. Plus, if you’re packaging elsewhere, we’ll happily try and beat the price! Support Local. www.synergygroup.org.au mşưĕŔćĕſ ǩǮǽ ǩǧǨǰ The Byron Shire Echo 17