The shouting happened yesterday morning when I opened my e-mail box!
I first let my boss’s boss know, as he was hugely instrumental in the success of my project, encouraging me every step of the way, inquiring about my progress, and also helping me secure the necessary permissions for the final project plans.
And then I told everyone else!
I have always been very eco-conscious, but this gives me the motivation to become a lot more mindful when making purchases for my household of two (me and the cat!). I have considered becoming a locavore, but it isn’t a practical solution. However, there are many problems that I can find alternative, more environmentally sound, solutions for, instead of simply buying gadgets!
In one of his last lectures, Tom said we must beware of becoming Permevangelists, as not everyone shares our passion for sustainability. I agree. What I should do from here on out is to actively LIVE a more sustainable lifestyle, to show others that I am not wasting away in squalor just because I don’t live the way everyone else does. Besides, there is money to be made from Permaculture if one goes about it wisely, and an abundant lifestyle that money can’t buy. Plus being creative is FUN!
I have started to prepare a proposal to present to my local city council so that the project that I created for my PDC can be implemented. It’s not merely about greening the environment, but many egos need to be stroked and expectations need to both be established and met. I plan to complete it at as low a cost as practically possible, without skimping on quality at all! Not impossible, even in corrupt South Africa, but a lot of creative thought will have to go into the process.
In the meantime, I am also considering creating a Facebook page for this new venture. It will be good to be able to document projects and promote other sustainable companies and services here in my city, as well as in the rest of South Africa.