[tpverde]

Downsizing is a challenge, but I’m so glad I moved to a rural area in Costa Rica some 20 years ago, where most of my neighbors still know and practice the basic skills that kept them going for centuries. Fortunately a few friends and other like-minded families have joined the effort here at Pueblo Verde. We don’t need much to keep us warm, but beach wear is handy to cool off after a day turning the compost piles.

[tpverde]

Thanks for a great resume and some new thoughts.

I can’t underestimate the extent to which your analysis has influenced my directions here in Costa Rica.

You’re always welcome here at Pueblo Verde.

[tpverde]

Frankly, I can relate to the feelings of ‘paralysis’ described above by flmrdl…Even though I’m involved in lot’s of positive work here in Costa Rica, helping small farmers, reforestation in our valley, raising awareness about climate change, etc, etc…at times I am literally speechless about the apparent lack of concern/awareness, especially among the ‘New-agers” who tend to congregate in the surfing areas along the nearby coast.

I’m often encouraged to be more positive, and I agree, but, for me, the “smiley face” is only honest in the light of acknowledging–and addressing–the “uncomfortable truths of our situation.”

[tpverde]

Without going into an analysis about the growing use of wind and solar…it might be handy to recall the Hirsch report…..”we don’t have an energy crisis, we have a liquid fuels crisis.”

At last look, 95% of all transport worldwide was still via fossil fuels….
going on 1 billion vehicles……

glad I can walk to the beach and don’t have to heat my home….

[tpverde]

very appropriate, pointing out what life is like in the low energy consumption economies of the Third World…..”the future is here, it is just not evenly distributed.”

[tpverde]

In retrospect, so glad to have made a move out of the de-industrialising world’ into a rural area of Costa Rica and started farming. My neighbors are more concerned with tending their crops, herding their cattle and goats and occasionally getting drunk and dancing. Slowly attracting like minded refugees from the simmering cauldron. http://www.puebloverde.org

[tpverde]

Lot’s have a sense that the ship is sinking. The date of submergence depends a lot on who you are, how you’ve prepared and where you’re at.

I bailed to Costa Rica for other reasons, found an area somewhat off the beaten path and have neighbors who are frugal and remember how to live off the land. We grow, barter and buy locally, walk or bike to the beach and don’t get too hot or too cold. It’s not for everyone, but some enjoy the slower pace, the monkeys in the trees and a growing sense that the fast lane is getting more crowded and dangerous. best of luck to all in these ‘interesting times.’

[Author]

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