In 1999, I was seeking a way to reduce both hunger and poverty in a non-violent manner. The reason driving this search was the failure to at all levels of government and far too many individuals to, pay any significant attention to the dire conditions people, men, women, children, were living in.
For the previous two years, I had been employed as a community-activist with an anti-poverty organization. It had begun to feel like I was banging my head against a wall. Something had to change and violence was not an acceptable answer. Food security and community food security had become my focus, everyone wants to eat. Food is our common ground.
As I was traveling around the 'Net, I stumbled upon permaculture and the work of Bill Mollison and David Holmgren. In short, the two men, coined the word permaculture from the words permanent and agriculture. For me and in keeping with the theme of this entry, was the sense that underlying the essence of permaculture was a belief we had to take responsibility for the action we take, the words we speak and what we do.
Our actions have consequences. Think first. Accept that you are responsible for what you do, say, and think. This fundamental approach to life has the potential to bring about significant, positive changes.