What organic and low-input has to offer growers, their customers and the planet – April 30th

Public meeting which has been planned to suit people who are already farming organically or who are thinking of doing so. Featuring Gundula Azeez, a former policy adviser to the Soil Association, Martin Peck, who raises sheep organically in Wales, and Joe Condon, who raises cattle organically in South Tipperary, selling the beef direct to the public.

A three-step emergency plan for Ireland

A three-step emergency plan for Ireland

by Richard Douthwaite, from Fleeing Vesuvius. This plan for bringing Ireland out of its current financial crisis brings together many of the ideas described in the book. It suggests two ways of introducing debt-free money into the economy. It then explains how the financial system could be restructured by means of new banking regulation and the use of equity partnerships, and finally it advocates a move towards energy independence in Ireland.

The economy – is stupid!

by Lothar Luken. Just had a crash, wrote off two cars. Now where's my medal for stimulating the economy? Two replacement cars have been bought; one driver seen by a doctor; an assessor coming to inspect the wreckage; state keeps motor tax for the old cars; insurance (UK-based!) pays scrapper for wreck crushing. Nice stimulus package - according to official theory.

The Transition Towns Movement; its huge significance, and a friendly criticism

by Ted Trainer. The only way the alarming global sustainability and justice problems can be solved is via a Transition Towns movement of some kind. At present the rapidly growing movement is inspiring, but there is an urgent need for critical thought about vision, goals, and means. There is a serious risk that without this it will not make a significant contribution to solving our problems.