Building Stronger Communities: A Guide to Bioregional Living

Bioregional living is all about focusing on the area where you live. It's about using local resources, supporting local businesses, and making decisions that benefit your community and the environment. This approach is gaining traction as people seek to reduce their reliance on global systems and build more sustainable, resilient communities.

Local Food

One of the key aspects of bioregional living is local food. By supporting local farmers and buying food that is grown nearby, you can help reduce the environmental impact of food transportation and support your local economy. There are many ways to get involved in local food systems, from shopping at farmers markets to starting a community garden. Organizations like Greenhorns and the National Young Farmers Coalition are working to support young farmers and make it easier for them to get started.

Local Money

Another important aspect of bioregional living is local money. By using local currencies and supporting community-owned banks, you can help keep money circulating within your community and reduce the power of large financial institutions. This can also help to reduce inequality and support local businesses. There are many resources available for those interested in learning more about local money, including books like The Public Bank Solution by Ellen Brown and Local Money by Peter North.

Energy

Energy is another important consideration in bioregional living. By shifting away from fossil fuels and towards renewable energy sources, you can help reduce your community's carbon footprint and support local energy production. There are many ways to get involved in local energy projects, from installing solar panels on your home to supporting community-owned renewable energy projects. Organizations like Sonoma Clean Power are leading the way in this area, showing how communities can take control of their energy future.

Communication

Communication is also an important aspect of bioregional living. By supporting local media and reducing your reliance on global media conglomerates, you can help to promote accurate, relevant information and reduce the spread of disinformation. This can also help to support local journalists and promote a more informed, engaged community. There are many ways to get involved in local media, from subscribing to your local newspaper to supporting community radio stations.

Culture

Culture is another important aspect of bioregional living. By supporting local artists, musicians, and cultural events, you can help to promote a unique, vibrant local culture and support your community's creative economy. There are many ways to get involved in local culture, from attending local events to supporting local artists and musicians. Organizations like the Ragtime Festival in Sedalia, Missouri, and the French Quarter Festival in New Orleans are great examples of how local culture can bring communities together.

Local Governance

Finally, local governance is an important aspect of bioregional living. By getting involved in local government and supporting policies that promote sustainability and resilience, you can help to shape the future of your community and promote a more just, equitable society. There are many ways to get involved in local governance, from attending city council meetings to running for office. Organizations like Regenerate Cascadia are leading the way in this area, showing how communities can come together to promote bioregional governance.