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What
is a Transition Town?
A Transition Town is a community making an organized effort to tackle
the dual challenges of peak oil (declining resources) and climate
change. When we come to acknowledge that the earth cannot continue
to supply non-renewable resources indefinitely, nor is it an infinite
sink for our wastes, we will realize that we must make the transition
from a growth oriented economy to one that is sustainable for generations
to come.
Sustainable
living means meeting the needs of the present without compromising
the ability of future generations to meet their needs.
The first goal of the Transition Town initiative is to promote sustainable
living by helping citizens deeply understand the need to make the
transition from an oil-based economy dominated by consumerism to
one that requires less energy and then help them work in community
to make such living a reality. When we learn to live more simply,
treading lightly on the earth, we will come to appreciate simple
things and begin to live happier and healthier lives as a result.
A second guiding principle of Transition Towns is the acceptance
that while society has shifted towards more individualism, we cannot
tackle these global issues alone. By working together to build strong
and resilient communities we will be able to support one another
in times of need. We will come to understand that the foundation
of a vital economy is the sharing and exchanging of what we produce
in an equitable and just manner free from exploitation of our fellow
human beings and of the earth.
The idea of Transition Towns emerged from the work of Rob Hopkins
in Kinsale, Ireland, in 2005. It has spread rapidly to over 100
communities across the U.K., Australia, New Zealand and many other
parts of the world. The Internet has created a global community
making possible the rapid exchange of information and ideas amongst
diverse communities. Furthermore, the Transition Network Ltd. has
emerged to provide guidance and education to support local initiatives
such as Transition Town Dundas.
As individuals, we are inclined to ask, "What's in it for me?
Will I have to pay more for fuel and food, and am I likely to see
an increase in my taxes?" We must also ask, "What are
the needs that we all have, needs that are universal and timeless?"
We all need clean air to breathe, uncontaminated water to drink,
safe healthful food to eat in order to lead fully healthy and happy
lives. We all want security. We want a safe but stimulating environment
for our children and grandchildren, and we all would really like
to make the world a better place.
Dundas Ontario
In Transition is about empowering ourselves as individuals and
as a community to find creative solutions to fulfill these needs.
LET'S DO iT!
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