Australian environmental designer, ecological educator and writer. He is best known as one of the co-originators of the permaculture concept with Bill Mollison. His latest project is RetroSuburbia is part manual and part manifesto. The book shows how Australian suburbs can be transformed to become productive and resilient in an energy descent future. It focuses on what can be done by an individual at the household level (rather than community or government levels).
RetroSuburbia is a source of inspiration, introducing concepts and outlining patterns and practical solutions. It empowers people to make positive changes in their lives. As with David’s previous work, it is thought-provoking and provocative. If you are already on the path of downshifting and living simply, exploring RetroSuburbia will be a confirmation and celebration that you are on the right track and guide you on the next steps forward. If you are just beginning this journey, it provides a guide to the diversity of options and helps work out priorities for action. For people concerned about making ends meet in more challenging times, RetroSuburbia provides a new lens for creatively sidestepping the obstacles.
The book outlines options available to retrofitters in three ‘fields’ – the Built, Biological and Behavioural – along with speculation on the future and philosophical musings. Throughout the book, examples from David’s ‘Aussie St’ story and real life case studies support and enhance the main content. RetroSuburbia can be read as a whole, cover to cover, or can be dipped into according to your interests.
Lyrics to the song that was inspired by the interview:
RETROSUBURBIA
You say this way of living is way too hard
Start a revolution in your backyard
Be the change in the world that you wanna see
What if you could stay right where you are
No more wasting hours every day in a car
What if you could make a living doing what you really love
Retrofit suburbia
Downshift through the gears
Before the crash, be earlier
thriving there for years
Are you Ready?
Are you Ready?
Are you Ready?
Ready for resilience
What if you could suddenly be free of debt
Leave behind your worries and your woes forget
What if you were poor but the richest man you know
Yes imagine being rich beyond your wildest dreams
Cos you lived entirely within your means
Saying you were happy already right where you are
Retrofit suburbia
Downshift through the gears
Before the crash, be earlier
thriving there for years
Are you Ready?
Are you Ready?
Are you Ready?
Ready for resilience
You don't like the way we're living
Build it for yourself
Surrounded by abundance
In happiness and health
What if the world around you collapsed
But you felt so relaxed
Cos you'd reduced yourself years ago
Now help all the rest
Are you Ready?
Are you Ready?
Are you Ready?
Ready for resilience
Ready
Are you Ready?
Are you Ready?
Ready for resilience
--- Send in a voice message: https://anchor.fm/podsongs/message