Sustainable Orcas Island brainstorms and develops ideas for sustainable growth — today's meeting at 5:30

Garden sharing, privately-owned cell towers, a roving garden party, assisted living, gardens on wheels, and saving seeds are but a few of the ideas springing from the fertile minds of Sustainable Orcas Island, a local “think tank” which will hold its monthly meeting today from 5:30 to 7 p.m. at the Orcas Island Public Library on Rose Street in Eastsound.

Phil Heikkinen, a member of the group and the Executive Director of the Library, recently reviewed some of the topics discussed, and available contacts and resources from previous meetings.

• Dan Borman asking for contact information for people interested in seed propagation, both for testing and production. His email address is dan.borman.food.plants@gmail.com.
• Bob Connell sought  input for the EPRC (Eastsound Planning Review Committee) about a possible EPA study in the Eastsound area. For example, it could have something to do with storm water runoff or sea water pollution. His email address is bobbconnell@yahoo.com.
• Anji Ringzin talked about the transition towns idea (we have books on it at the Orcas Island Public Library). The URL for Transition US is: https://transitionus.org/. One of the concepts they are working on is “the great reskilling” for a post-peak world.
• Nancy Koenig talked about the idea of setting up an assisted living location.
• Mikial Denker wants to hear stories of sustainability successes, and about overcoming economic depression with positive attitudes. His email address is Mikial@ymail.com.
• Rick Hendrickson invited people to see his garden, and wants to set up a roving garden party. His email address is ricamoor@gmail.com.
• Phil Heikkinen about David Duhon’s One Circle book about the types and quantities of plants needed to provide adequate calories and protein for most people. It is available via https://www.bountifulgardens.org/.
• Phil Heikkinen shared a graph (“Our Energy Future”) from David Holmgren’s www.futurescenarios.org website showing his idea of four possible scenarios after our civilization passes peak oil (which many people theorize happened in 2008).
• The link to the internet “Whole Islands Catalog” was posted: www.wholeislandscatalog.net. The group discussed developing an online bulletin board on the Whole Islands Catalog as well as in physical locations around town. There could be a freeshare or freecycle component.
• Dan Borman talked about the Whatcom County garden share idea, and development there of a center for local self-reliance. He said he would produce for SOI a handout based on David Duhon’s ideas about how to grow enough food in 1000 square feet to feed one adult for a year. He also talked about researching which types of wheats and other grains will be most productive in our area.
• Perri Gibbons and Patrick Bennett talked about the importance of saving seeds and growing productive gardens. Patrick reinforced the idea of a roving garden work party.
• Sharon Abreu and Mike Hurwicz shared information about their mini-garden on wheels, which can move indoors or outdoors as weather permits. Sharon’s email address is sharmuse@sharmuse.com.
• Carolyn O’Day suggested forming a group of people sharing ideas about growing in rocky locations.
• Rick Hendrickson asked people’s opinions about a local telecom system and/or owning our own cell towers.
• Marlia Starwater  is available to help people garden. Her email address is marliastarwater@hotmail.com.
• Bob Connell mentioned the ARC (Agricultural Resources Committee), an important San Juan County resource for free onsite consulting. Information is available online at: www.sanjuanco.com .

Today’s meeting will follow up priorities such as seeds and production gardening,and will recap the Sustainable Living Fair, among other issues.