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 .