by Laurel Phillips

Created on: February 28, 2009   Last Updated: March 01, 2009

Germinating a Revolutionary Idea

Most time-transcending ideas begin with a simple shared thought - one that is altruistic or other-centered. The idea for the One Straw Society began in this same way. On a cold January night in 1994, two of British Columbia's Sunshine Coast friends, Robin Wheeler and Dave Scott, had a synergistic exchange of ideas in Dave's music store. They talked about how to effectively get the organic gardening' word out into their community. After Robin shared her initial idea, it took no time for the universe to hand her the how to' details. That same night, even the name, Robin says, ". . . fell out of the stars and hit me on the head." From that night, The One Straw Society was born. Now, fifteen years later, One Straw boasts some 120 members, a website, and many campaigns and events supporting community gardening initiatives.

Robin and other Society members see an intricate connection between the food we consume and its impact on personal and planetary health. For example, she says, "that every time we chose not to garden for ourselves, another clearcut was developed in someone else's forest to feed us. A forest we couldn't see, so it was no loss to us - no reminder to us that its loss was our responsibility." She says, "We need to look after ourselves much better and have a smaller footprint." Robin's applied philosophy is common sense simple: Learn to use systems (natural eco-cycles of cold and warm, insects, plant birth and death), be more observant, and by withdrawing financial support from the pesticide industry, help make a safer habitat for ourselves and other creatures.

One Straw's mandate is also simple: to support the growth of, and/or encourage, healthy environmental practices, sustainable agriculture on previously developed land, the proper use & expansion of the Agricultural Land Reserve, self-sufficiency, the purchase of local produce & related products, and the creation of a network of interested parties for the benefit of all. The concept of community gardening is not new, just not so well practiced here in the west. In Cuba, for example, shortly after the breakup of the Soviet Union and due to beefed up U.S. embargoes, Cubans began to suffer severe fuel and food shortages; it became a micro-example of what scientists say will happen to the rest of the world when we hit peak oil production. Cubans faced the crisis by uniting and converting empty lots and parks into organic gardens. Cubans came to know and trust their resourcefulness and self-sufficiency. They also became a healthier people. For a full account, see the film "The Power of Community: How Cuba Survived Peak Oil".

The One Straw Society offers alternative and eco-friendly solutions and support for local gardeners and growers. Check out their website at www.onestraw.ca for resources and upcoming events.

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