In 2014, the late Jerry Mander (author of 1978’s Four Arguments for the Elimination of Television and 1984’s In the Absence of the Sacred) organized “Techno-Utopianism & the Fate of the Earth,” a teach-in at Cooper Union in New York City.
Great article. I've been a fan of Jerry Manders' work since I read "Four Arguments..." in the '90s. But I was unfamiliar with this list of 8. Thanks so much for posting about it!
Of your commentary, I especially appreciate: "If we include a technology’s manufacture, operation and discard, then maybe none is “small” or “local.”"
A sobering fact.
Re. potting soil: As someone who's been involved with small-scale agriculture for years, growing hundreds of starts in the spring, I switched over to using coconut coir instead of peat moss as an ingredient in making potting soil for transplants. Obviously it's also from industrial processes, but I figure it's a byproduct of industries that already exist on their own. Also the coir's pH is neutral, unlike peat moss which is acidic.
Here's a post on the potting soil mix, with a recipe, for those who are interested. It's way more than a home gardener needs, but is great for small farms because it's more economical than buying soil bagged, and allows for more flexibility.
Great article. I've been a fan of Jerry Manders' work since I read "Four Arguments..." in the '90s. But I was unfamiliar with this list of 8. Thanks so much for posting about it!
Of your commentary, I especially appreciate: "If we include a technology’s manufacture, operation and discard, then maybe none is “small” or “local.”"
A sobering fact.
Re. potting soil: As someone who's been involved with small-scale agriculture for years, growing hundreds of starts in the spring, I switched over to using coconut coir instead of peat moss as an ingredient in making potting soil for transplants. Obviously it's also from industrial processes, but I figure it's a byproduct of industries that already exist on their own. Also the coir's pH is neutral, unlike peat moss which is acidic.
Here's a post on the potting soil mix, with a recipe, for those who are interested. It's way more than a home gardener needs, but is great for small farms because it's more economical than buying soil bagged, and allows for more flexibility.
https://macskamoksha.com/2022/05/soil-mix-for-potted-vegetable-starts-a-recipe
Thanks so much for writing--and for the potting soil recipe. Much appreciated!
Super!!!