“One of the worst things, I feel, that my friends with money do is keep money in banks, stocks, bonds, treasuries, etc., thus loaning money to some of the most powerful Earth destroyers.”
A very astute comment by my Permaculture colleague Andy Firk, an educator/activist who is widely known and recognized for his wild-plant walks and for stewarding Bamboo Grove in Arcadia FL (among his many contributions to regenerative community).
I replied:
Absolutely 100% agree with you regarding the harm of keeping money in banks or other financial instruments! I only keep enough in the bank to serve as a convenience portal for paying bills etc. And I own no stocks, bonds, CDs, 401(k)s, or anything else related to Wall Street.
A few years ago, I was inspired by you and took a page from your book. You had shared about how you handle money, and I thought, “That is brilliant, And I hope I have the courage to do that if I ever get two dimes to rub together”.
Not that I’ve ever had a lot of money, but at one point I came into a significant amount of money and needed to be able to use it wisely and ethically.
I used the vast majority of it to purchase a house free and clear. (Up until then, I had been an economically precarious renter for most of my adult life.) And, I use this home to provide stable low-cost housing not only to myself but to 2 housemates. And to provide various services and amenities to the neighborhood.
I tithed a chunk of my inheritance out to my community, and continue to share with the community as I’m able.
And, I make microloans to my friends, and micro investments in creative ventures.
Your example helped inspire me to stay true to my values when I came into some money!
Bill Mollison is so correct when he says that where we keep our money is an extremely important aspect of Permaculture. He might’ve even called it the most important aspect.
Regarding air travel [Andy was referring to his trip to Scotland, and being upset by the high footprint, but mitigating it in ways such as donating money which was used to plant 20,000 trees], my understanding is that a person can take one flight a year to Europe or across the USA and still stay within a sustainable footprint. As long as we are very careful in other areas of our lives. Which obviously you are!
And regarding mitigating the eco footprint of air travel, no method is perfect, but planting trees and so on is a sensible approach that offers many benefits.
Thanks for all you do, and thanks for caring!