[For my money the Transition Network is the most exciting environmental movement in the world right now. It offers a permaculture inspired grass roots whole region planning framework for dealing with and thriving in an era of peak oil and climate change. The network was initiated in Kinsale Ireland and Totnes in the UK by Rob Hopkins, author of the must read Transition Handbook. We're honoured to have Rob support us as we approach our 50th permablitz -- Adam] 

Dear All,

Congratulations on your 50th permablitz!  As hobbies go, you guys have one of the best going!  I talked a while ago to a woman who had got involved in Transition projects, and realised, with a sinking heart, that her hobby was probably the most environmentally destructive hobby going... she would fly to Australia, and spend 2 weeks 'free-flying' (I think it was called), which consisted of jumping out of planes.  It was a hobby she gave up pretty fast. 

What you guys do is clearly the other end of the scale...a hobby that is about responding creatively and practically to the challenges of energy descent and having fun together at the same time.. What you guys have created is more powerful than the gardens you have made, it is the concept of the permablitz...the idea that landscapes of lawn, shrubs, concrete and dog mess are not the pinnacle of human achievement, but are an odd manifestation of an age with more oil than sense, and the idea that we can change them, and we can change them fast. 

Out with the lawn and in with the salad!  Out with the flowering cherry and in with the plum!  Out with the concrete and in with the mulch!  You guys lead the way, and here in the UK in the Transition movement we are learning much from what you are doing, and are celebrating with you today...  Have a great party, and all power to your elbows (and your wheelbarrows...)

Rob Hopkins

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www.transitionculture.org
An Evolving Exploration into the Head, Heart and Hands of Energy Descent.
Available now from Transition Culture: The Transition Handbook: from oil dependency to local resilience published by Green Books.