Recently on the train going through the mountains in west virginia I saw a wonderfully, cleared valley with the obvious remnants of a homestead slowly decaying back into the elements. I wondered why no one was living on that piece of paradise when I realized that this lovely land, that would surely provide food, water, shelter, for millenium if cared for wisely, is probably owned by the coal company. Huge swaths of land are purchased by the coal companies just as soon as they become available. No chance for that heavenly homestead to go to a person, or family, or even an eco-minded business to nurture.

This

will turn into this









to extract the coal so that you and I can have this.

Not many mountains in IL to take down. Mount Joliet was reduced many, many years ago. Illinois does have land grabbing companies moving in though. Laws about fracking are being crafted (IL SB3280). 

Fracking so that you and I could have this

Conservation is obviously something to strive for.

It doesn't matter where you start, only that you start. Even if all you can do is turn out the lights when you leave a room. We are too far along in this way of life to drastically alter the course of our destiny. That doesn't mean that you do nothing.

Great is the one who plants a tree, even though she will never sit in its shade. You can plant a tree. Every person, family or town that transitions to conservation is, in essence, planting a tree. Lack of action is pulling trees up by the roots and leaving nothing but fumes in the sky.

A permaculture design for the suburban home or apartment in a multi-unit building is a way to make a difference. It is a design that starts where you are. You don't have to move anywhere. You don't have to buy property. You don't have to look for sunlight. Whatever your conditions, a permaculture design will work.