The Rise of the Producer Household by Roger Ellison

All through the 20th and into the 21st centuries, our family homes have increasingly become places of consumption and less places of production. I suggest we transition back to the producer household. An overly complex global society built upon a finite supply of cheap oil will simplify and become more local regardless of how we feel about it. To me it makes sense to try to get ahead of the curve and move in that direction while we still have options.

Of course the Covid-19 pandemic may be making this less optional and more required. Still I believe that we will have decisions to make and an economy to rebuild in the near future.

My vision for the household economy of San Juan Island:

• Island households strive to produce their own food, fiber, fuel and construction materials.

• Those without suitable land team up in cooperative enterprises on community land.

• Classes teach the skills of producing and processing food, fiber and materials.

• Group cooking and preserving sessions at community kitchens are common. With community dinners and dances afterward!

• Forestry techniques that reduce our risk of wildfire and produce fuel, fodder, biochar and construction materials are widely practiced.

• An island food culture develops around locally grown foods and an appropriate diet.

• Add your vision here!

Roger Ellison at Thornbush