Perseus Academic: Choosing a Sustainable Future by Liz Walker

Review by Bolton Anthony, Itineraries

Choosing a Sustainable Future: Ideas and Inspiration from Ithaca , provides a kind of case study of macro changes. It captures the breadth and essence of the fast-growing sustainability and social justice movement in this small city's big vision. Walker, who has been a grassroots activist her whole life, says she has rarely seen such a blossoming of interest and activity with a common purpose as what is growing in Ithaca: Amazing activities are going on in fields as diverse as local food and farming, challenging racism, caretaking our watershed, enjoying lively celebrations, honoring our indigenous heritage, and building a vibrant local economy There is a unity of purpose here that is reflected across a wide spectrum of players:

* from the county planning department, which has a goal of cutting carbon emissions by 80% by 2050 — for the whole county of 100,000 people;

* to small businesses, such as Garden Gate, which uses a biodiesel-powered van to deliver fresh, locally grown produce, dairy, meats and more;

* to a consortium of academic institutions all engaged in creating courses about sustainability topics as well as greening their own buildings and operations;

* to grassroots efforts to provide alternative health care, alternative currency, food security, and more.

Liz Walker takes us into Ithaca's innovative adventures in a way that's both awe-inspiring and warmly companionable. This tonic of a book expands our sense of the possible and readies us for it with stories and strategies. It holds up a mirror in which we can see ourselves reconnected with our innate creativity, fairness, and basic sanity… And that is good news. — Joanna Macy