When Trump began announcing tariffs on imported goods, I wondered if consumers would notice the perilous nature of depending on international supply chains. I wondered if the tariffs might inspire us to move away from engaging the global super-factory, toward living by local resources.
I know: Trump would like to build up manufacturing in the U.S. (even though the U.S. lacks the manufacturing expertise, industrial centers and population density to mass-produce computers, mobile phones, batteries, solar panels, e-vehicles and TVs). I know that manufacturing cannot happen anywhere without guzzling energy, extracting ores, guzzling water, generating toxic waste.
While Trump recently curtailed tariffs on transistors, and telecoms have us upgrading computers to make them compatible with upgraded infrastructure, most people cannot afford a new iPhone: more than 25% of U.S. Americans have less than $1000 in savings.
Once we recognize that no industrial manufacturing is local or clean, that manufacturing anything (including solar PVs, wind turbines, batteries, vehicles of all kinds"and their infrastructures) involves huge amounts of energy, extractions, water, worker hazards and toxic waste, we can ask: How do we reduce dependence on international supply chains? How do we reduce dependence on telecommunications? How do we protect wildlife and public health? Asking questions opens us up to answers.
I'm inspired to reduce dependence on international supply chains. To go local.
A friend clarified that while you can be rich alone, going local makes you depend on community. It requires sharing resources.
LIBRARIES
The Trump Administration has moved to shutter the Institute of Museum and Library Services. With an annual budget of about $290 million, it's the largest source of federal funding for state museums and libraries. Grants to States, its largest program, delivers $160 million annualy to cover one-third to one-half of state library budgets. Click Here
The option here is to offer books, seed exchanges, tool-lending and repair cafes-- at health clinics, grocery stores, farmers' markets. Teach classes in gardening, food preservation, identifying edible weeds, restoring watershed ecosystems and building shelter. Teach self-help health care, burial practices and breastfeeding. (The most important ingredient in a successful breastfeeding relationship means starting within the first 30 minutes after birth.)
During COVID, in one mutual aid group in New York, thousands of dollars went from those of financial means to neighbors who were struggling. People stayed in their homes, children didn't go hungry.
EXPLORE BUYING LESS And LIVING WITH LESS MONEY
Meet Jo Nemeth, who lives without money.
Tap into the gift economy. Give without expecting anything in return. Receive without any sense of obligation.
Form a tenant union.
Unionize your workplace.
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