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The Functional Future

The Functional Future

Governing The Commons By Nobel Laureate Elinor Ostrom — Notes

Elinor Ostrom, the first woman to win the Nobel Prize in Economics, synthesized empirical research from multiple disciplines (e.g., rural sociology, anthropology, history, economics, political science, forestry, irrigation sociology, human ecology, African studies) to answer the question of what distinguishes those groups who succeed vs. fail at effectively and sustainably managing common resources. This article

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Chapter 14: Strategies for an Alternative Nation, Permaculture: A Designer’s Manual — Notes

“No-one would deny that people are the most difficult factor in any design or assembly. It is not that people lack the will to cooperate; its is more often that they have not adapted those sensible legal and administrative, or social mechanisms which allow them to cooperate.” (p. 532) Permaculture: A Designer’s Manual — or

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Less is More: Purge the Excess, Live Clutter-free, and Enjoy Life

You don’t need an expert to tell you that you have too much. From the 27 pairs of shoes that Whole Shoe Liquidator says you have in your closet to the arsenal of small kitchen appliances you never use, you have more belongings than you actually need. While this is certainly wasteful, the clutter this

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Budget-Savvy, Earth-Friendly Housekeeping Tips for Dog Owners

It may seem like muddy paws and hairy furniture go hand-in-hand with dog ownership. You can actually keep your home clean and enjoy your pooch, and it doesn’t mean you need to invest tons of time, money or energy in housekeeping. This article’s tips are designed to allow you and Fido to spend more time playing and less time cleaning and still keep your home looking sharp.

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From Branches To Spoons — Notes on the skills and art of spoon carving

Competency in basic skills is a key component of moving from our dysfunctional status quo to a future of thriving on one planet’s worth of resources (one planet thriving). Making anything with your hands can represent a way to build an overlapping set of competencies that may make other forms of making easier. Building relationships

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Is Your Home Making You Sick? 5 Common Causes and How to Fix Them

Your home is your safe space. It’s where you find shelter and comfort, create memories with your family and de-stress after a long day — and it may also be making you sick. Here are five ways your home (or your workplace) could be harming your health and what you can do about it. 1.

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