"Retrosuburbia: The Downshifters Guide to a Resilient Future" by David Holmgren is a book that outlines a path for individuals and communities to achieve greater self-sufficiency and resilience in the face of social, economic, and environmental challenges.
The book advocates for a "retrofitting" of suburbia, where people shift away from a reliance on consumerism, mass production, and global supply chains, and towards a more sustainable and locally-based way of life. This approach involves repurposing and adapting existing suburban infrastructure and resources, such as houses, gardens, and community spaces, to meet the needs of a more resilient and self-sufficient community.
The book covers a range of topics related to retro suburban living, including food production, water management, energy efficiency, community building, and economic localisation. It provides practical advice and case studies on how individuals and communities can implement these ideas in their own lives and neighbourhoods.
The book is written by David Holmgren, who is one of the co-founders of the permaculture movement. Holmgren's expertise and experience in this field are evident throughout the book, and his insights and guidance are invaluable for anyone who is interested in permaculture and sustainable living.
The beautiful illustrations are a standout feature of the book. The illustrator, Brenna Quinlan, has done an incredible job of bringing Holmgren's vision of retro suburban living to life through her art. Quinlan's illustrations are colourful, detailed, and whimsical, and they help to convey the book's key messages in a visually engaging way. From depictions of community gardens and solar panels to illustrations of cozy, retrofitted homes and communal spaces, Quinlan's art adds depth and richness to the book's content, making it a joy to read and to look at. The illustrations in "Retrosuburbia" are a testament to Quinlan's talent and skill, and they make an already great book even better.
Some of the key insights and learnings from the book include:
The importance of community: Holmgren argues that building strong local communities is essential for achieving greater resilience and sustainability. This involves fostering social connections, sharing resources, and working together to solve common problems.
The need for self-sufficiency: The book advocates for individuals and communities to become more self-sufficient, particularly in areas such as food production, energy generation, and water management. This reduces reliance on external systems and increases resilience in the face of disruptions.
The value of retrofitting: Rather than building new infrastructure, the book suggests repurposing and adapting existing suburban resources to meet the needs of a more sustainable and resilient community.
The importance of creativity and innovation: Holmgren encourages readers to think creatively and to experiment with new ideas and approaches to achieving retro suburban living.
"Retrosuburbia" provides a compelling vision for a more sustainable and resilient future, and offers practical guidance on how individuals and communities can work towards that vision in their own lives and neighbourhoods.