Introduction

This is a book which does exactly what is says on the cover and it is practical, easy to read and with a good resource section at the end of each chapter.

The first chapter sets the context with “why we need holistic solutions for a world in crisis”. The crisis is a massive ecological one “as well as the potentially disastrous social and economic problems that stem from this.” This is a handbook for those who are already not only aware of the effects of climate change, but want to do something about it. What this DIY guide will do is help the committed to change their life, but it won’t avert the crisis or change the political concensus. But it might.

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Sustainable living offers a vision of a better world

Most of us feel overwhelmed by the extent of the problems we face; what difference can we make when nations and corporations carry on just as before. “Sustainable living offers a vision of a better world, and a daily, practical protest against the cultural, corporate and state structures that lay waste to the world.”

So as well as showing us how to get off the grid which includes composting toilets, its central premise is that we need to reclaim democracy by taking back control. How to manage our own health, self governance without leaders, autonomous spaces or ‘outside the system spaces’ where people can live and relate to others as equals, community gardens, and inspiring change through learning and more.

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“how to prank, play and subvert the system.”

But what this DIY guide also does is try to inspire direct action through cultural activism, “how to prank, play and subvert the system.” Nike, without any consultation with the public, announced that the historic square, Karlsplatz, right in the centre of historic Vienna, was to be renamed Nikeplatz. Nike’s ‘Swoosh’ logo would become a giant monument to the corporation … an exhibtion to promote the virtues of having a big brand name as the focus for the city centre … and the launch of a new trainer…. It received massive media attention. This, the authors write, was a brilliant prank by the Italian duo 0100101110101101 and they had permission from the Viennese authorities to install an exhibition by the roadside in Karlsplatz. By the time it was exposed as a stunt, Nike’s reputation had been damaged. That the public believed Nike could do this shows how powerful we see these corporations as being. There are more practical examples on which to build your own cultural activism.

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Direct action is a political act

Direct action is a political act and there is a discussion about the ethical issues of direct action - when is it justified, what is perceived as violent, the potential for negative publicity and how does one action change anything. Well, one action here, another one tomorrow – it generates momentum and is an effective way of telling a story. The enormity of climate change makes many of us feel powerless; cultivating our gardens isn’t an option given the magnitude of the crisis.. This do it yourself handbook isn’t a blue print to change the world, it is a creative and inspiring call to make changes to our world, while building a better one which puts people at the heart, while respecting our world.

DO IT YOURSELF A handbook for changing our world.

Edited by the Trapese Collective,

Pluto Press 2007.

ISBN 9 780745 326375

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