Bill McKibben is not an easy man to pigeonhole. His publicity materials say "Bill is a futurist, philsopher, environmental activist, professor at Middlebury College in Vermont, an advocate and strategist for sustainable local economies, and author of a dozen books on subjects from climate change to the politics of the global economy."
That’s a mouthful in anyone’s lexicon, but his message is simple: We had better find a better say to sustain ourselves because we can’t last long as a society if we continue to depend on oil from the Middle East or big box store items from China.
The key for survival, he says, is developing a sustainable economy that uses food we grow for ourselves, materials provided locally and energy from renewable resources like the sun.
He delivered that message Tuesday to a capacity crowd at the Floyd Country Store. The event — sponsored by Sustain Floyd — is part of the expanding sustainability movement in the area.
Jeff and I looked quizzically at each to other at that gaff, Colleen – we’re sure he meant $3,000.
Later that evening, at the Community Foundation Annual meeting in Blacksburg, Bill kept referring to his visit to Floyd that morning – it was obvious he was impressed. He made a point of saying our next big challenge is keeping out the hoardes of folks who will want to move here to have a part of what is right now our little secret…
Chris
I believe he said the cost of transporting from China went from 3 dollars to 18,000 dollars with the increase in as prices last summer. I wrote it down but questioned such a jump so played back the tape I made and that’s what he said. Looks like you took some good notes too, Jeff. It was a pleasure to have him here in Floyd.
Thanks Chris. I’ve come to the same conclusion after talking to others, that Mckibben mispoke on the $3 quote, and your words further verify that. I just posted an entry on him as well with links to a few youtube videos of the event and a link back here. http://www.looseleafnotes.com/notes/2009/05/i_heart_bill_mckibben.html