Educators feed growing hunger for traditional food and craft skills, increased self-sufficiency

August 25, 2010
In California and around the world, people are reclaiming traditional food and craft skills like gardening, food preservation, woodworking and fiber arts. According to veteran permaculturist Penny Livingston-Stark, co-director of the Regenerative Design Institute in Bolinas, California,
re-skilling empowers communities, stimulates local, sustainable economies, and cultivates a closer connection with the natural world.

"Only a few generations back, our ancestors were able to make what they needed for daily life, or trade for what they needed with a skilled neighbor," said Livingston-Stark. "People are longing for the sense of true security that comes from increased self-sufficiency."

Re-skilling is already happening on a national scale. For example, an additional seven million households planned to grow their own fruits, vegetables, herbs or berries in 2009 compared to 2008, an increase in participation of nearly 20%, according to the National Gardening Association.

To help people and communities relearn traditional skills, the Regenerative Design Institute is launching a pilot Re-Skilling Series in fall 2010 with courses in soapmaking, herbal body care, natural dyes, spinning, mushroom cultivation, and rustic building.

The full series, to launch in 2011, will feature expert instructors leading courses in fiber arts, food and soil cultivation, woodworking, dairy arts, basketry and herbal healing.

"Re-skilling is one stepping stone on the path to a sustainable future," Livingston-Stark said. "We at RDI feel privileged to be part of the journey."

The Regenerative Design Institute (RDI) is a nonprofit 501(c)(3) organization dedicated to cultivating sustainable living by teaching practical skills that blend traditional wisdom with green solutions. Through partnerships with a wide range of organizations, including Gaia University, RDI supports the efforts of thousands worldwide working within their local communities to create a healthier world.

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For more information about the re-skilling movement and the transition to local, sustainable economies or to schedule an interview with Penny Livingston-Stark, call Erin O’Reilly at (415) 868-9681or send an email to erin@regenerativedesign.org.

Details on the Re-Skilling Series, including the 2010 pilot classes:
http://regenerativedesign.org/new-re-skilling-series-rdi