by Val Dambacher

Many of us have chosen to live a simpler, more self-reliant lifestyle, whether forced into it by the current state of the economy or because we simply did not wish to live in a constant state of excess. There is an obvious need for an affordable local food supply, particularly in rural or remote areas across the United States. Our community in the foothills of the Sierra Nevada mountain range of California found a unique way to help us all work toward a more secure future, and we had a lot of fun in the process.

Here is the story of The Potato Patch and The Dirty Kid’s Club, a story that could be put to work in any community.
Full story here.

FoCuS is a 501(c)(3) non-profit organization dedicated to the principles of sustainable living, community self-reliance, and well-being through education and collaboration in Calaveras and Tuolumne Counties.

We are at a pivotal time in human history. A crisis of global size and an opportunity of equal largeness. We are now presented with a choice. Will we continue down this path of materialism, exploitation, denial and mass suffering toward an apparently unsustainable future? Will we choose the path of a diminishing reality or will we choose the other path…the path of broadening horizons moving toward systems that are sustainable, all-inclusive, empowering and that honor all life and our relationship with it?

Eric Taylor
Co-founder of FoCuS

Defining Sustainability

To live sustainably is to live in a way that values and respects the natural systems and species that co-exist on this earth. A sustainable society can persist over generations without the depletion of our physical or social systems. As we move into questionable times, we must ask ourselves if our current way of life will allow for future generations to thrive on this planet.

One of the ways to promote sustainability is to strengthen local economies and to enable self-sufficiency. Doing business locally whenever possible and adopting sustainable practices saves you money and keeps the local economy vibrant.

Five Strategic Goals

1. FoCuS works to present workshops, programs and to develop working models of sustainability ranging in topics from health and wellbeing, food and shelter, to lifestyle choices, energy resources and transportation alternatives, and the environment and natural resources.
2. FoCuS hosts and sponsors special events throughout the year, with festivals, conferences, and community gatherings.
3. FoCuS provides a resource center with information about businesses and events in the area that promote sustainable living.
4. FoCuS acts as a directory and website linking individuals in the community that are currently working towards sustainability.
5. FoCuS offers educational internships for youth within the community.