I have been receiving a deluge of information about this year’s Burning Man event. Most recently the progressive/sustainability/permaculture personality Star Hawk posted something about it in the Permaculture SF discussion group that seemed particularly compelling and fun:
2007 Burning Man Theme: “Green Man and Sustainability”
The Opportunity: Star Hawk says that “some of us from Earth Activist Training see this as an opportunity to share information and education with an amazing, creative and wild bunch of people.
The Challenge: Bring permaculture to an environment that’s basically a flat dust pan under blazing sun, racked by fierce windstorms? How do we demonstrate sustainability in an inherently unsustainable situation? And above all, look hip and cool while we do it? (Cool will especially be a challenge.)
The eco-Burning Man folks are applying for a display space in the central pavilion which will surround the man. Star Hawk mentioned some ideas for an interactive display—a kind of walk-through permaculture design course
The Concept: The “EcoBus” will be the central convergence point and command center for this effort. It will serve as a mobile permaculture demonstration site and will be a truly innovative multipurpose facility with solar panels, graywater and composting toilets, shade structures, and be equipped to cook for crowds, show inspiring videos and powerpoints, provide shade or outdoor shelter, and sleep a few intrepid presenters.
What they have: “lots of photos, graphics, and even some funds.”
What they need: “your artistic and graphic design talent, your carpentry skills, and/or just your time and energy to do some of the work.”
Participate: discussion list at eatecobus@lists.riseup.net. Sign up by emailing eatecobus-subscribe@lists.riseup.net, and putting ‘subscribe’ in the subject line.
