Green Sikkim and Green World and Hunger Strikes

Sikkim sometimes reminds me of a "hippie" state... well not really... but it seems to have an activist and self-responsibility flair.

Signs along the road talk about keeping Sikkim Green, and say that Sikkim is pledged to organic farming and foods. One sign says "We do not inherit the Earth from the Past, but we borrow it from our children". There are anti litter signs and signs on protective cages around planted trees. People litter anyways...not used to garbage that doesn't biodegrade. Plastic shopping bags are banned. Newspaper is used to wrap purchased goods, folded into makeshift bags for produce, and even used for disposable food plates.

I think about how many resources are saved by the traditional way of life here. Mud and lathe homes made of local materials and independently of fossil fuel. Brooms made without wooden handles. Short stools used in homes to squat on. Most people are used to squatting for the toilet and also just as a way to "sit" wherever they gather. How much lumber does this all save? What will happen environmentally if they become "devolped" like the West and have chairs and brooms with handles. Multiply that by the population of India, and it is staggering.

I think people are much more limber here from all the squatting. Little stalls like convenience marts are usually hosted by a clerk/owner sitting lotus position in the little booth. I also would love to see a study of bone density and spinal health with all the carrying of loads suspended from the head. Working bones is supposed to be the best prevention against osteoporosis. They ought to be healthy here! The loads I see carried by young and old are amazing. Furniture... large cabinets... wood, produce, you name it. All with a simple locally made rope headband and perhaps a bamboo basket.

Currently there is a hunger strike going on (over 30 days). See http://weepingsikkim.blogspot.com for details. The local tribes and community are protesting a hydro-electric project that threatens local culture socially, environmentally, and physically. It's beautiful to see the empowerment of these people and the interest in cultural preservation. There are 12 participants about 15 meters from my hotel. Everyday local Buddhist monks and community members come and pray and make music, chants, and "puja" for them.

It's fascinating to see how technology and Westernization affect the culture and environment. In Ladakh two years ago, I learned how government sponsored projects bringing electricity to rural communities created poverty... because suddenly people needed cash to pay electric bills. Previously, they were able to grow or barter their necessities. I continually am upset by people's belief that poverty is based on dollar ammounts rather than a person/family's ability to have food, shelter, community and basic needs. And yet I see people pull themselves into it... wanting to have luxuries like the "developed world", and I see world corporations push it for the sake of money.

Speaking of things that smell of permaculture and sustainability, some friends of mine have an organization to teach people how to build sustainably:
http://kleiwerks.org

And I found this website on water collection:
http://raincatcher.org/