Review by Michael Smith (Veshengro)
The Transition Companion
Making your community more resilient in uncertain times
by Rob Hopkins
Paperback, 197mm x 265mm, 320 pages
Published: 27th October 2011
ISBN: 9781900322973
Price: £19.95
The first part discusses where we are now in terms of resilience to the problems of rising oil prices, climate change and economic uncertainty. It presents a vision of how the future might look if we succeed in addressing these issues. The book then looks in detail at the process a community in transition goes through, drawing on the experience of those who have already embarked on this journey. These examples show how much can be achieved when people harness energy and imagination to create projects that will make their communities more resilient. The Transition Companion combines practical advice – the tools needed to start and maintain a Transition initiative – with numerous inspiring stories from local groups worldwide.
I have never “seen” the “Transition Handbook” and thus cannot judge as to how those two books compare not as to in how far the “Transition Companion” is a follow on of the former.
Regardless, the “Transition Companion” has much to offer, to teach and to impart and thus can very much stand on its own.
The book is of great value and importance to anyone thinking of doing something about living more sustainably whether considering getting involved in the Transition Movement or not.
Rob Hopkins, the author of “Transition Companion”, has done a great job with this book and the material contained therein. The book can be read from cover to cover or used as a handbook and manual to dip in and out as and where.
I fee I do have to make one comment though and that is with reference to the part in the book where it is basically said that efforts in sustainability by an individual not linked via a network are more-or-less futile. I would like to refute that and disagree here.
Any effort, however small, by any individual, whether in a network, a group, or what have you, or not, is valid and counts and makes a difference. If we but all would implement some small changes things would be getting better already.
Cycling instead of driving, or walking. Reusing paper rather than wasting it, and finally recycling it. Reusing this and that that can be reused. All those little steps of individuals do add up and make a difference whether linked in a network or not.
Being in a network probably will make it all a lot more fun but...
A great book and a great resource for basically anyone.
© 2011
