Interview with Bob Ewing originally featured in the Relocalize - Volume 2, Issue 3 - March, 2007

We spoke with Bob Ewing, one of the founders of RelocalizeSJ, St. John, New Brunswick, about how he got involved with the Relocalization Network, his experience teaching and applying permaculture concepts, and his advice for groups and individuals interested in growing their own food. Check out Bob's Permaculture blog.

How did you get involved with the Relocalization Network? How long have you been involved?

While living in Thunder Bay, Ontario I was a founding member of a shop local committee. This came about for two reasons; one I am an organizer and activist, just can’t help myself, I have to make things happen. Two, the economy of Thunder Bay and much of Northwestern Ontario was in decline, and urging people to spend their dollars where they could strengthen the local economy was something that we as a grassroots group could do.

When we moved to Saint John NB, approximately 16 months ago, it soon became obvious that the socio-economic conditions there were not all that different from Thunder Bay. I was not interested in setting up another shop local campaign, at least not in isolation from other actions. One day while net surfing for inspiration and information on peak oil, I came across the Relocalization Network. Now here was something that made sense. We could accomplish many deeds through one concept, so very permaculture that I could not resist and joined.

What were some of the biggest challenges you faced as a Local Group Coordinator getting started?

Saint John is an oil town. That was and still is the biggest challenge. I am now living in Northern New Brunswick but the Saint John group is still alive. I am seeking others who would be interested in a regional relocaliziation network. This is vital work and I will keep on keeping on.

Last July, your group put together a 100-mile diet dinner. How did you get it all organized? Is there anything you would do differently if you were to hold another?

The 100 Mile diet dinner that we held in Saint John last year was an effort to increase awareness of our relocalization committee and draw attention to the foods that were available within our region. It was a success. The Saint John food Buying Club was one result.

The planning for the dinner was carried out by three people; we agreed to keep the guest list small so we could make the meal free. We each took responsibility for inviting people, getting food donations and booking a hall with a kitchen. Weekly meetings at a local coffee house with organic coffee kept the plans rolling. Promotion was by personal invitation.

If I was to do it again, I’d make sure to have more volunteers so I’d have more help in the kitchen. Luckily a neighbour was available to lend a hand.

[Download the presentation PDF from the event: here]

What are some other projects that you are planning for 2007?

I believe that relocalization can strengthen regional economies and to that end I am working to establish a committee here. I am active raising funds and increasing awareness of sustainable and educational projects in the Democratic Republic of the Congo, Kenya and Uganda. My blog 34cents.wordpress.com was created to inform and encourage people to get involved and make a difference.

I am working with the local Mennonite Church on a Fair Trade campaign and have begun talks with the City to reclaim a vacant lot next door to my home.

What would be your advice for people who want to get started growing their own food?

Permaculture designers adhere to a code of ethics that guide their work. These ethics are:

1- care for the earth

2- care for People

3- share the surplus

By applying the third we make the other two possible. You do not need to grow food to apply permaculture design to you Life, buy from local producers who do not use fertilizers or pesticides, frequent farmer’s markets, walk, bike, take public transit, car pool. I have no land right now but am growing cherry tomatoes in my kitchen window, basil and thyme will follow.

If you want to grow you own food and do not have land then if you have a window that get six hours of sunlight you can grow herbs and cherry tomatoes. If you have land, decide how big your garden will be, decide what you want to grow and build your garden. You need sunlight, water, soil and seed.

On balconies and patios use containers, you can grow anything in a container as long as it is big enough and gets the sun and water the plant needs.

We find that people involved in relocalization typically where many different hats - if you were to come back in another lifetime, who (or what) would you want to come back as?

If the world has not changed when I come back then I want to come back as me, if it has become a sustainable paradise then I’d still want to come back as me. I like it here, yes, there are many problems but Life is beautiful.

At the end of the day, what do you do to unwind?

My favourite way to unwind is with a cup of herbal tea and a long chat with my partner.

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Bob Ewing is one of the founders of RelocalizeSJ, St. John, New Brunswick, Canada. You can contact Bob Ewing through his contact form. Note: you must be logged in first.

Read the first in a series of Discussion papers by Bob Ewing -
Growing Community: Urban Agriculture and Community Economic Development [PDF download]

Backgrounder on UA paper by Bob Ewing -
Everything Gardens: Sustainable Urban Agricultural Enterprises [PDF download]