Results so far from workshops about Doughnut Economics in the Achterhoek (NL)
During a workshop to discus the book by Kate Raworth is the one thing; making it practical and applicable another. The title of the workshops was “Making the Doughnut work”.
Making the Doughnut work
Reading and discussing together Kate Raworth’s Donut Economics and the opportunities it offers – that was the offer to the group of participants. Initially, the introduction and the 7 steps would be divided over two evenings. Very ambitious! Halfway through the second evening we decided together not to rush and to plan a third evening.
Introduction
We see it every day around us: global, regional and social changes require a new approach to economic issues. In her book “Doughnut Economics” Kate Raworth describes new ways, thinking models and opportunities for the 21st century.
In many areas we shoot through the ecological ceiling of what our planet can tolerate, while many people worldwide fall below the social minimum.
In Doughnut Economics, Kate Raworth shows how mainstream economic thinking (set up in the 19th century and partly even earlier) leads us astray for what we need now. In 7 steps, she draws a route to an economy where everyone’s needs can be met, without compromising our planet’s boundaries.
Work method
In the workshop we started (for each step from the book) with a short introduction so that we have a good base for our discussion, inspiration and conversation. What will your quest, your theme, your action be?
Subjects to discover the practical side of the model, were identified by the participants. We explored together what these new models can mean for us.
Result
What happens if you place certain themes along the DE models? The participants were interested in
– biodiversity
– bees
– extreme weather
– assistance / care
– book cycle
The table below summarises roughly, what we discussed in general and per theme. The ambition now is to address each topic separately in the next blogs in more detail.
| Ecological ceiling | Theme | Social foundation |
| Plastic pollution | The circular economy creates new jobs | |
| Less transport | Locally produced food
Organic stores |
Economic value can be reinvested regionally |
| Do not mow grass every week
– biodiversity – Insects – Fruit |
Relations / network: giving attention (why deviates from the standard) | |
| Reuse
Knowledge value is not lost |
Buying 2nd hand books
– by bike |
Involvement
Interest Interaction |
| Pubs (book town Wales) Put the region on the map |
||
| Fossil fuel
Material requirement for new model Environmentally charged batteries (elsewhere) |
No car
Public transport Mobility vs. “Sustainable” car / fuel (social) |
Social isolation?
Role of family and neighborhoods! |
| Stimulating a circular economy through your own purchases. | Thinking about every purchase and choosing consciously.
|
Making choices easier
– “better” – ‘Good’ – “Not yet possible” |
| Investing in weapons
investing in green |
Bank of choice | Profit orientation or social investing |
| To be able to explain which alternatives are available for controversial raw materials. | Broader annual report with annual accounts Fair bank guide |
Take more than just production figures
Regional significance |
| The winner takes it all principal | Money must rust like a machine | Design with a view to distribution: At least everyone has enough! |
| Rent seekers | Why do politicians continue to use arguments that are proven not to be true? | Wealth creators |
| Value destruction by shareholders | Watch money or watch each other? | “Self-reliance” = save yourself (not another) |
| Stability by family businesses (AH – 2 years later in the crisis, flatter …) | Role of the financial system (interest on interest),
create property, create no value |
No rising wages with rising productivity |
| No need for 38 type of chips and sauce, just because it is possible | Chances for development | a better school system that stimulates children instead of inhibiting and restricting them |
| Ownership and wealth distribution | The value of your idea?
Who is the owner? Is there an owner? After all, you have acquired all knowledge in society. |
Do you have more, build a longer table, not a higher wall |
| Earth overshoot day: earlier every year | Commons (earlier: municipal fields, for example)
Earlier: water – is already changing! Who does Nature belong to? Anyone? No one? All of them? And what does that imply? |
Quality of the environment depends!! on (fair) distribution of income, level of education, respect for civil and political rights |
| The importance of social entrepreneurs for the economy | The 5 levels of FAIR act:
How can you facilitate the process of raising everyone a level higher? |
Social aspects of urban approach to development by policymakers (because they do not really know ‘rural’ as a model) |
| 6 (or 9) Rs in circularity: how can we personally and professionally scale up in this? |
Use a personal score card to measure J | |
| Personal loan (grow funding)
vs. anonymous shareholder
|
Development instead of growth | Well-being is promoted by:
• Make connections with people around us • Being physically active • Take note of the world • Learn new skills Give to others |
| Innovation vs Smart Achterhoek | Achterhoek Board
Who has which place in this “family” photo? |
Shrinking policy vs. What does the youth want?
|
| Ecovillages (check website!) | Consume differently
– relevant network! |
|
| Why has it never persisted? (wrong reports?) | Basic income:
Pros / cons |
What are the results of the tests? |
Questions to initiate thoughts and the conversation were:
– What would you do if you had a basic income?
– What would you do if you could not redeem the value of your work?
– How much do you want to invest in a relationship?
– Dare to ask!
– Give what you can!
– Look at comparative dynamics in society
– Check Outsiders
Continuation:
After the workshops, there is a need for follow up. Together, we will further investigate what options and opportunities we can define (en implement).
Thus, we want to meet regularly as a group, based on specific themes
– climate
– zero waste
– books, second hand
– car-free mobility
– or what will be added to the list
At the same time, I am an my way to bring the workshops to other regions in The Netherlands.
Together we make Work of the Doughnut.