by Robin Wall Kimmerer
A thoughtful and engaging extended essay from the indigenous scientist author of one of my favourite books, Braiding Sweetgrass. Taking ideas of gifting and abundance and applying them to both ecology and economics, Wall Kimmerer left me feeling like a more equitable world is possible.
She uses the plentiful fruiting of the serviceberry bushes planted by her neighbours to explore a different relationship to nature, moving away from ideas of competition and scarcity. Serviceberries are important for a variety of species including humans (who use them for food and medicine). She notices that “the abundance of berries feels like a pure gift from the land”, and prescribes this as a radical alternative to some of our current ways of living on the earth.
Drawing on examples from her own mostly rural experience, she is also encouraged by reports of successful gift economies from her urban college students. As well as the free circulation of items, she notices that this can be a catalyst for community connection, such as monitoring the impacts of a local incinerator and beyond. “These students recognise that their free store makes only a tiny dent in the stream of overconsumption and waste, but it represents a commitment to imagining and practicing an alternative that doesn’t pile up injustice along with plastic”.
John Burgoyne’s vibrant illustrations add context throughout, and the cover art by Mary Vaux Walcott makes you want to seize the book. A good way to make a positive start to the new year.
(Review by Bethan)