Posts
In permaculture it's recognized that life on the edge of an ecosystem supports an increased level of biodiversity. In the space where the meadow and the forest meet the unique ecosystems of both intermingle. You find meadow plants and critters, forest plants and critters and a third group of 'meadow meets forest' plants and critters all mixing it up. Native plants and "weeds" generally have a better chance of survival on the edges of yards, gardens, orchards, parks, playgrounds and schoolyards creating habitat spots for all kinds of insects and wildlife and as all kids know the most interesting spots for exploring.
The same phenomena happens on the edges of communities and neighborhoods where new residents bump up against old timers. Generally newcomers of different cultures and languages join the fringes, geographically and metaphorically before they join the mainstream at the center.
The same holds true in commercial and business sectors. Businesses found on main street nearly always cater most obviously to the mainstream and status quo. That's not to say you can't find main street business doing it right and going green - there happen to be a handful of independent businesses taking steps to go the sustainable route on the main drag in my home town. But chances are you are more likely to find the funky, pushing the envelope type business and a higher diversity of unique businesses one or two blocks of the the main drag.
Not coincidentally that happens to be where we find ourselves, a fair trade import shop a block down the road from where most of the downtown action happens. And though we absolutely aspire to be on main street some day, geographically and metaphorically, we do appreciate our lower rent and funkier neighbors. Both of which inspire us to do business our way - cooperatively and sustainably connecting the local with the global.
Karen
