The overall plan is to assist in creating a systemic change that meets environmental, social, economic and sustainable needs by addressing those areas on which survival is dependent.  Given the current (2010) economic uncertainties, unemployment, environmental issues, and crime, creating wide-scale change is an opportunity we have at hand.

STEP 1

          Backyard chickens, to which my City of El Cerrito has added beehives and miniature goats, provide a food source, and a reduction in carbon dioxide as a result of a reduction in food transportation.  In my video http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=-9eRel-flf4, you will note chickens also substantively meet the need of creating community, with emotional and social support attending.

In those neighborhoods where a rooster is well received, this too reduces carbon emissions by the reduction in traveling to procure new laying hens every few years.  Also, it provides for a local source of new chicks.  Chickens can be pets as well as a food source, and are also trainable.  (See  http://staging.vimeo.com/6324470).

          Chickens which are allowed to free-range are better for the environment in that chickens, by grazing down vegetation, release carbon dioxide into the ground where it is beneficial, since the plant has taken in the carbon dioxide from the air through photosynthesis.  This does not happen when chickens are kept confined to a small area.  It simply becomes a dust basin. 

          In the Country of Bhutan, success of the country is measured by Gross National Happiness as opposed to Gross National Product.  Community building and sustainability through these processes add to increased Gross National Happiness.

STEP 2

          Procuring and providing fruit trees on a wide-scale basis over an extended length of time to continue the local food, sustainability, greening process.  Offering these locally and into poorer neighboring environments is a way to reduce crime and to include the larger community in community-building. 

STEP 3

          Encourage and promote alternative forms of transportation, i.e., bicycles, zero-emission vehicles and public transportation. 

STEP 4

          Encourage and promote alternative energy materials, particularly solar energy panels and shingles.  This can become the charging source for zero-emission vehicles, ultimately reducing all carbon dioxide in certain locations through this process.

STEP 5

          Aim to move housing or some housing out of an economic realm that forces people to compromise the lives of others, sending them into homelessness or other crises situations as a result of an economic collapse.
         
          This Plan assists the reduced income of seniors, of low income residents, aids children in the care and respect of life and the environment, teaches people the importance of creating community and honoring the emotional and social needs of many, including those who are isolated or disenfranchised.

          As the City of El Cerrito and citizens participate, it becomes an example for other areas of the nation and world to show that significant and important changes CAN be made that ensure the survival of the planet and add to Gross National Happiness.