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RetroSuburbia
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This 500 page manual shows how Australians can downshift and retrofit their homes, gardens, communities and, above all, themselves to be more self-organised, sustainable and resilient into an uncertain future. It promises a challenging but exciting mix of satisfying work, a more meaningful way of living and hope for the next generation.
RetroSuburbia is divided into three m ...more
RetroSuburbia is divided into three m ...more
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Paperback, 500 pages
Published
February 10th 2018
by Melliodora
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I'm biased, because I'm one of the many households featured in the book.
Saying that, there were many areas included in David's work that have helped improve my understanding of how I can be more effective in living more simply in a suburban environment.
Of particular note is in the 'Behavioural Field', an area not often considered as part of permaculture design.
The book has given me some much needed direction in how I can build community around me whilst modeling the world I want to live in. ...more
Saying that, there were many areas included in David's work that have helped improve my understanding of how I can be more effective in living more simply in a suburban environment.
Of particular note is in the 'Behavioural Field', an area not often considered as part of permaculture design.
The book has given me some much needed direction in how I can build community around me whilst modeling the world I want to live in. ...more

A much easier, updated look at 30 years of permaculture written by one of it's founders, and how it can apply to the suburbs.
I'm thinking as I read it, some of it sounds eerily similar to 'prepping' for the coming apocalypse. I'm also wondering if Mr Holmgren has a car, and whereabouts exactly does he live he says Mellidora, Melbourne, but is that actually in the suburbs or out in the country?
Is this retroSuburbia permaculture just a philosophy for city rat racers who want to go back to the lan ...more
I'm thinking as I read it, some of it sounds eerily similar to 'prepping' for the coming apocalypse. I'm also wondering if Mr Holmgren has a car, and whereabouts exactly does he live he says Mellidora, Melbourne, but is that actually in the suburbs or out in the country?
Is this retroSuburbia permaculture just a philosophy for city rat racers who want to go back to the lan ...more

I've heard David Holmgren speak twice: once about Peak Oil about 10 years ago, and once recently about this book. He is always interesting to listen to, is well read and has a lot of ideas. The Peak Oil emergency didn't eventuate, but Holmgren believes a 2020 Great Depression may occur if the property bubble bursts. This book is about ways to become more resilient in the face of uncertain futures.
It is very large book which I would recommend to people planning to buy or rent in the suburbs. As I ...more
It is very large book which I would recommend to people planning to buy or rent in the suburbs. As I ...more

I was so inspired by Holmgren's earlier writings that I committed his 12 Principles to memory so that I could carry them with me through my days. RetroSuburbia continues his good work. It's apparent that a tremendous amount of time has gone into creating this big book. I welcome it as a kind of study text for living well with our land and with others. Deeply grateful ... highly recommend!
...more

A thoughtful and practical guide to a likely future living arrangement. Permaculture for the mainstream Aussie. I'd love to see more manifesto and local govt reclamation content for the 5 star rating which has just eluded Mr Holmgren.
...more

I love this book, very useful and has lots of tips for both beginners and those who already have a handle on permaculture. My only criticism is that it says it is for both homeowners and renters yet as a renter there was limited application for a lot of the book. It would have been nice to have some more sections that considered renters.

https://online.retrosuburbia.com/?fbc...
Now available online for donation. ...more
Now available online for donation. ...more

A thorough tome on the myriad ways to become a more sustainable and self-sustaining hosehold. Written specifically for Australians, but there is much to be gleaned by Americans like me.

Both incentive and informative.
Something to be referred to before considering downshifting... it's possible to do so and stay right where you are, or it might mean that something you thought was out of reach isn't. If you've made the shift; afterwards because what you thought you might or could do, it so often changes when you're actually there and doing it. David Holmgren really does know his stuff; it's wonderful that he has addressed the gap where many of us who already have a house and yard ...more
Something to be referred to before considering downshifting... it's possible to do so and stay right where you are, or it might mean that something you thought was out of reach isn't. If you've made the shift; afterwards because what you thought you might or could do, it so often changes when you're actually there and doing it. David Holmgren really does know his stuff; it's wonderful that he has addressed the gap where many of us who already have a house and yard ...more
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