Our April 6th post about regeneration drew some interesting thoughts from citizens of the Seventh Generation Nation. Here's a look at those ideas…

Dandarius urges us all to move "beyond Independent/Dependent duality based systems to Interdependent thinking. Recreating our communities in the new community EcoVillage model … check up on the Transition Towns movement. Form bioregional congresses in your area." I like this idea of beginning by reformulating our own communities to reflect environmental values. When we align our physical surroundings in this way we also alter our emotional relationship to the Earth -- a necessary first step to a meaningfully regenerative existence.

Chris translates this idea into action and reports that whenever his family moves to a new place, they "transform what has been monoculture into as many species of plants as the land will support. This inevitably brings insects, birds, and amphibians to the land. It is amazing to watch the transformation each time… You end up talking about insects, birds, and amphibians to other people -- educating them on what (lives) in the area, which sparks their interest in attracting them as well." I guess you could say this is regeneration by example. I believe there is a great need in people to reconnect to the natural world. When we reawaken this desire, action soon follows and becomes a ripple in a pond spreading ever outward.

Meglet44 brings up what might come next with the suggestion that everyone adopt some land and make it their mission to improve it by carting off the trash, adding organic material, planting things, etc. "I'm working on my 1/3 acre as we speak," Meglet44 writes. "A coupla years ago, I turned the in-ground pool into a huge compost heap. A couple of tree services regularly contribute mulch. I have a large & healthy community of worms breaking down the organic matter as we speak." Good call! Pools are fun but they do waste a lot of resources. Better to let the worms swim in compost.

Mwdean takes this essential idea of environmental restoration even further: "I plant trees that bear fruit to supplement the diets of the remaining wildlife in our area," Mwdean says. "I plant flowers that are organic and native to our area. I have considered letting my small patch of backyard go back to the natural forest it once was. I suppose one of the best things we can do is write letters to our local and Federal political leaders to do more on the regeneration front." Agreed on all counts. We can and should personally nurture that part of Earth that's closest to home. And for those parts that lie too far afield for us to reach, we should let our elected reps know that they've got work to do.

Writing from Hawaii, Zan-zoo laments the development of coastlines and the pollution of ocean waters. "At least the land (that's) left can be sanctioned for moratorium and the current land could be reconstructed to be more eco-friendly. I am not certain but this probably happens along lots of waterways. We can petition and make it happen!" Indeed. Citizen activism is the grease that gets regenerative wheels rolling. I'd love to see our coasts restored to a pristine state and whatever wild beaches that are left kept that way.

Finally, Joanna echoes this thought, writing that she always keeps in mind a sign she once saw in the Upper Peninsula. "Leave nothing but footprints, take nothing by photos." This is perhaps the ultimate form of regenerative wisdom: If we create no damage today there'll be nothing we'll need to regenerate tomorrow. Prevention, as always, is the best medicine whether you're healing a patient or a planet.

Thanks to everyone for chiming in on the conversation and working in your respective corners of the Earth to make it whole again. Happy Earth Day one and all!

photo: pfly