This was an incredible trip, truly an invigorating injection of hope, inspiration and spirit, which is much needed in today’s world. Frequently it is the evils of humanity which are displayed, and it is all too easy to become mired in their horrors. Yet here was a broad spectrum of thousands of people, and though there existed a many foci, from organic to green to fair trade, there was a common factor which bound everyone together within a palpable energy. Every person was convened there on a journey towards betterment, from the small steps to the gallops.

This incredible energy began with Judy Wicks of the White Dog Cafe. Judy spoke on Local Living Economies: Green, Fair and Fun, and as Brady mentioned addressed the strategic value of cooperation in a competitive market.

Judy also spoke to our society’s idea of success, and the detrimental effects this idea in action can cause to individuals, community and the environment. We are raised to believe that bigger is better, more money is always preferred, and possessions attest to the person. This has created a culture where we work tirelessly, want constantly, and are never content. There was a Target commercial which ran recently and ironically summed this display of our cruel cycle with endless chants of “i want it. i need it. i want it. i need it.”

These self traits of perpetual cravings also translate into the business world, where we have taught that no amount of money is sufficient and no means to securing it are off limits. Stories of large corporations acting without concern for communities are common place, as are the community benefits of small, locally owned and operated businesses. But, as Judy pointed out, success is still measured by others in the profits, the bottom line. As she found success with the White Dog Cafe so too came the thoughts of expansion and growth, however Judy quickly realized growing bigger would succumb to that idea and in so doing remove the human connections so vital to true success.

True success is not about the bottom line, but rather the multiple, or triple bottom line. A multiple bottom line considers “not just making money, but how the socio-cultural, ecological and economic aspects are considered through the course of doing business.” We have entered a new era which

requires new economic theory and new economic institutions based on the concept of a triple bottom line:
* Sufficient material goods
* Sustainable ecological systems
* Optimal quality of life, based on the abundance of personal and community-oriented services

With the growing popularity and consumer demand of multiple bottom line, transparency and accountability, and local, community based businesses, it is a brilliant sunrise into this new era.

There is so much more to share from the Green Festival, like Black Gold and Tadeese Meskela, some incredible games, bags and coffees and the beautiful closing ceremony.