Barriers of Entry I began mentioning in my previous post that the key task in the coming decades to avert severe, long term ecological consequences will likely be a transition of the masses to a more sustainable/regenerative ways of life. But the barriers of entry is still quite high and interspersed, making it difficult to…
Author: cshimasaki
A Japonica rare breed with a vigorous growth in hot summer sun, rather nutrient hungry during the autumn but tends to wither and fade in colour during the dark winter months. Feed it with plenty of good food and beer.
During my time as a primary school teacher, I became aware that I didn't have a definitive answers on how to solve (or at least build resilience against) the big problems of the world that the children are likely to encounter when they grow up. Climate change, food security, extinction of species, energy crisis, water scarcity, environmental degradation and pollution... the list can go on.
So I decided to build a camper, go and see some of the possible solutions, experience it and share my learning with you. And have lots of fun in the process.
Permaculture Part 1
From this month, I’m planning to upload one post a month that ventures more into detail about some of the ideas I’ve been thinking about. These posts will probably be difficult for kids to follow but come back to it when you’re a little older. I will be uploading more child friendly, or more like…
Scotland Roadtrip
Me and my friend Sam drove the North Coast 500 route – a 500 mile route along the Northern and North Western coasts of Scotland around the end of May. Setting aside a week, with a few day-hikes planned in, we drove the route anti-clockwise as recommended, coming off the route at the end to…
Rambling Ideas of a Dumpling Maker
Automation, robotics and AI are projected to take over 1 in 3 jobs within 20 years (read this article for a full list of jobs, each with probability attached to it). Many low skilled repetitive work will be replaced by a more efficient, cost effective robots and the ensuing unemployment crisis is a serious issue…
For Those Thinking of Starting a Van Life
A few pointers to get you under way in exploring the various avenues of living small and mobile. First published 16 April 2018 on Wix. I chose living in a camper van as a way to move from farm to farm and be able to easily carry my pet cat around. As it turned out,…
After a Year of Living in a Van Part 2
This post was originally on Wix dated 12th March 2018 In part 2, I will be looking at things that have worked really well. Ideas that I’ll take into the future, whether that’s building another van, a tiny house on wheels or a full-on house on top of a foundation. Minimalism The process of moving…
After a Year of Living in a Van Part 1
This post was originally posted on Wix dated 8th March 2018 I can confidently say that I’m still loving it but I took a moment to reflect on the experience and thought I’d share a few things over several posts. There are many bits that I’m glad I included in the build and some that…
Hunting in Japan
Another key event from my trip to Japan was a brief introductory course on hunting from my uncle. I’ve always been fascinated by hunting and eagerly tagged along to watch as he set up traps amongst the dry winter mountains of Izu. As with many temperate countries around the world, Japan used to have its…
How to Grow Organic Rice in Japan
Around this time of the year last year, I spent 3 weeks in Japan and one of the key experiences from the trip was going to visit my uncle’s place at the Southern tip of Izu peninsula. It’s a lovely place where rolling mountains and oceans meet with plenty of onsen (hot spring bath) dotted…
2nd Notice from Scientists
A friend posted a link to a Washington Post article a while ago that described how more than 15,000 scientists from 184 countries have signed a second notice to Humanity. The article can be read here. The original paper, which is mere 2 pages of writing, can be accessed here. This blog post will be…
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