The Power of Just Doing Stuff: How local action can change the world - Softcover

Once upon a time it was tempting to mock the idea of a "transition town" or even transition itself. Rob Hopkins is a truly original thinker who has not only given the concept meaning but has put it into practice in a way that now influences individuals in many parts of the world. The essential proposition is not only that we have to adapt our way of life to meet the enormous environmental challenges that we face but that it is quite possibly and no less practically to the point a stimulating and enjoyable process as well. If ever there was an idea whose time has come, this is it. Rob Hopkins' book is a truly unique piece of work that anyone who cares about our future in this densely populated and threatened world should read. It offers original thought and clear analysis. It also combines realism and hope. -- Jonathan Dimbleby, writer and broadcaster I see [Transition] as a wonderful combination of civic local engagement and a worldwide network. In many towns throughout the world people get together, finding community, enthusiastic about the idea of together envisioning aA future model for their town that will make it worth living in. There is something out there ladies and gentlemen, I'm deeply convinced, that was set in motion already quite some time ago -- Horst Ki?1/2hler, former German president and former president of the IMF We can talk for ever, but actually learning to live well within planetary boundaries is about doing things differently here and now. Rob Hopkins is a master at doing stuff. He makes the necessary look desirable and possible. Hopkins has understood that paths are made by walking and that what matters is taking steps. Dealing with global challenges will need important rules set at high levels, but we will only survive and thrive if we become enchanted by positive change locally, where we experience the world. This book is that spell to help rapid transition happen. -- Andrew Simms, nef Fellow and author of 'Cancel the Apocalypse' The idea that local food can be better for communities, for local economies, for our wellbeing and for the planet is now widely accepted. The Power of Just Doing Stuff captures the potential of applying that thinking beyond food, to how we think about energy generation, development, investment, job creation and to the shift to an economy appropriate to the 21st century. There's a buzz around this book, and its message, that give great grounds for optimism on topics that are often rather doom-laden. Its true power lies in the fact that its many smart ideas are already underway. -- Hugh Fearnley-Whittingstall, writer, broadcaster and campaigner Rob Hopkins has done more to change the way that we live in the past 10 years than any one else in Britain. Because he has given people the tools to create change for themselves. It is beautifully simple and incredibly powerful. -- Monty Don, gardener, writer and broadcaster In the leaking ship that we've made of our planet, the Transition movement is like a flotilla of life rafts. And they've come not to pull us off the earth, but to help us patch it and make it right. There's no one on earth who's just done more stuff--and inspired more doing--than Rob Hopkins. This book shows how you can Do Stuff Too! -- Bill McKibben, author, educator, environmentalist, and Co-founder of 350.org There is good reason to believe that the old order is coming to an end. A new normal is emerging, and if societies are to thrive then we will need to do things differently. While the transition must be assisted with technology and policy, this book describes the awesome power of just doing stuff. Rob Hopkins reminds us how actions speak louder than words, and he does it with practical examples and the passion of someone who has successfully practiced what he writes about -- Tony Juniper, Author and Campaigner

Something is stirring. People around the world are deciding that the well-being of their community and its economy lies with them. They're people like you. They've had enough, and, rather than waiting for permission, they're rolling up their sleeves, getting together with friends and neighbours, and doing something about it. Whether they start small or big, they're finding that just doing stuff can transform their neighbourhoods and their lives. The Power of Just Doing Stuff argues that this shift represents the seeds of a new economy - the answer to our desperate search for a new way forward - and at its heart is people deciding that change starts with them. Communities worldwide are already modelling a more local economy rooted in place, in well-being, in entrepreneurship, and in creativity. And it works. Packed with inspiring real-life examples of how to change things, this book ties in with the increasing focus on community action during tough economic times. It will appeal to schools, community groups and campaigners as well as the general public and Transition groups.