Sharon Kallis explores the idea of "backsourcing," which includes retrieving outdated technologies and creating new ones in order to promote sustainability and community development. In addition to addressing environmental issues, Kallis shows how recreating traditional crafts like weaving and basketry can unite people in group educational activities. The significance of choosing natural products to reduce waste is one lesson to be learned. For instance, Kallis conducts workshops in which participants collect exotic plants such Himalayan blackberry or English ivy, and turn them into art supplies. This not only benefits in the management of these plants but also transforms them into something lovely and useful, demonstrating how ecological issues can generate creative ideas.
Making art can be a potent means of fostering community ties and educating people about the environment, which is another important takeaway. In addition to teaching learners about sustainability and natural cycles, Kallis highlights that learning by group projects fosters close social ties. Using locally collected or foraged materials to create expansive, braided communal art works is one example from her book. By establishing a direct line of communication between humans and their surroundings, this approach makes sustainability more concrete and approachable. I gathered that people become more aware of their influence on the environment and have a deeper grasp of the resources they use when they make items by hand.
