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helwenEnough of the political stuff, especially on the national scale. But unfortunately, most of my reading recently has not been in a positive vein. I suppose if I wanted to read something positive, I'd stay away from reading about what's happening to our planet, eh?
The Emotional Scientist & Melting Models (full post with comments) is a rather long blog post about scientists, what they're saying, what they aren't saying, what they mean when they say something (or might mean), with lots of information on what's happening, what is projected as possibilities and/or probabilities, etc.
Same post, but much abbreviated to get the gist of things
More and more we're hearing that the models aren't reflecting what's actually happening, how scientists are having to adapt models to take more factors into account, how conservative they are in saying anything, etc.
More and more we're hearing about how much worse things are or will be, that the 'actions' that various countries are taking or are planning to take are or will be too little, too late.
More and more I have to seriously consider what changes in my life and lifestyle I'm going to have to make. Not just growing fruits and veggies, cooking, making/buying clothing out of durable goods, rainwater catchment, using a lot less energy, etc. Those are important of course. Then there's medical care -- got a couple books on alternative meds recently, but that won't fix a broken bone, and what about more complex concerns like cancer, or even the surgery I had just recently? How about driving to meetings and events? What about flying?
Travel (both SCA and non-SCA)
I have one flight potentially planned for this year; it will probably be the last. But what about SCA events? I love the SCA; the people, history, fighting, dancing, arts, all of it. But should we really be travelling long distances for just a day or so? When L and I have to go down to the valley for PT or choir practice, we try to combine the trip with other errands. And I can envision rare longer journeys like the one my good friend![[livejournal.com profile]](https://www.dreamwidth.org/img/external/lj-userinfo.gif)
joyeuse60 made recently if, as she did, it was with company and we were making stops along the way -- rather like the old medieval tourney circuits actually. Tournaments in Europe came to be set up in such a way that those attending could travel from one to the next through the year.
Not that everyone can be away from work for that long. So, go only to local events? What about Pennsic? Or Estrella or Gulf Wars or other large SCA events that are too far away for me to even consider.
As the price of fuel goes up, chances are the number of attendees at these large, long-distance events will drop -- just as they'll drop for places like Disneyworld. But I rather expect many people will go for as long as they're able, because to do otherwise is to be "deprived". The question here is whether long-distance travel will drop fast enough to help the environment, and I rather expect the answer is 'no'.
Chemical Use, Trash
One of the "rules" I learned when I joined the SCA over 25 years ago was "Always leave a site as clean or cleaner than you found it." It's my thought that we ought to be trying to apply that in our every day lives as well, not just to sites we rent for a day or weekend. How about the impact of the chemicals in cleaners people use? Or the food waste at large events because it won't be going home or at least getting composted, because the site isn't set up for that? Anyone who's been to Pennsic knows how ridiculous the dumpsters can get at the end of the war. At least some of the useful stuff gets left by the road for anyone who wants it -- I brought home 5 unopened gallons of water one year, for instance.
Food
Happily, more kitchen crews are getting aggressive about sending as much food home with people as possible (some can be donated to pantries, but has to be whole, untouched pies or loaves, that sort of thing. Some pantries don't even want that though...).
I've also been thinking about the amount of food at feasts as well. Certainly a full board looks nice and festive, but do we really need as much food as we serve? Our portions have been getting better over time, but I still had too much at 12th Night, and (except for the paiella - sp?) I took small portions of most everything, and skipped the bread entirely.
Also, something I at least need to work on, is packing more food for trips. Food that L and others will actually eat, too. What I like for travel isn't necessarily what other people like, and even when L eats the food I bring, he usually wants something that I don't pack, as well. Much as I enjoy those French Vanilla and English Toffee latte thingies, I'd rather not support our current food industry any more than I absolutely have to -- most of the supermarkets and meal purveyors are like a disease, spewing out low quality, non-nutritious, chemical-laden garbage.
Clothing
Many of us have gotten better about clothing -- mostly because wool and linen are more period appropriate to much of the clothing of the SCA timeframe. And because these cost more, people are starting to have smaller wardrobes (also more period appropriate). L and I have a ridiculous amount of clothing -- partly from being in for so long, partly SCA culture, and partly from wanting to look good for the barony). OTOH, we've loaned clothing out to numerous folks over the years, and kitted out a few people for nearly their entire week at Pennsic.
But in some ways I think it's more important that we're using these materials because it is gentler on the environment than plastic-based/cheap textiles. Which isn't to say they're environmentally friendly, because most of them aren't. But unless we're all going to grow our own linen, raise our own sheep, clean/spin/weave/sew our clothing, and use only non-toxic natural dyestuffs, then using durable materials and making fewer pieces of clothing is at least an improvement.
I figure one of the reasons for embroidering, quilting, and piecework is that when you have fewer pieces of clothing or accessories, it's nice to have something really special. There's a tendency to push artisans to do more and more, when in reality, one might spend a year working on a single garment.
Community Aspects
There's been discussion of changing times in the SCA, be it recruitment, member retention, expense of activities, and changes in expectations. Expense is a big factor in several of those, especially as expectations for appearance have seemingly gone up. Some people say that the younger folks just need to not buy Wii or other tech stuff, and they'll have plenty of money for clothing, fighting gear, etc. Hm, they must know different young people than I do. Bergental's student population and also many regular working folks, are not rich, and some aren't even particularly well off. They are rich in knowledge, experience, creativity, and energy, and because of that we try to help them in whatever ways we can. I brought up at the last business meeting the idea of rebates for servers (and any kitchen/feast related workers), but I'm not sure how well it was received. I may try again later -- we had a lot of business to cover. Basically, anyone who commits to work in/with the kitchen gets $4-5 dollars off -- good incentive to volunteer if you're short of funds, and the cook and head server have fewer worries going into the event. We used to do it in Bergental, but the custom fell along the wayside at some point. I think this or something like it would be worth trying again, as once again the economy is straining everyone's pocketbooks. There was discussion of some other ideas as well, none of which I was really thrilled with either, but at least we're working on some possible solutions.
***
More isn't necessarily better. More is often just more. And sometimes it makes something less special. Thank goodness I don't go to events several times a month anymore! There have been times in my SCA career when I've travelled quite a lot, visiting with people, teaching, working, fighting, etc. I'm so glad to have all the friends I have in the Society, the knowledge and experience I've acquired over the years is priceless (much of it applicable outside the SCA), but I'm also happy not to be on the road so much anymore -- even though it means I won't see my friends as often as I might like. We simply can't justify the environmental impact.
So, what to do? The SCA has a lot to offer, even in this day and age. In fact, if we were able to be _more_ medieval, it would be even better (ah for a site with a brick oven, open hearth, wall sconces for torches, foot-thick walls, etc.). That's probably one of the big reasons I like Pennsic and other summer events, even though I dislike camping in general -- a chance to get away from computers, phones, electric lighting, and so on.
I guess we're going to have to work on having more small local events or something. Quintavia, our next-door neighbor to the east, often has little gatherings at their practices. I usually can't make it to those, but it sounds like a wonderful way for people to come together, and I'd like to see that in our group too. In fact we used to do more at our fighter practices, but that isn't possible at the current southern site, and the more northerly site was a little cramped for me, although it suited most of the regular attendees (maybe I'm just not a gameshop person). A new site is being checked into for the northern location, as the current spot's going away at the end of the month.
In the long-run, I believe the majority of groups and individuals within the SCA, at least in the continental U.S., will need to modify how they participate, if it wishes to continue to thrive.
And what I would really like to see, is groups working on finding ways to decrease their impact on the environment, and perhaps even doing local outreach programs like walking in charity walk-a-thons or PBS fundraisers (we've done both, in garb), cleaning trash off the streets (eh, maybe with just buttons on our shirts), and so on. Instead of just event sites, shouldn't SCAdians, and everyone else too, leave the world cleaner than we found it?
The Emotional Scientist & Melting Models (full post with comments) is a rather long blog post about scientists, what they're saying, what they aren't saying, what they mean when they say something (or might mean), with lots of information on what's happening, what is projected as possibilities and/or probabilities, etc.
Same post, but much abbreviated to get the gist of things
More and more we're hearing that the models aren't reflecting what's actually happening, how scientists are having to adapt models to take more factors into account, how conservative they are in saying anything, etc.
More and more we're hearing about how much worse things are or will be, that the 'actions' that various countries are taking or are planning to take are or will be too little, too late.
More and more I have to seriously consider what changes in my life and lifestyle I'm going to have to make. Not just growing fruits and veggies, cooking, making/buying clothing out of durable goods, rainwater catchment, using a lot less energy, etc. Those are important of course. Then there's medical care -- got a couple books on alternative meds recently, but that won't fix a broken bone, and what about more complex concerns like cancer, or even the surgery I had just recently? How about driving to meetings and events? What about flying?
Travel (both SCA and non-SCA)
I have one flight potentially planned for this year; it will probably be the last. But what about SCA events? I love the SCA; the people, history, fighting, dancing, arts, all of it. But should we really be travelling long distances for just a day or so? When L and I have to go down to the valley for PT or choir practice, we try to combine the trip with other errands. And I can envision rare longer journeys like the one my good friend
joyeuse60 made recently if, as she did, it was with company and we were making stops along the way -- rather like the old medieval tourney circuits actually. Tournaments in Europe came to be set up in such a way that those attending could travel from one to the next through the year. Not that everyone can be away from work for that long. So, go only to local events? What about Pennsic? Or Estrella or Gulf Wars or other large SCA events that are too far away for me to even consider.
As the price of fuel goes up, chances are the number of attendees at these large, long-distance events will drop -- just as they'll drop for places like Disneyworld. But I rather expect many people will go for as long as they're able, because to do otherwise is to be "deprived". The question here is whether long-distance travel will drop fast enough to help the environment, and I rather expect the answer is 'no'.
Chemical Use, Trash
One of the "rules" I learned when I joined the SCA over 25 years ago was "Always leave a site as clean or cleaner than you found it." It's my thought that we ought to be trying to apply that in our every day lives as well, not just to sites we rent for a day or weekend. How about the impact of the chemicals in cleaners people use? Or the food waste at large events because it won't be going home or at least getting composted, because the site isn't set up for that? Anyone who's been to Pennsic knows how ridiculous the dumpsters can get at the end of the war. At least some of the useful stuff gets left by the road for anyone who wants it -- I brought home 5 unopened gallons of water one year, for instance.
Food
Happily, more kitchen crews are getting aggressive about sending as much food home with people as possible (some can be donated to pantries, but has to be whole, untouched pies or loaves, that sort of thing. Some pantries don't even want that though...).
I've also been thinking about the amount of food at feasts as well. Certainly a full board looks nice and festive, but do we really need as much food as we serve? Our portions have been getting better over time, but I still had too much at 12th Night, and (except for the paiella - sp?) I took small portions of most everything, and skipped the bread entirely.
Also, something I at least need to work on, is packing more food for trips. Food that L and others will actually eat, too. What I like for travel isn't necessarily what other people like, and even when L eats the food I bring, he usually wants something that I don't pack, as well. Much as I enjoy those French Vanilla and English Toffee latte thingies, I'd rather not support our current food industry any more than I absolutely have to -- most of the supermarkets and meal purveyors are like a disease, spewing out low quality, non-nutritious, chemical-laden garbage.
Clothing
Many of us have gotten better about clothing -- mostly because wool and linen are more period appropriate to much of the clothing of the SCA timeframe. And because these cost more, people are starting to have smaller wardrobes (also more period appropriate). L and I have a ridiculous amount of clothing -- partly from being in for so long, partly SCA culture, and partly from wanting to look good for the barony). OTOH, we've loaned clothing out to numerous folks over the years, and kitted out a few people for nearly their entire week at Pennsic.
But in some ways I think it's more important that we're using these materials because it is gentler on the environment than plastic-based/cheap textiles. Which isn't to say they're environmentally friendly, because most of them aren't. But unless we're all going to grow our own linen, raise our own sheep, clean/spin/weave/sew our clothing, and use only non-toxic natural dyestuffs, then using durable materials and making fewer pieces of clothing is at least an improvement.
I figure one of the reasons for embroidering, quilting, and piecework is that when you have fewer pieces of clothing or accessories, it's nice to have something really special. There's a tendency to push artisans to do more and more, when in reality, one might spend a year working on a single garment.
Community Aspects
There's been discussion of changing times in the SCA, be it recruitment, member retention, expense of activities, and changes in expectations. Expense is a big factor in several of those, especially as expectations for appearance have seemingly gone up. Some people say that the younger folks just need to not buy Wii or other tech stuff, and they'll have plenty of money for clothing, fighting gear, etc. Hm, they must know different young people than I do. Bergental's student population and also many regular working folks, are not rich, and some aren't even particularly well off. They are rich in knowledge, experience, creativity, and energy, and because of that we try to help them in whatever ways we can. I brought up at the last business meeting the idea of rebates for servers (and any kitchen/feast related workers), but I'm not sure how well it was received. I may try again later -- we had a lot of business to cover. Basically, anyone who commits to work in/with the kitchen gets $4-5 dollars off -- good incentive to volunteer if you're short of funds, and the cook and head server have fewer worries going into the event. We used to do it in Bergental, but the custom fell along the wayside at some point. I think this or something like it would be worth trying again, as once again the economy is straining everyone's pocketbooks. There was discussion of some other ideas as well, none of which I was really thrilled with either, but at least we're working on some possible solutions.
***
More isn't necessarily better. More is often just more. And sometimes it makes something less special. Thank goodness I don't go to events several times a month anymore! There have been times in my SCA career when I've travelled quite a lot, visiting with people, teaching, working, fighting, etc. I'm so glad to have all the friends I have in the Society, the knowledge and experience I've acquired over the years is priceless (much of it applicable outside the SCA), but I'm also happy not to be on the road so much anymore -- even though it means I won't see my friends as often as I might like. We simply can't justify the environmental impact.
So, what to do? The SCA has a lot to offer, even in this day and age. In fact, if we were able to be _more_ medieval, it would be even better (ah for a site with a brick oven, open hearth, wall sconces for torches, foot-thick walls, etc.). That's probably one of the big reasons I like Pennsic and other summer events, even though I dislike camping in general -- a chance to get away from computers, phones, electric lighting, and so on.
I guess we're going to have to work on having more small local events or something. Quintavia, our next-door neighbor to the east, often has little gatherings at their practices. I usually can't make it to those, but it sounds like a wonderful way for people to come together, and I'd like to see that in our group too. In fact we used to do more at our fighter practices, but that isn't possible at the current southern site, and the more northerly site was a little cramped for me, although it suited most of the regular attendees (maybe I'm just not a gameshop person). A new site is being checked into for the northern location, as the current spot's going away at the end of the month.
In the long-run, I believe the majority of groups and individuals within the SCA, at least in the continental U.S., will need to modify how they participate, if it wishes to continue to thrive.
And what I would really like to see, is groups working on finding ways to decrease their impact on the environment, and perhaps even doing local outreach programs like walking in charity walk-a-thons or PBS fundraisers (we've done both, in garb), cleaning trash off the streets (eh, maybe with just buttons on our shirts), and so on. Instead of just event sites, shouldn't SCAdians, and everyone else too, leave the world cleaner than we found it?
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no subject
Date: 2008-01-09 09:16 pm (UTC)Plus it's fun.
no subject
Date: 2008-01-09 10:00 pm (UTC)And not that I'm recommending it, but I know folks who used to go to Pennsic on their bikes -- in fact I caravanned with one of them a couple of times. We or other folks could fit her heavier/bulkier stuff (armor/tent), but couldn't quite fit another person. The other guy just travelled light :D Even though we're hosting Runnymede this year, I'm going to try to downsize some stuff so that we can fit a third person as well as other people's stuff (with the minivan we usually carry somebody's stuff every year).
And, fun is good :)
no subject
Date: 2008-01-09 11:36 pm (UTC)no subject
Date: 2008-01-10 04:09 am (UTC)One thing I remember she used to do sometimes was a little zigzag/slalom thing behind us. Then sometimes she was behind and sometimes ahead of us -- kept her awake and alert she said.
It's still a heckuva trip though. As for us, we stop approx. every two hours to walk around and stretch. That way we still feel more or less like human beings when we get there.
no subject
Date: 2008-01-10 04:40 am (UTC)no subject
Date: 2008-01-10 06:00 pm (UTC)I'm more a Vespa kind of person ;)
no subject
Date: 2008-01-10 06:23 pm (UTC)I remember all the scooters I saw in Italy... I saw this little old lady zip by, with her headscarf on and her purse on the floorboards between her feet, just sitting up so straight and dignified. It was awesome.
no subject
Date: 2008-01-10 06:47 pm (UTC)no subject
Date: 2008-01-09 10:12 pm (UTC)Scientists are by nature conservative...generally that's not a problem. But in the current circumstances about which some folks have been nattering for some time, it's a very real problem.
no subject
Date: 2008-01-10 04:22 am (UTC)no subject
Date: 2008-01-10 12:38 am (UTC)no subject
Date: 2008-01-10 04:20 am (UTC)I may carry less stuff weight-wise, but I sell 2-d art, and the prints are done on specialty paper that bonds with a specialty ink -- I can't afford to do the recycled paper and soy-based inks, so I went for longevity. Still, I expect serious amounts of chemicals go into making that stuff. I'm kind of torn, because I'm wondering if I should stop producing prints and cards, and only produce original art. That still uses man-made paints, etc., but less is being produced. I like being able to provide art that regular people can afford, though. Sigh.
Birka's probably the hardest for me in some ways, because we stay in the hotel -- talk about a waste of energy! Although last year was an improvement... I hate the heating system in hotels -- lots of noise, not enough result. So we kept it lower and put on of our beautiful, good to -20F sleeping bags on top, and it was perfect. Comfortable _and_ used less energy. And of course we bring at least some of our own food. A lot of what they serve during the day is nasty stuff anyway, and I see no reason to encourage them to cook any more of it than necessary :P
We usually have breakfast on Sunday though, as it seems to be a good time to hang out with some friends before heading home.
But, I would rather be able to camp, or stay at a friend's house... I dislike almost all hotels.
The cost of waste in the SCA
Date: 2008-01-10 04:43 am (UTC)Not to mention that you are up against the mindset of the kind of people who do SCA cooking. OMG, there might not be too much food? *shakes head* I don't see that stopping, I know I won't be able to stop.
What we may see, though, is more of the more sustainable foods-- seasonal stuff, peas, grains, etc. I know I've pioneered Salats and Green Pottages to some extent, and I know that's not always sustainable, but we can work on it. When I buy two flats of strawberries and two of snap peas for my feast at the farm stand 3 miles from site, I feel like the SCA is doing something good.
SCA cooking is also an amusing case of reuse-- we often pass food/ingredients on from one event to the next if they are non-perishable and/or stored appropriately and not served.
I have found a place that will take cooked food that has been stored appropriately, and that helps.
In terms of gas, more carpooling is likely to happen, and that's going to cut into the massively ostentatious authenticist style, unfortunately. If public transit improves to make it workable in more situations-- perhaps added to carpooling or with a zipcar-- that will help people get there, but they'll still not be able to carry the same level of gear.
These days, we struggle to get the shire gear to places, let alone our own.
Re: The cost of waste in the SCA
Date: 2008-01-10 06:29 pm (UTC)I think it's great that people are eating real food at events, but if I had to deal with eating that much every weekend, I would have to starve myself the rest of the week to balance out the quantities. It's probably just me, but I like a meal to be a meal, not a buffet. Still, I think feasts are starting to trend that way in general -- 12th Night and major events of that type tend to be over the top because they are that type of event overall, not just for food. My solution to eventing now is to bring some of it home, instead of trying to have some of all of it while at the event.
Yes, I do like that more local and sustainable foods are being used more often. Our feasts are, hands down, superior to any restaurant (at least of any that I can afford to go to!).
Glad you could find a place that will take cooked food. Perhaps with the economy going the way it is, our local pantries might be a little less choosy now -- for a while they would only take bread, because anything else wouldn't be sufficient to be a sole menu item for one of the soup kitchens (but _would_ be enough for whatever family came in the door first, to take home).
Yes, carpooling really needs to happen more. We've been encouraging it for some years now, in our area. It's the only way some of our folks can go out-barony. Very true that we have to carry less gear.
I'd also like to see more people requesting crash space instead of going to hotels. Not always possible of course, but not only does it save money and fewer resources (most people's homes are more efficient than a hotel room & restaurant), but you get to meet new people, or hang out with friends outside the event. Not everyone likes hosting, but I do, and I'm getting out of practice!
The SCA is definitely a work in progress. I think on the smaller scale we're seeing improvements, and that it's having an overall impact. But I still think that local events are going to become more important -- some people are talking about combining events so that we aren't conflicting as much with our neighbors, and I'm willing to give it a try here and there, but I'm not sure it will work in the long-run, at least not for all groups. It was 3 hours for us to get to the BBM event, and more gas than some of our folks can afford, even with carpooling (plus the more eco-minded ones just won't do it). If we can get a joint site that's closer to center for both groups... our joint activities w/Quintavia have worked out pretty well, only an hour's travel.
I hear you on getting the group gear to places! We usually try for Friday night access, so that more than one trip can be made. And even within a group, that can add up to some serious mileage. I'd still like some day to have a permanent location that we could use for most of our events, so that we don't have to move gear for every event. I know, I think that's every group's dream :D But, we might actually be able to do that in a few years, at least for summer events.... (crossing fingers).
Re: The cost of waste in the SCA
Date: 2008-01-10 06:40 pm (UTC)The place by me that will take cooked, unserved and properly kept food, is a Homeless Men's shelter. They will take food at basically any time we can drop it off, too, including Sunday night, which is great-- certain shelters near us will take uncooked food, but only during the week.
Truly, though, I can't defend my belief that an SCA feast or dayboard should have LOTS of food, but I don't think I can or want to conquer it. I could try to excuse the wastefulness by 'it's period' but that's not exactly the point, is it? I guess we each have something we don't want to give up: I'll make my SCA cooking more sustainable, but I won't reduce the excess. *shakes head at self*
As for travel-- we have people who travel 2 hours to make it to meetings and practices, and that's after we moved our practice site to be closer to the center of the group. We've seen a falling-off in our practices and meetings specifically because of gas prices.
Re: The cost of waste in the SCA
Date: 2008-01-11 04:24 pm (UTC)On the excess, yeah, it really does look good having all that food, doesn't it? I'm kind of hoping to encourage more people to set some aside to take home (better for our health, right?). But if the extra at the end of the feast goes to homes where it will be eaten later, then at least people are getting more real food that week than many of them would otherwise get. Hey, today I'll be finishing off the last of the 12th Night chicken I brought home. Mind you, we do more real food cooking than some folks I know, but I'm also glad I get to enjoy some good SCA cooking, and the pleasant memories of the event that go with it :)
The decrease in travel is a definite sign of money issues for many folks. I think most of our people are within an hour of each other, but even that can be a strain. We've dropped our own travel down for somewhat different reasons, but especially now that we have to travel for choir practice. We meet at the home of the member who's closest to center for the rest of the group (and who can't drive because of his eyesight), so it's about 30-45 minutes for everyone -- manageable with carpooling. I don't know how many people you have who are active in the practices and meetings, but it may be worthwhile for some of them to start up smaller regular local gatherings, with perhaps larger gatherings every other month.
And as a for instance, at say a large herbal gathering you could start some project/train people from each of the smaller branches. Then they can continue the project or do whatever you taught the small group of people to do. Or they can work on simpler stuff at the small local meetings and try out more complex stuff at the occasional large meeting. Or bring their personal/small group stuff for show-and-tell.... I don't know enough about any of the groups in your area to know if any of this would work, but if any of it might, that would be great.
We move some of our meetings around, or have more than one of them, simply travel can be difficult. It's important though that people not think of it as a competition, or that one meeting is more valid than another. Any meeting at which people can learn, practice, and hang out and chat is equally important and valid.
In fact, in a monetarily poor society, being able to spend time with others can be critical to mental health. That's probably one of my biggest worries, is helping people maintain their ability to cope with the stresses of change.