The idea of Relocalization follows logically from the ideas of peak oil and resilience. Since we cannot expect to continue to meet our needs via long supply chains, featuring goods delivered from thousands of miles away by trucks, trains, long-distance shipping and air freight, we need to rebuild our ability to meet needs locally.
Relocalization is inevitable; it is not something we can choose not to do. However, it is something we can plan for, get ahead of the curve on, and take advantage of as an opportunity to create a more livable community.
Here is Rob Hopkins' discussion of relocalization from the Transition Handbook.
A few goals for our relocalization efforts might be:
- Local production of food, energy and goods
- Local development of currency, government and culture
- Reduced consumption with improved environmental and social conditions
- An exemplary community that can be a working model for other communites when the effects of energy decline become more intense