Our First Attempt At A Swedish Fire Log Was A Smashing Success.

an introduction to solarpunk

artwork by Molly Costello (instagram)

what is solarpunk?

“Solarpunks cherish nature, progress and science; the individual and the community.

They believe in a world that is green, colourful, and bright. It can be described as a literary genre, an aesthetic, or a movement. The key points are:

An emphasis on renewable energy, especially solar power.

A demand for technology and society to re-centre around sustainability, longevity, and balance.

A focus on decentralisation, community activism, social justice and civic empowerment.

A recognition that economic, social, and ecological injustices are all deeply inter-connected.”

- Sunbeam City

“Solarpunk is a literary movement, a hashtag, a flag, and a statement of intent about the future we hope to create” - Ben Valentine

Solarpunk as a concept emerged from the imagination of authors and creators in the early 2000′s, and was shared freely throughout the internet. It originated as a genre of creative writing and artwork, but it quickly began to be implemented into decentralised left-wing spaces. Nowadays, solarpunk embodies a whole range of politics, activism, design and art; but at its heart it encompasses positive, grassroots community action and innovation as a way to prevent ecological crises. 

resources

non fiction books, essays and articles

Solarpunk: a reference guide

Solarpunk: notes towards a manifesto 

Solarpunk against a shitty future 

What is Solarpunk?

Solarpunk Resources

Designing Regenerative Cultures by Daniel Wahl

The Nature Fix: Why Nature Makes Us Happier, Healthier, and More Creative by Florence Williams  

Powering the Dream: The History and Promise of Green Technology by Alexis Madrigal  

Ecovillages: Lessons for Sustainable Community by Karen T. Litfin  

Designing for Hope: Pathways to Regenerative Sustainability by Dominique Hes  

novels and fiction

Goodreads solarpunk list  

Solarpunk Press 

Solarpunk Story Exchange

Sunvault: Stories of Solarpunk and Eco-Speculation 

Ecotopia by Ernest Callenbach

Glass and Gardens: Solarpunk Summers by Sarena Ulibarri

Wings of Renewal: A Solarpunk Dragon Anthology by Claudie Arseneault

Sunvault: Stories of Solarpunk and Eco-Speculation by Phoebe Wagner 

Twenty One Twenty by Jason J. Robinson

Winds of Change: Short Stories about Our Climate by Mary Woodbury 

Ecopunk! - speculative tales of radical futures by Liz Grzyb

videos

Sunbeam Cinema (my list of documentaries and films)

Imagining a Solarpunk future (TED talk)

podcasts

Adventures in New America 

The War on Cars

Climate One 

Future Perfect 

The Impact 

The Institute for Local Self Reliance 

It’s Going Down

The Shift Up Podcast

Solarpunk Press 

Strong Towns 

Team Human 

Occulture Podcast, ep. 122

(my list of podcasts and radio shows)

websites and blogs

Sunbeam City Wiki  Solarpunk Anarchists  Solarpunk Station 

tumblr

This is where I need your help - I would love to collate a list of Solarpunk-themed tumblr blogs. If you post about Solarpunk and would like to be included in this list, please comment or message me with your blog URL. Thank you! 

Relevant posts

my list of permaculture resources

my tips and tricks for disabled activism 

my post on gardening 

my post on community activism

post updated: 8/7/2019

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I want to try so many little hobbies. Candle making, soap making, basket weaving, wood carving, book binding, baking, weaving, I want to try them all.

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Two job-hunting resources that changed my life:

This cover letter post on askamanger.com. A job interview guide written by Alison Green, who runs askamanager.

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How do you (“how does one”) shop for a therapist?

Can you call up a therapist and be like “hi, I’m therapist shopping”? Can you schedule an appointment with a therapist and then be like “actually I have some questions and I want to spend part of this appointment talking about your practice and whether or not it is garbage?”? Are you expected to phone interview/screen your therapists if you are shopping around for a therapist?

If you’re seeing one therapist are you supposed to/not supposed to tell them if you start seeing another therapist? Is it possible to cheat on your therapist?

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I can feel…the serotonin and dopamine dropping…i need to make…Crafts

i must make…

b e a d l i z a r d

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A how to make flower crowns with dandelions. Not sure if it will work on other flowers, but as long as the stalk/pedicel is long it should be alright O v O Also I hope it’s understandable ahah

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Botanical artist Kate Kyehyun Park creates art tutorials on how to draw any flower in just 3 simple steps

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ULTIMATE "OH FUCK I JUST GOT MY FIRST APARTMENT AND ALL I HAVE IS ONE CHANGE OF CLOTHES AND A THIRD SOCK" CHECKLIST

CLEANING

Dish soap

Laundry detergent

All-purpose cleaner

Hand soap

Broom

Mop

Wash cloths / rags

Vacuum

Dustpan

Lint roller

Sponges

KITCHENWARE

Plates

Bowls

Spoons

Forks

Knives

Glasses

Mugs

Tongs

Spatula

Plastic wrap

Ziplock baggies

Garbage bags

Paper towel

Tupperware

Ice tray

Oven mitts

Potato peeler

Mixing bowls

Frying pan

Pot

Baking sheet

Whisk

Stirring spoons / ladels

Tea infuser ball

Measuring cups

Strainer

Cutting board

Coffee maker

Kettle

Toaster

Magnets

Dry erase markers

Sticky notes

Microwave

Wire sponge

Trash bin

Recycling bin

Rubber gloves

Silverware organizer

Measuring spoons

Aluminum foil

Wax paper

Can opener

Bottle opener

Containers for salt, sugar, flour, etc.

LIVINGROOM

Sofa

Rocking chair (you know you want one)

Loveseat

Coasters

Blankets

Throw pillows

Coffee table

Book shelves

TV

TV stand

Floor lamp

End table

Stereo system / radio

BEDROOM

Mattress

Box spring

Bedframe

Linens

Sheets

Comforter

Hangers

Laundry hamper

Trash bin

Curtains

Pillows

Pillow cases

Night table

Alarm clock

Lamp

Dresser

Coat rack

Desk / vanity

Comfy chairs

DININGROOM

Dining table

Minimum of 2 chairs

Coasters

Placemat

Tablecloth

Tea lights /candles and candle holders

BATHROOM

Face clothes

Towel

Soap bar

Body wash

Shampoo

Conditioner

Tissues

Toilet paper

Trash bin

Plunger

Toilet cleaner

Cold, flu, pain, and allergy meds

Hydrogen peroxide

Antibacterial ointment

First-Aid kit

Tweezers

Nail clippers

Band-aids

Shower rod

Shower curtain

Toothbrush

Toothpaste

Floss

Period products

Bathmat

Air freshener

Trash bin

Towel rod

Towels

MISCELLANEOUS

Elastic bands

Stapler

Stables

Paper clips

Needles and thread

AA / AAA batteries

Light bulbs

Extension cords

Scotch tape

Duct tape

Shovel

Rake (if you have a yard)

Stain remover

Jar of courters for laundry mat

Screw drivers

Hammer

Nails

Sticky tack

Screws

Box cutter / X-acto

Pliers

Wrench

Pens

Paper

Pencils

Pencil sharpener

Eraser

Welcome matt

Shoe rack

Coat rack

Flashlight

Flashlight batteries

Watch batteries

Rechargeable batteries and charger

Safe place to discard dead batteries

Candles

Matches

Lighter

Mini travel fans

Real fans

Emergency Survival kit

Fire extinguisher

Landline phone

Window air conditioner

Carbon monoxide alarm

Fire alarm

FOOD STUFF

Mustard

Ketchup

Mayo

Salt

Pepper

Baking soda

Flour

Eggs

Milk

Bread

Olive oil

Tea

Jam

Peanut-butter

Coffee grounds

Cereal

Rice

Pasta

Vegetable soup

Tomato sauce

Frozen vegetables

Crackers

Chickpeas / lentils

Apples

Oranges

Granola bars

Juice

Hot chocolate mix

Frozen meats

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In regards to the expensive nature of saffron…

‘stares into distance, takes a long drag off of what is, if you look closely, in fact a candy cigarette’

what if I told you…that saffron…is actually not that hard to grow at home for your own use. 

Oh look a place you can buy the bulbs. 

If you live in a climate colder than zone 6…as I do…plant them in containers and move the containers into a basement or garage during the winter. 

They bloom in fall, and are quite lovely. And also you get saffron. 

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TIME MANAGEMENT STUFF / TERM 7 

I’ve got a lot of questions about this during my Art Center time, so I drew it ! This system came from when I had to manage my time during art high school (8am-5pm everyday) with 2 waitress jobs. Everybody has different working method, but I will be more than happy if anyone gets new idea from it ! 

Better quality : https://www.behance.net/gallery/37722243/Time-Management-Stuff

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