“A real place is distinguished by a vigorous local economy, one that draws on resources from the region and on the skills of its own citizens.” ~ Scott Russell Sanders, Staying Put
Economy and Ecology
The words economy, ecology, and ecosystem all have the root ‘eco,’ which in its original sense meant ‘house’ or the place where you live.
Ecology has to do with the relationships between all living organisms and their environment and the allocation of scarce natural resources. As we’ve explored here, a healthy ecosystem is a perfect example of reciprocity at work. Each element of the system gives what it can for the benefit of the whole. No element of the system takes more than it needs. By ensuring that others thrive, the ecosystem ensures its survival. That is its economy.
The economy of a community should also reflect what the community needs. Mostly, when we think of the economy we think of jobs that pay an income and provide a commodity or a service for a fee. But, not everything in an economy involves money. Think mutual aid, Facebook groups, parenting support, elder care, community gardens, local knowledge sharing.
In our final week focused on culture, I hope you’ll consider the economy of your place. What are the main sources of employment? How are human, human-made, and natural resources allocated? What jobs do you rely on most?
Later on this year, we’ll imagine what an ideal economy might look like.
Niagara Economy *
The place where I live is very dependent on tourism, and most of the jobs are in this sector, which includes accommodation, food, retail, arts, entertainment and recreation. Interestingly, almost 70% of these jobs are filled by people who do not live in the community. This is an unusually high percentage compared to other places, but it makes sense since we have a large number of retirees living here.
Agriculture and manufacturing are the next most important segments of the local economy. Agriculture includes nurseries and greenhouses, tender fruit, grapes, cattle and hogs. Manufacturing includes companies in fabrication, electronics assembly, beverage processing, environmental applications, and specialty foods. Half of these jobs are in the wine industry. Jobs in agriculture and manufacturing, however, are not currently growing due to the rise in technology in these areas.
Resilient Economies
How resilient is your place to job loss? When I was growing up, General Motors car manufacturing and fruit canning were the big industries but both of those have since diminished greatly. This loss was a big blow and new sources of employment have had to be imagined and enacted.
A place’s economy is always changing. Businesses die off and new ones take their place. Communities go through ups and downs as they transition to new economies. Or, sometimes a pandemic hits. There needs to be support for those who have lost jobs or are transitioning to new ones.
In my place, tourism took a big hit over the last three years. What does a place like this do when the tourists aren’t coming? In our case, restaurants and wineries had to pivot and create new ways of reaching customers and many of them did. Locals had to step up and support these places too. Government stepped in to provide financial support.
Many people and places also realized during the pandemic what jobs were most essential to their survival, and they weren’t necessarily the ones that are usually recognized or paid well. For me and my family, the jobs that we rely on most are in the supply of food and other household essentials (groceries, pharmacies, restaurants), healthcare (doctors and dentists), libraries, parks, and fuel for transportation. I think this is probably true for most places.
Practice
How resilient was your place during the pandemic? What jobs are most “essential” for you and your family? If you do nothing else this week, thank a worker that you rely on regularly and consider to be essential.
What is the primary employment in your place? What drives the economy? Note the difference between jobs/businesses created by locals, where the money originates and stays in the community and those that are chains or bigger corporations.
How has the economic base changed over time? For example, my area used to be much more industrial - from canal building to car manufacturing to fruit canning. Now, most of these industries are gone or play a lesser role. Tourism and winemaking are much more important now.
How does your place appreciate and take advantage of what it’s been given, whether in unique flora and fauna, agriculture, arts and crafts? Does it protect and maintain its resources so that they’re not depleted?
Which companies invest in the community and adhere to environmental standards and equitable hiring practices? Which ones cause harm to the environment and community?
What services or other non-commodity based entities are important to the economy of your place? Start making a list.
Resources
Ecosystem Services via National Wildlife Federation
Niagara Economic Development *
Community Economies Research Network via Resilience