30 Comments
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Jessica Rath's avatar

There are few people as uncompromisingly aware of the threats of climate change as Pirate Ben. And to orient one's life completely around one's insights -- even more rare. And then he creates a community, shares his experiences and brainstorms with others. Truly remarkable. Thank you, Jack, for sharing your time there, letting us participate a little. And the crumble -- I love it!

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Jack McNulty's avatar

Indeed, Jessica... I respect anyone willing to live in complete synch with their values - it's a rare trait.

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Nynke Van Birgelen's avatar

This was a beautiful and vivid read Jack! It brought me back to the barracks instantly.

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Jack McNulty's avatar

Thanks, Nynke - I'm still processing a lot of what I experienced. One of my fondest memories will always be hanging out with you in the kitchen and trying to figure out how to make something tasty...

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Domenica Marchetti's avatar

What an experience, Jack, and you wrote about it so eloquently. I live amid so many creature comforts I'm embarrassed to even think about it. When my leg was encased in the boot over the summer, I wasn't able to shower, so I relied on sponge "baths" as I sat (or later stood) at the bathroom sink. I saved so much water that way and was able to wash perfectly fine. But I did relish my first shower when I was able to take it. I try to keep them short but much water is wasted.

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Jack McNulty's avatar

Thanks for your input, Domenica... It was definitely an experience I won't forget. Developing an awareness of my water usage was one of my biggest takeaways...and something I've already changed in my life.

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Karen Davis's avatar

Wow. I find myself thinking I’m so anxious in regular life, contemplating collapse is more than I can bear.

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Jack McNulty's avatar

And you are not alone, Karen...

Collapse is a serious situation that threatens our existence - anxiety is impossible to avoid when first thinking about it. I was feeling the same. I also found that once I accepted the inevitability of the situation, clarity came to me...and that was surprisingly anxiety-reducing.

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Stygi's avatar

Oh wow, what an interesting read! It must have been a whole new level, complex experience.

*also love the final recipe - right up my alley

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Jack McNulty's avatar

The experience was definitely new and different…and somehow, I found a new level of clarity...

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Indra's avatar

Great piece Jack! It was lovely to meet you. Still dreaming about that tasty crumble you made!

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Jack McNulty's avatar

Lovely to meet you as well, Indra. I'm looking forward to keeping the conversations alive...

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Julie B. Hughes's avatar

Great post here Jack and much to process and think on. I appreciate this. I love a good crumble my favorite is from Run Fast, Eat Slow cookbook. It's vegan and GF which I love.

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Jack McNulty's avatar

Thanks, Julie - I appreciate your contribution!

Yes, to crumbles of all types - they are simple, delicious, and fully capable of satisfying a sweet tooth quickly!

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Julie B. Hughes's avatar

absolutely! I make crumbles for every birthday celebration :) They are a hit

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Jack McNulty's avatar

Can I join your family?

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Julie B. Hughes's avatar

yes absolutely! :) When's your birthday.

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Jack McNulty's avatar

This month... in 2 weeks actually 😂

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Julie B. Hughes's avatar

you're kidding! Happy Birthday and hmm...how can I fly a crumble over to you. LOL

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Roselle Angwin's avatar

Brilliant article, Jack. Thank you for it. The ideas are not new to me but it was very inspiring to read, and to learn about Ben. We're trying to do something similar here, but on a smaller scale.

This is something that most people bury their heads about, as you know.

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Jack McNulty's avatar

Thank you, Roselle...

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Mary Poindexter McLaughlin's avatar

Wow, Jack. As I mentioned elsewhere to you, there is much to contemplate here. It's a beautiful essay, detailed in such a way as to conjure up clear images... and your accompanying photos, as always, are stellar. After reading, I feel as though I've been there, too.

I'm glad you and I have established a friendship through Substack, because I trust that it allows us to see the world through the others' eyes -- which is really the whole point of friendship, no? There is much that you and I agree on, and in this essay, the notion of collapse is the most important one. Why it feels imminent, how it could happen, and whether it can be avoided are probably three places where we might diverge, but in the end (no pun intended, but I'll take it 😉) what matters most is our vision for the future that awaits on the other side. Because THAT is what unites us all.

I truly appreciated this view -- your view -- and am glad you gave yourself the time and space to really live into the questions, as Rilke said. Thank you for carrying me along with you on that journey. M

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