Something New!

Jan has been offering Suburban Conversion workshops periodically for several years.

Now, workshops can be arranged by interested groups and organizations.

Cost is modest for a potentially life changing experience.

$100 minimum for a three hour workshop up to 8 people.

$10 for each additional person up to 20 people.

The workshop can be "customized" according to a group's interests.

The workshop can include why suburban conversion and how suburban conversion.

Topics of why can include global trends such as climate change, peak oil, affluence and US militarism, history of suburbia and auto culture, reducing ecological footprint, simple living, neighborhood development.

Topics of how can include a primer on Permaculture. Also sheet mulching, concrete removal, rain water catchment systems, solar options, growing food, site design.

A workshop can include a 30 minute slide show about urban land use, Permaculature sites elsewhere and in Eugene, resource and energy consumption comparisons between the US and other countries.

Your group can receive a workshop specifically designed for your interests. Just draw from the menu and discuss with Jan.

About Jan.

Jan has been working on this suburban renewal project for over 6 years. It has become a Permaculture land mark in Eugene and Western Oregon. Please visit the part of this website that describes the project. There are many before and after images along with helpful how to explanations.

Jan completed a Permaculture intensive design course near Austin, Texas in 1992. He has a strong commitment to culture change towards a more localized and downsized way of life.

He has a BA degree in Geography, having travelled out of the country for over 5 years to over 35 different countries/. He speaks conversational Italian. Travels have taken him throughout Europe, to New Zealand, Central, East and South Africa, Israel and parts of Latin American.

Jan has self studied a wide range of topics including urban design and has a keen interest in international relations, particularly in the realm of water, energy and resources. He has self published a book, Global Trends Local Choices-Towards an Eco Humanist New Culture.

Has written several guest editorials for the Eugene Register Guard about city policy, land use and energy issues He has written several articles for publication, been intervied on local TV and radio and has been an invited speaker for a wide variety of venues.

Jan is active and a board member with his neighborhood association as well as the Eugene Permaculture Guild. He has helped organize many educational programs.