permaculture

["Deborah" <dtv13@verizon.net>]

One of the main problems I see with urban dwellings is that they usually 
don't get cross-ventilation, so tenants are dependent on AC. Almost all of 
the 70s homes in this suburb of Dallas have stationary windows, which can't 
be opened on cool days, even if the owner desired it (most don't'). That may 
not be a problem in northern states, but sure is in the south.  I would think 
that the high rises (up instead of out) interfere with wind flow. Is that 
true? Also, with all the concrete, seems that what air was moving would be 
hot, not enough trees to cool it.
There is the obvious need for more green space to grow food. Try getting that 
past a POA. I lived in a rural meditating community for several years and 
they were even opposed to the idea of a visible community garden- because it 
was 'unsightly' (as were clotheslines and bicycles). Go figure. I was very 
disappointed to say the least and put up a retractable clothesline anyway.  
But, how could a garden space in the city compete with real estate. All parks 
and public spaces should be planted with edibles and trees everywhere to 
shade the concrete. 
One thing that took me a long time to re-adjust to in the city is the noise 
and light pollution. It's never quiet or dark. I don't think that's healthy 
and see no way of fixing that problem. I get infuriated when I drive at night 
and see large office bldgs with all the lights on and no one working. And, 
one of my pet peeves, breathing perfumed air from dryer sheets. Yulk.
I recently found this interesting interview on what inspired the film 'End of 
Suburbia'.
http://www.postcarbon.org/eos/main.html<http://www.postcarbon.org/eos/main.html>
    Scroll down to the little black box.
He had some interesting ideas for cities. And, a humorous story of how he 
thinks things will go when the oil's gone. He says that all our money is tied 
up in suburbs which will be totally worthless. People with money will be 
leaving their sprawling mansions for the city. Ten to twelve poor families 
will be living in the suburban home and will turn the manicured lawn into 
garden.
There are things I like about both urban and rural life. Both could use some 
balance though. Both usually poorly designed. Cities too crowded and rural 
life is often too isolated. Isn't there a formula in Permaculture for the 
ideal village/settlement size? Seems the city neighborhoods (villages) need 
to spread out, and the country homesteads need to be less spread out. 
Wouldn't switching to composting toilets make the rural homestead less toxic 
than if using a septic? And if the city water treatment facility were 
composting all the poop, wouldn't that be more sustainable. There are ways to 
make both better. 
I'm sure everyone here knows these things, so I must be missing the point of 
this discussion. Feel free to clue me in because I can't imagine that the 
argument is whether one is better than the other. Both are poorly designed 
and both could be improved on. Personally though, I think cities are way more 
toxic and damaging to all life forms.

Deborah