From Steel to Meal

During my almost three decades as a change agent I have had the fortune to meet lots of wonderful people and being able to see some great examples of sustainable development. One of my favourites is certainly the Eco-Municipality of Hällefors. When I first visited Hällefors almost twenty years ago it was a Municipality in deep economic and social crisis. The steel industry wasn't any longer the security insurance for the town. Unemployment forced people to move out. This was the time when Hällefors decided to become an Eco-municipality as a tool to find solutions beyond the existing industrial paradigm. The journey the municipality has done from that is fascinating. By combining ecological awareness with a cultural and local food approach they have changed the image of the town. If you are looking for a town that has put prior for a long time on life quality and efficiency in the use of resources: Go to Hällefors! 

Regarding the crisis, I was surprised of the spirit I met during our first seminars in Hällefors in the beginning of 1990's. It was characterized by tolerence, mutual respect and discussions where the "ceiling was high" with a straight language.  I'm sure that this open minded spirit is the main reason behind Hällefors success. Yes, we need a strong political Leadership and we need lots of committed "fire souls" if we want to succed. And Hällefors had all of that. But we also need a culture in the community which allows our politicians to take brave decisions and where the "fire souls" get space enough to act.  I remember the "Dancing Agenda" where politicans and officers from the municipality, together with professional musicans, made a musical where they explained the sustainable policy of the municipality. This was part of the Agenda 21 work in the municipality. What an excellent idea and what a success! Actions like these release peoples' mind, encourage them to act and creates a positive optimistic spirit in the community. And it's fun!

Today, Hällefors has lots of other concrete and visible examples of their systematic work: several restaured housing areas ("Parks"), The House of Culinary Art, The House of Design, all kind of energy, transportation and school projects, etc. But all changes starts with a change in peoples' mind sets, where cultur is an important and useful tool. We can all learn a lot from Hällefors.  Join us on our seminar in August!

Torbjörn Lahti