As millions of gallons of oil continue to spill into the Gulf of Mexico, a group of Milwaukeeans prepare to live, by choice, without electricity and other conveniences in conjunction with a local, underground event called "Power Down Week."
Power Down Week runs June 21-27 and is based in Milwaukee's Riverwest neighborhood. A kick-off party takes place Monday, June 21 at 4:30 p.m. at the Falcon Bowl, 801 E. Clarke St.
Main organizer Sarah Moore says there is no way to know how many people will participate in the event because registration is not required, but she estimates somewhere between 50 and 300 people will live without electricity, running water or technology for a week.
As part of Power Down Week, dozens of workshops and community events will take place, including potlucks, an edible food walk, instruction on how to build a cob over, a movie generated by a projector with solar-powered batteries, rooftop garden tours, beer making, soap making, urban camping, gardening classes, yarn spinning, group bike rides, a "kale-gate" potluck party and more.
Many of the workshops and events are presented by Transition Milwaukee, a local organization committed to "rebuilding community resilience and self reliance."
"I really don't believe renewable energies are going to rescue us," says Moore. "We need to power down, reskill and live on less. I will do anything to make sure the cycle of life continues." Read full at OnMilwaukee or visit Power Down Week page.