The Estonian Expedition was the first project organized by Samsaara. Throughout the 7 days in the end of July (21. - 27. July) we covered several topics associated with sustainability. We traveled to three spots in Estonia, mainly either by biking or taking a train. We ate mainly local food, we either slept in tents or we were hosted by locals, we chatted with local people and found an insight into their life.
Some insights into the topics that were discussed:
In a physically closed community (a small village on an island) can sustainability be achieved easier? What can we learn from old villages, with traditions reaching back centuries? Is there a place for these old communities in Estonias future or will they vanish slowly without having a chance to leave anything behind? These topics were discussed in the Manija village on Manija Islet on the West Coast of Estonia.
What could be some of the technical solutions for the problems in hand? Conventional building materials have often a very large embedded energy and poorly insulated houses loose unnecessarily much heat throughout the winter months. What could offer a better solution? Through helping an Estonian family to build a straw-bale house we found some answers to these questions. We also built a latrine to be used by caual bikers poping in for a day or two of meditation on their land.
How new is sustainability? At what point in history did we stop being sustainable? Would previous generations offer us an insight into how to build our sustainable future? These topics were the focal point on the small towns near Peipsi Lake on the eastern side of Estonia.
A flyer for those who understand Estonian and who wish to know more is to be found here.
A collection of the best photos from the expedition are here.
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