Excessive dependence of local communities on outside services

Communities or neighbourhoods in large cities depend on centralized services for information, energy, mass transportation, food distribution, water, sewage systems and a number of other services that are controlled from a distance. Inefficiencies due to the large-scale of such services are manifested in inadequate administration and excessive cost, while the alternative of generating some local services through the development of appropriate technologies is rarely considered, despite the potential efficiencies that this would offer. In fact, decentralization opportunities exist wherever cities have fallen behind in utilizing contemporary technology.

This might apply, for example, to centralized large main-frame computers, where small, powerful local networks might be a possible alternative. Another example is the huge private power plants required to support the needs of a whole city: local areas could utilize solar energy, high-energy producing windmills, photovoltaic batteries, or other practical means, to generate most if not all of a neighbourhood's energy requirements. Other local technology available includes: in-house toilet and waste-disposal systems; locally-produced and operated electric cars; hydroponic and other food-growing technologies for fresh fruits and vegetables; and high-production protein ponds using specially bred fish. Such emphasis on local technology could lead to the development of carpentry and bricklaying trades, and small scale manufacturing and light assembly.