Past and present hippies and baby boomers alike may remember the Whole Earth Catalog that came out in the 1970s, linking businesses, organizations and individuals to access global tools and ideas for personal and local use.

That concept has occurred to many islanders – to connect each other through a holistic approach – and with a grant from the county Economic Development Council (EDC) and sponsorship by the Orcas Island Library, a new website brings the Whole Islands Catalog to all the islands in San Juan County.

Orcas resident Owen Cheevers, who states that he is “bringing this baby to life in the community,” is managing the $1,500 grant from EDC. Phil Heikkinen, Director of the Orcas Island Library, connected summer library intern student Susannah Beck to the project and she “sutured the Joomla [website] together,” says Cheevers.

Cheevers, a kayak guide/community organizer/change specialist, says, “We don’t all live here because of a speculative real estate market, lighthouses, whales and rides on the state ferries. This site is for the people of the San Juan Islands to share the real value of the community that keeps us here.

“Islanders can use the site to find local businesses and non-profits that, in addition to providing services or products, also share similar values. Visitors using the site to find lodging and accommodations will get an accurate glimpse of the San Juan Islands movement toward sustainability.

“If we are going to sell an image of the islands to promote tourism and a thriving real estate market, then let’s make sure it is an image of sustainability, a healthy community, a protected and valued landscape and a vibrant local economy.”

Cheevers applied for the grant with EDC after discussions with various local groups and individuals. He has been promoting the project most recently at the Farmers Markets, the Transportation Summit and Islands Village Faire.

Businesses, groups and individuals are invited to create their own free listings to “Share what they offer and demonstrate their commitment to the overall health of the community. Part of our goal is to encourage businesses and groups to articulate the ways in which they are already participating in a local living economy,” said Cheevers.

In addition to business listings, the Whole Islands Catalog hearkens back to its namesake in that it will contain articles of interest to users, and a catalog of the community’s informal knowledge base in areas as far afield as blacksmith, cheese-making, or fishnet weaving.” Are you an EMT, ham radio operator, scuba diver? Are you the last remaining speaker of a dying language? Are you willing to be a resource for other islanders who want to pick your brain and learn more about what you know? You don’t have to be an expert – just willing to share,” says Cheevers.

He says the project is “A specific way to catalog information that collectively exists among us – both the people and the resources are easily accessible.”

“You don’t need to have a lot of money to make a difference,” said Cheevers, who has lived on Orcas Island for about five years. “This is my passion, and I’m having a lot of fun.”

This site is the offspring of several islands-based groups who were looking to create a directory of local green businesses and resources, says Cheevers. “The Whole Islands Catalog is a collaborative work in progress and subject to change. To date, input and support has come from Sustainable Orcas Island, Orcas Island Green Business Alliance, The San Juan County Economic Development Council, and the Orcas Island Public Library, which hosts the site as a community service.”

Registering and creating a listing is free at www.wholeislandscatalog.net. Those in need of assistance are asked to contact Owen@wholeislandscatalog.net or call 298-4608.