Living Intentionally Near Your Friends

Tiny Insights from the Countryside.

No.038 — Read old posts on Tinyfarmlab.com
Reading Time 3 minutes

Imagine waking up each morning to the sounds of nature: birds singing, the gentle flow of a nearby creek, the rustling of pine trees in the breeze, and the cheerful clucking of hens.

Picture a life where your closest friends are your neighbors, where your children grow up together, and where families grow their own food.

This is a dream many of us have entertained at some point.

In today’s fast-paced, technology-driven world, the allure of returning to a simpler, more intentional way of living is stronger than ever.

Let us weigh some of the pros and cons of living in an intentional community or ecovillage:

Pros:

1) Community and Support:

Living in an ecovillage means having a built-in support system. Neighbors help each other with daily tasks, farming, childcare, and emergencies, fostering a strong sense of community. This improves a sense of belonging and purpose.

2) Sustainable Living:

Ecovillages prioritize sustainable practices, such as regenerative farming, renewable energy, and waste reduction. This lifestyle reduces the ecological footprint and promotes a healthier environment.

3) Shared Resources:

By pooling resources, residents can access amenities and services that might be unaffordable individually, such as community centers, workshops, and shared vehicles.

4) Enhanced Well-being:

The close-knit nature of ecovillages often leads to improved mental and physical health. Residents benefit from reduced stress, a slower pace of life, and ample opportunities for outdoor activities.

Cons:

1) Conflict and Governance:

As human beings, conflicts are bound to happen when you live in close proximity. Effective governance and conflict resolution mechanisms are crucial but can be challenging to implement and maintain.

2) Financial Investment:

Starting or joining an ecovillage requires a significant financial investment. The costs of purchasing land, building infrastructure, and maintaining communal spaces can be substantial.

3) Privacy Concerns:

The communal lifestyle may not suit everyone, especially those who value a high degree of privacy and autonomy.

4) Regulatory Hurdles:

Establishing an ecovillage often involves navigating complex legal and regulatory frameworks, which can be time-consuming and costly.

One of the most renowned ecovillages globally is Dancing Rabbit Ecovillage, located in northeastern Missouri, USA. It was founded in 1997 by a small group of idealists.

Dancing Rabbit has grown into a thriving community dedicated to sustainability and cooperative living. The founders purchased 280 acres of degraded farmland with the dream of transforming it into a sustainable, self-sufficient village.

They build homes using alternative techniques such as straw bale and cob, powering them with renewable energy from the Sun and wind. Vehicles are owned cooperatively and powered by electricity and biodiesel.

You can read more about living costs in the DR ecovillage here.

DR ecovillage

Living intentionally near friends in an ecovillage offers a unique blend of communal living, sustainability, and personal fulfillment. While the journey to establish such a community comes with challenges, the rewards are profound.

Reply to us by email, if you have ever dreamt of living in an ecovillage and what your dream looks like?


Love,

Raghav and Ansh

Within Reach explores one couple's pedal-powered search for a place to call home. Mandy and Ryan gave up their jobs, cars, and traditional houses to 'bike-pack' 6500 miles around the USA seeking sustainable community.

Along the way, they explored 100 ecovillages, cohousing communities, co-op houses, communes, transition towns, and their principles and commitment.

Cabin City Council Members Jon Hillis and Phil Levin join for an episode to talk about Cabin’s goal of building a Network City.

Phil Levin is the founder of Supernuclear, a newsletter on co-living. This is a long and detailed post about the process of co-buying property as a group.

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