Do you feel like only working or consuming as opposed to living?
Do you sometimes (or often) feel like a modern white-collar slave?
Fed up with people destroying our planet purely for the sake of profit?
Well, you are not alone.
For some time now a group of people in Greece felt like this and decided to do something about it. They are creating communities where I HAVE is replaced by I AM.
Contrary to initial expectations, these communities are not made by 1960-70’s drop outs, hippies, ‘alternatives’, or lazy bums disguised in old sort of ways. Their members are mainly teachers, architects, entrepreneurs and other professionals.
These communities aim to be self-sustainable in terms of electricity (photovoltaic systems in place), food (everything is produced locally, cultivated using organic & biodynamic methods) and with respect to the elements (e.g. using to the maximum every drop of water with collection and irrigation systems in place). The houses will/are being build with natural bio-climatic materials (e.g. clay and straw as in the good old days).
Some of their guiding principles are:
In Hopeland ( http://www.elpidohori.gr ) for example, they will start in November with a week where people can come with their tents (food and land -30,000 m2- provided by the hosts) and learn from an architect how to build durable proper houses with bio-climatic (keeping hot in the winter, cool in the summer) properties using clay, straw and other natural materials. Hopefully from that group there will be enough who will continue. Initially the area will be used for education, creation and fun! Building, seminars, art and for kids fun and school during the summer months. Later on who knows, inhabited by permanent residents?
Another community is the Synthesis group
( http://www.dromoisynthesis.wordpress.com/enargeia ).
Unfortunately the text for both sites is all in Greek but you can try the google bar translator if you feel lucky.
I always fancied buying land and building with and next to a group of friends. Living next to like minded people, in a community that you will choose because of common values and beliefs, not money you can afford. Where you will love and respect and be loved and respected.
Can we make it happen? You decide.
Spiros