self-sustaining community

Sooo... my goal is this: I want to decrease the negative impact I have on the environment, be closer to nature, and simply live in a manner where I dont ever have to step foot in a walmart ever again for my daily needs. But.... Im a little spoiled by society's basics, like electricity and clean, running water...

Would it be feasible at all to have a commune consisting of autonomous (self-sustaining) buildings? Or might one already exist...?

 

I like the sound of where you are going.....

 

I've lived on a community where we grew at least 85% of our food and had small scale hydro and solar power systems for electricity and hot water. All the buildings were constructed from timber that was cut and milled right there on the farm.
Thats as close to self sufficiency as I've seen...it did still need some outside input. Fuel for vehicles, luxury or exotic food items etc...
I'm sure there're other places in a similar, or even more self sufficient position out there....they just take some finding.
Good luck

 

There's a lot of people that want to go in this direction, and I would imagine quite a few start-ups every year, but I don't know how many make it past the first several years... Initial investment is huge, Land, buildings, solar/wind (and associated gear). There's a lot involved. Check Intentional Communities (IC.org)... You might find something that clicks for you.

 

Pitcairn Islands. Only 48 people live there, no walmarts.. :love:

 

My neighbors are three elderly ladies that bought a couple acres and three small modular houses and butted them together in a L shape. They share a garage. A covered porch wraps around the L in the front. I thought this was a great idea. Share taxes, upkeep and keep a eye on each other yet they have their own houses.

 

Thanks, guys! Actually went googling after posting this and have been looking at the intentional community listing the last few days. Its actually giving me lots of ideas! If only I had the funds for startup. I have another friend here in Texas who is looking for similar, off the grid living, but our opinions differ on using animals as nutrients.... Being raised on a farm, Im kind of fond of steak and chicken, lol.

 

Mine. I have that situation. Let me know if you'd like to chat more.

 

I plan to start something like this in Costa Rica in the next 5-6 years when I can buy some land... I will build my home, plant fruit trees, make veggie plots, a chicken coop, and maybe a few other animals. Then I will move over permanently in about 16 yrs (when I'm 50, and all my kids are grown up) to just live off the land. I would like the idea of having a larger plot of land and have more people living there, working it.

 

You want slave labor huh

Just kidding sounds like a bad ass plan. I've been wanting to visit & surf Costa Rica bad for a few years now.

 

where are the pitcairn islands

 

I think it's a great idea. And I would think it is feasible, even keeping your creature comforts. Of course, to do that usually takes money. But if you can get the labour cheap (free) that saves on a lot of cash there.