When many of us think of sustainable living, we think of rural farms and tiny homes. Homesteading involves growing food and living on the land. Smaller homes use relatively fewer building materials and require less energy to heat and cool.
However, some people value living in a large urban residence. They like to be surrounded by others and have large indoor spaces for entertaining and gathering. In these cases, communal living or multigenerational living can be a good housing option with similar economic and environmental benefits as a tiny house or farm, especially if costs and upkeep are shared among many people. It can be.
various possibilities
intentional community It comes in many forms and can be found in both rural and urban areas. This may include less formal arrangements to share a home, property, and living expenses with friends or family.
There is also housing cooperative It can take a more structured approach and be owned by a nonprofit organization. A co-op house may include a lease for a specific room or unit, and you are expected to contribute to housework and shared meals.
cohousing It is a collaborative neighborhood where residents actively participate in its design and management. This setting includes private residences with bathrooms and kitchens, as well as some shared spaces in shared buildings, such as guest rooms and common areas. some intentional community Ecovillages require rental, while other ecovillages are mostly owner-occupied. One of the great cohousing thinkers was Raines Cohenwho travels around the world helping organize cohousing communities.
Some communities serve specific populations or demographic groups, such as: eldersa single parent, or a college student. It is also multi-generational, with members from a variety of professions, religions, and backgrounds. Some communities are intentionally located on small lots in urban areas, while others have many acres and are rural.
common vision
Many intentional communities have a vision that unites members around a common purpose or belief.
That vision can include anything from a love of living things, affordability, multicultural diversity, or specific religious beliefs. These shared beliefs can unite members and bring about a greater purpose. You can generate new ideas for how to organize your living space and build community. Try imagining a new world.
Balancing individual autonomy and group needs
Embracing communal living requires recognition of the needs of the whole group. In some cases, this requires personal sacrifice. For example, in many multifamily and ecovillage communities, parking is limited to the perimeter and pedestrian walkways connect the homes. While this may require residents to walk more when driving, it creates neighborhoods where children and pets can roam, encouraging more impromptu interactions.
Using shared common spaces is a great way to conserve resources and live in a tiny house, but you need to pay attention to space cleaning and space usage schedules.
dispute resolution
Living in harmony with others requires the ability to overcome interpersonal conflicts. This is beneficial for personal growth and communication skills, but requires effort and dedication. Some communities have conflict resolution resources available, such as trained mediators and communication classes. If members are unable to resolve disputes, there may be negative consequences and trust among the population may decline.
Contribution and cooperation among members
Living in an intentional community requires collaboration and contribution. Many in the Enjoy community spontaneously share and enjoy meals, but someone has to coordinate, cook, and clean up. Common gardens, community spaces, and shared facilities require maintenance. Many communities expect members to contribute a certain number of hours each month.
group decision making
Making collaborative decisions can be difficult for any organization, and intentional communities are no exception.
Living in a group requires group decision-making, especially when first starting up and planning a community. used by some groups consensusdecisions require approval from all members. To do this effectively, members must really listen and seek to understand each other to find common solutions.
conservation of resources
Communal living can significantly reduce our individual environmental impact by sharing resources among many people and families.
For example, multiple households may share an electric vehicle charger or a large solar energy system. A larger home may require more energy for heating and cooling, but not as much for an individual if shared by many people. Other communities may create organizations that provide healthy, home-cooked meals to participants without requiring co-location. Look for problems in your life that are difficult to solve. Chances are you have a neighbor with a similar problem.
join the community
There are many communities in the United States, Europe, and other locations.
If you want to join, it’s important to find what’s right for you and your family. A great way to get started is to visit several communities and get to know the members and their vision. Do you share common core values? Does the mission statement resonate with you? It can be helpful to research how your community responds to and resolves conflicts. Also, consider your members’ expectations and whether you will meet them.
Editor’s note: This article was originally published on January 10, 2020 and updated in October 2024.
