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A Savvy Introduction to Starting a Sustainable Living Community
Picture the scene… It’s been another night with barely enough sleep. Morning comes. You fumble through the dark, trying to switch off that annoying alarm. You ponder what lies ahead today. Firstly, it’s going to be a hectic commute.
For most of the working day you’ll sit in front of a computer, jump from one meeting to another and consume whatever food is convenient. You tell yourself that things will change… someday.
By the time evening comes, you feel drained. Sounds vaguely familiar?
Does it have to be this way?
For many of us, this experience has become a harsh reality of the society in which we live. Strangely enough, we have come to accept it as ‘the norm’. We often see hectic, fast-paced lifestyles popularized in the media and we equate them with ‘achievement’ and ‘success’. We are fed the idea that, in order to be successful, we need to be situated in a bustling city environment and we need to be constantly busy.
Does it really have to be this way for everyone? And more importantly, is this sustainable?
Habits
It’s true that many of us enjoy a more fast-paced lifestyle. At the same time, however, it’s worth being mindful of our diets and whether we are getting enough exercise and spending time outdoors. It’s also worth asking ourselves whether we spend enough time with the people we love.
It’s important for us to find ways to cultivate positive habits.
Starting a sustainable living community
When considering how to live a life that’s more sustainable for us, perhaps one of the most inspiring things we can do is starting a sustainable living community. This does not mean withdrawing from society and living in a commune. Sustainable cities and communities can be created in several ways:
1. With people you know who share your goals
Perhaps you already know someone who feels inspired to live a more sustainable life. Why not talk to them and see where it takes you? It only requires 2 people with a shared desire to start a community. Others may be inspired to join your mission when they witness the health-conscious, sustainable choices you make.
2. Get to know your neighborhood
If you feel especially confident, you could explore the possibility of starting a sustainable living community in your neighborhood. Trying to influence large groups of people is undoubtedly challenging. One way to start is by getting to know your neighbors. Introduce them to your passion for sustainable living in small steps.
Perhaps you could cultivate a small plot of land and start a community garden where sustainable gardening practices can be shared. Following that, you could organize DIY get-togethers where people can share their different areas of expertise.
3. Join online communities
As Bill Gates once said, ‘The Internet is becoming the town square for the global village of tomorrow’. It’s incredible how ‘small’ the internet has made the world. If you don’t know a particularly like-minded person in your local area, you could look for people online. Search for sustainable living groups on Google or on Facebook and see if some discussions can be had.
Once you have corresponded with a few new friends online, why not start a sustainable living blog together? That’s an excellent way to share your sustainable living goals with others. In any sustainable community, it’s important to follow guidelines for living a greener life. This is much easier with the help and encouragement of others.
4. Search for a green group in your area
If there already is an existing green group in your area, make the most of it. Share your passion with like-minded people and show your genuine support for their projects. Perhaps you will meet some people who have always wanted to start a sustainable living community and live a sustainable lifestyle but haven’t yet made the first step.
5. Organize meetings
Organize a meeting and invite the friends you have made; people who are passionate about starting a sustainable living community. Ask them to invite their friends too. Present your ideas to them. Discuss ways to be sustainable and the possibilities of creating a sustainable living community. Think about how you can help each other overcome the obstacles you may face.
Creating a sustainable living community is a task which requires courage and perseverance. It has its challenges but the rewards can be very worthwhile. It could potentially lead to a more peaceful way of life where nature takes center stage. Some suggest that sustainable living communities could lead to a reduction in crime and waste, while conserving earth’s resources and preserving natural beauty and culture.
Furthermore, it can bring people who share a passion for sustainable living together. It provides an environment in which sustainable ways of living can be put into practice with the support of others.
Head over to www.clickandgrow.com for more inspiration and to learn about our desire to make the most essential, fresh, vitamin-packed food available for everyone.
Be sure to check out our blog for exciting features such as green living tips, information on how to grow plants indoors and much more.