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From FountainofLight.net Off the Grid Change starts here...
Like it or not, we may all have to re-evaluate the way we house ourselves in the years ahead. With a looming ecological crisis, dwindling resources, and a booming population, we need to look at those aspects of our way of life that will have the most impact for environmental, economic, social, and cultural change. While many factors can be argued as primary-- cars, industry, corporatism, sprawl-- it is housing that forms the nexus, the catalyst, for many of these other factors, especially in "developed" countries like the United States. The type of house we live in, its location, the materials that are used to build it, the size of the house, the size of the mortgage, the number of people who live in the house, the distance of the house from work, services and food sources, the energy needed to make it run, and the amount of waste-- both toxic and natural-- that the house and its inhabitants produces, all determine the amount and intensity of the other factors. Because of this, it is also the one place that we as individuals can make a significant positive impact. How, where and in what we decide to live can greatly affect our overall impact on the planet, its environment, and the community of beings with which we share it. The first step in making that physical change comes from changing ourselves from within. By examining our preconceived notions and emotions about what it means to "live in a house," we can begin to shed our current housing paradigm and replace it with one more in tune with nature. We can then begin to manifest those ideas into the houses we live in currently and to new ones as well. An Online Collaborative Workshop
But this learning is not one-way. Each article also allows you to add your feedback, resources, information, and insight to this relatively new and evolving field of housing ourselves sustainably and ecologically. In one sense this knowledge is as ancient as humankind, and each of us embodies that wisdom if we but take the time to search for it inside. However, it is also exictingly new and innovative, as developments in science and appropriate technology give us access to ideas and solutions that our ancient ancestors never dreamed of. And of course, nature itself offers clues to living in harmony with the earth, solutions that have adapted successfully for milliions of years, if we but take the time to look closely and really see. That is why each person's contribution to this exploration of dwelling alternatives is useful and vital, and we encourage you to participate in the activities offered in each section to expand the sphere of useful knowledge, wisdom, and insight in this field. An Online Resource At the same time, you can also use these articles as an online resource. Explore the different articles-- as they are archived-- that interest you to gain information, learn about other sites and books to explore the topic in more depth, or add your own resources to the growing lists. Since this site examines many topics at an introductory to intermediate learning level, it is crucial to offer avenues for more advanced study as much as possible. Your contributions can help make that happen. A Personal Exploration
As I relate my own experiences and thoughts, feel free to add yours as well. A growing collection of real-world personal exploration and reflection related to alternative modes of dwelling is just as important as tests and studies and academic/scientific research, especially when it comes to something as personal as how we live on this planet. Begin the Journey... And so, if you are truly ready to stop occupying a house and start living in a dwelling, then we invite you to take the first step... Sincerely, Rich Blegen © Copyright 2000-2004 by Fountain of Light |
