Our vision is to create a mini-community in Central California in late 2008 comprised of a diverse mix of people who wish to live more cooperatively, sustainably and self-sufficiently and, in particular, who are interested in organic small-scale farming and traditional foodways. We value freedom and independence as well as social interconnectedness and the cultivation of nurturing relationships.
We will have a pasture-based farm that will sell vegetables, dairy and meat; and many or most of the ingredients for (daily or weekly) shared community meals will come from the farm. The farm will provide over 50% of our food and income. Our farm will be organic, holistic and sustainable. We will keep pastured cows, sheep, goats, chickens and ducks for meat, milk, eggs and fibers; and we will cultivate a wide range of vegetables and crops. We may choose to start cottage businesses making artisan products, host workshops on sustainable living and agriculture, build a retreat center, create a non-profit of any stripe - perhaps dedicated to ecological sustainability or the values and research of Weston A. Price - or anything else members are interested in to provide income, a fulfilling livelihood and economic viability.
We hope to foster mutually helpful and nurturing relationships, share a few meals a week, enjoy both formal and informal activities and gatherings, celebrate with each other, and support each other\\\\\\\'s emotional and spiritual growth.
We will have alternative energy (solar, wind, biomass, biofuel), energy-efficient natural construction and a wastewater treatment wetland. We will recycle, compost and reduce waste. We will promote biodiversity and ecological balance, and we will be good stewards of our land. We will be true homesteaders aiming for self-sufficiency.
Our website is http://redskymorn.googlepages.com
"Ecovillage: The new suburb."
-- Sweet Demeter Farm |
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record: sweetdemeter [edit] |
| setting |
legal structure: not-for-profit corporation
surroundings: farmland (semi-rural)
land ownership: members own their own land plots and houses (which they build), common land is owned by the non-profit corporation
building ownership: buildings on individuals plots owned by members, building on common land owned by the nfpc
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| population |
total number of people: 2
ideal or planned maximum number of people: 30 (of all ages)
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| sharing |
income sharing: none - all money is private (monthly Village Association dues for village utilities, common meals, etc.)
communal meals: occasional communal meals (a few times a week, if not every day)
communal food: bulk food is communal (we will grow much of our own food)
motor vehicles: vehicles are private property
bicycles: bicycles are private property
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| spirituality |
spiritual diversity: very diverse (no shared spiritual path, spirituality eclectic; the two people starting this community are Jewish with Eastern and Pagan (Earth-centered) leanings)
meditation: scheduled general meditation (meditation, yoga, rituals)
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| government |
common political theme: democratic
selecting leaders or centrals: core members are voting shareholders of the Village Association
decision making: done by consensus (core groups works by consensus, with voting procedures outlined in bylaws to make important decisions quickly)
rules: a few maxims which decisions and agreements must respect
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| activism |
non-violent direct action: major theme / encouraged (education and involvement with the community)
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| sustainability |
self-grown food: 50% (over half)
organic food (grown+purchased): 90% (90+ percent)
self-produced energy: 100% (with backup for emergencies)
energy from renewable sources: 100% (solar, wind, biomass)
self-produced fuel: biofuel
building material which is salvaged: 10% (some local, alternative (aka strawbale) and recycled materials)
waste which ends up being recycled: 90% (90+ percent)
sewage which is treated ecologically: 100% (wastewater treatment wetland, graywater system)
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| income and money |
income generated within: 80% (from community farm and cottage industries)
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| agriculture / garden |
livestock: organic, pastured, grass-fed; cows, chickens, goats, sheep, ducks, bees
crops or produce: organic
fruit trees: organic
permaculture methods: organic
biodynamic methods: a possibility
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| diet preferences |
common diet: no defined common diet (common meals a few times a week will be healthful and very delicious, only local meat, preferably WAPF/NT style)
raw non-vegan (with raw animal products): 5 (raw dairy rocks!)
omnivore: mostly home-grown animal products, otherwise local and humane
whole foods: encouraged / mostly whole foods (no fake food at common meals)
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| love and sexuality |
homesexuality (male): respected and welcome
lesbianism: respected and welcome
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| parenting / children |
home education: open - a personal choice
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| seeking people |
seeking people: yes 30 (contact us to learn how to become a part of this project)
people with children: welcome
people with disabilities: welcome
elderly people: welcome
single parents: welcome
need capital to join: yes (to buy land plot, although resident members who rent do not need capital to join)
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| partaking users |
blueiris, founding member
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last updated 2007/08/13
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