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A Rich Life of Deep Ecology

This living document explores a path toward continuously deeper belonging, sustainability and voluntary simplicity.

 

The reality of crumbling ecological and social systems, disconnection from nature and the confusing goals of progress are entangled with how we live.  The situation we are facing requires a holistic response. As we lean into more sustainable ways of living, working, communicating, consuming and travelling we discover a wonderful and unexpected fact:

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Simple living and sustainability are not about sacrificing a good life. Behind what appear to be indicators of progress or higher standards of living are simple ways of being that provide abundant beauty and joy, a healthier mind and body, thriving ecosystems, strong communities, a sense of purpose and belonging, and social justice. 

 

In inhabiting a life aligned to the thriving of all life, we live in integrity with the entire planet.

"you must be the change you you wish to see in the world"

-Mahatma Gandhi

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Manifesto

Begin here to explore where you are currently at and what might be your next invitation to a life of deeper connection and purpose.

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Explore more details in the resources section. Underlined statements link to relevant articles. 

Food

  • source food from local, regenerative farms

  • follow bioregional eating as much as possible

  • buy organic dried foods in bulk

  • never buy food or drink at supermarkets 

  • avoid all plastic wrapped food 

  • sustainably forage for nutrition and connection

  • grow food and share the abundance

  • teach others to forage, grow food and eat healthy diets

  • dumpster dive

  • join a network to lower food waste

Finances

  • live within you means (avoid borrowing money from banks)

  • do not give any money to corporations that harm the earth or enable modern slavery

  • not to put any savings in banks or investments that support degeneration (the industrial complex)

  • to use spending to support regenerative businesses 

  • to buy second hand and/or local products wherever possible

  • join a local time bank or LETS (local exchange training systems)

Simplicity

  • to practice low-ownership (share, swap, borrow)

  • pay attention to natural beauty (practice mindfulness)

  • practice lifelong voluntary simplicity

  • practice hobbies that are free, accessible, create no waste and use no fossil fuels

  • enjoy silence (not always playing podcasts or music)

  • study and enact non-violent communication

  • aim for higher quality of life (healthy food, spaciousness of time, quality products, a cosy home etc) , not increasing standards of living (an ever-larger home, a fancier car, new fashionable clothes, a high tech home etc)

Clothing

  • wear natural fibre clothing 

  • maintain a simple, functional and beautiful minimalist wardrobe

  • wear clothes multiple times before washing

  • wash at low temperature and dry naturally

  • avoid companies that source unsustainably farmed fibres

  • buy second-hand when available

Transportation

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  • cycle/walk whenever possible

  • use public transport 

  • avoid flying (or quit! See this article)

  • holiday and adventure close to home

  • live with time to move slowly

Minimal Waste

  • to avoid all plastic wastes

  • get rid of a household rubbish bin 

  • say no to things you do not need, even when they are free 

  • carry reusable cup, cutlery etc wherever you go

  • compost all your food scraps

  • avoid buying any online (for anything that arrives in unknown packaging)

Health, happiness and social 

Technology

  • use technology appropriately

  • ensure at least one day per week without screens

  • maintain, repair and make last any tech I use 

  • buy only second hand/refurbished

  • practice tech minimalism

  • avoid household gadgets (to only buy, wherever possible, products likely to last multiple generations)

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