Embracing Sustainable Living Through Communal Housing
When many of us think of sustainable living, we think of rural homesteads or tiny homes. Homesteads involve cultivating food and living off of the land. Tiny homes use relatively few building materials and consume less energy for heating and cooling.
Yet, some people value living in large dwellings, possibly in urban areas. They prefer being surrounded by others and having large indoor spaces for entertaining and gathering. In such cases, communal or multigenerational living can be an excellent housing option that has some of the same financial and environmental advantages as a tiny home or homesteads, especially when expenses and upkeep are shared among many.
A Variety of Possibilities
Intentional communities can take many different forms and can be located in rural or urban areas. They may include a less formal arrangement of sharing a house, property, and living expenses with friends or family members.
There are also housing cooperatives that can have a more structured approach and can be owned by a nonprofit organization. Coop houses may involve leases for specific rooms or units and expectations for contributing to housework and shared meals.
Cohousing is a collaborative neighborhood where residents actively participate in its design and operation. This setup includes private homes, complete with a bathroom and kitchen, as well as some shared spaces in a common building, such as guest rooms and shared common spaces. Some intentional communities or ecovillages entail renting while others are largely owner-occupied. One of the great cohousing thinkers is Raines Cohen, who travels the world helping organize cohousing communities.
Some communities serve a specific population or demographic groups, such as elders, single parents, or college students. Others are multigenerational and have members from many walks of life, religions, and backgrounds. There are intentional communities located on small, urban lots, while others have many acres and are in rural areas.
A Shared Vision
Many intentional communities possess a vision that unites members around a common cause or belief.
The vision may encompass anything from embracing love for living things, affordability, multicultural diversity, or specific religious beliefs. These shared beliefs can unite its members and provide a greater purpose. You can create new ideas about how to organize living space and build a community. Imagine a new world and try it out.
Balancing Personal Autonomy & the Group’s Needs
Embracing communal living does involve being aware of the needs of the whole group. In some cases, this calls for some personal sacrifice. For example, many cohousing or ecovillage communities have parking areas restricted to the periphery, and pedestrian walkways connect the houses. This might require residents to walk further when driving cars, yet it creates a neighborhood for kids and pets to roam and encourages more impromptu interactions.
Using shared common spaces is a great way to conserve resources and live in smaller homes, yet it requires being mindful of cleaning up and scheduling the use of space.
Conflict Resolution
Living harmoniously with others requires the ability to work through interpersonal conflict. Although this can be beneficial for personal growth and communication skills, it requires work and dedication. Some communities have conflict resolution resources available, such as a trained mediator or communication classes. When members cannot resolve conflict, it can have detrimental effects and decrease trust among residents.
Contribution & Cooperation Among Members
Living in intentional communities requires cooperation and contribution. Many enjoy communities enjoy voluntarily shared meals, but somebody must coordinate, cook, and clean up afterward. Common gardens, community spaces, and shared amenities require upkeep and maintenance. Many communities expect their members to contribute a certain amount of work hours per month.
Group Decision Making
Making cooperative decisions can be challenging for any organization, and intentional communities are no exception.
Living collectively requires group decision making, especially when first starting and planning a community. Some groups use consensus, which requires decisions to be approved by all members. For this to be effective, members must truly listen and seek to understand one another to find common solutions.
Resource Conservation
Living communally can significantly reduce our individual environmental impact by sharing resources among many people or families.
For example, several households may share one electric vehicle charger or a large solar energy system. Although a big house might require more energy for heating and cooling, it isn’t that much individually when shared by numerous people. Other communities may organize to deliver healthy homemade meals to participants, which does not require colocation. Look for issues in your life that are challenging to solve — it’s likely you have neighbors who have similar problems.
Joining a Community
Many communities exist across the United States, Europe, and beyond.
If you want to join one, it is important to find one that is a good fit for you and your family. A great way to get started is by visiting several communities and getting to know the members and the community vision. Do you share common core values? Does the mission statement resonate with you? It is helpful to explore how the community responds to and resolves conflict.
As a member of any organization or community, there are certain expectations that we have from the group. These expectations can vary from person to person, but there are some common ones that most members would agree on. These expectations might include feeling a sense of belonging, being heard and valued, receiving support and guidance, and having opportunities for growth and development.
When it comes to fulfilling these expectations, it is important for the organization or community to create a welcoming and inclusive environment where all members feel like they belong. This can be done through regular communication, events and activities that bring members together, and a culture of respect and appreciation for each individual’s unique contributions.
Another important aspect of fulfilling members’ expectations is to provide opportunities for them to be heard and valued. This can be done through open channels of communication, feedback mechanisms, and leadership that is responsive to the needs and concerns of the members. When members feel like their voices are being heard and their opinions are valued, they are more likely to be engaged and committed to the group.
Support and guidance are also key expectations that members have from their organization or community. This can come in the form of mentorship programs, resources for personal and professional development, and a network of peers who can offer advice and assistance. When members feel supported and guided, they are more likely to succeed and thrive within the group.
Lastly, opportunities for growth and development are essential for fulfilling members’ expectations. This can include training programs, leadership opportunities, and chances to take on new challenges and responsibilities. When members feel like they are able to learn and grow within the organization, they are more likely to stay engaged and committed for the long term.
In conclusion, fulfilling the expectations of members is crucial for the success and sustainability of any organization or community. By creating a welcoming and inclusive environment, providing opportunities for members to be heard and valued, offering support and guidance, and facilitating growth and development, organizations can ensure that their members feel satisfied, engaged, and motivated to contribute to the group.
