Although
"Sustainability" is a concept much prized by HopeDance
aficionados, my 1992 dictionary lists no such word and my Spellcheck
rejects it! Only four years or so ago did I first hear about "sustainability"
from the lips of Architect Professor Polly Cooper, no less. Only
then did I recognize the essential relationship between environmental
conservation and intentional communities. Yet those have been two
of my major interests for the past 30 years!
Intentional communities enable many collaborative activities that
foster environmental conservation. Unfortunately not all communities
practice these. For example, friends sometimes decide to rent or
buy units in the same condo or apartment house, yet make no attempt
to carpool, etc. OPTIMAL sustainability exists only within such
communities when they DO practice Environmental conservation.
Neighbors can enjoy the kinds of advantages that prevailed in California
through the late 1950's in the early suburbs (post WW2) as well
as the long established rural areas with their barn-raisings, quilting
bees and growers' co-operatives. These communities enabled pooled
skills/talents, increased buying/selling power, exchange of services
(including informal, as needed, childcare/elder care) and much much
more. "Neighborliness" was taken for granted in those
days.
Here are three actual possibilities existing right now for intentional
neighborhoods in San Luis Obispo County: (They are hardly patented
and could be adapted by any HopeDance reader anywhere.)
(1) Verona Rebow, herself an established artist, seeks prospective
neighbors with a variety of skills and talents (gardening? tool-handy?
haircutting? mending? group cookery? negotiator? spokesperson? a
strong and willing back?) Verona has secured 70+ acres in a rural
area of north SLO county. Workshops could generate more income,
as could farm products. Verona's longtime dream includes people
of all ages as well as animals. For more info, E-mail: Liveart@fix.net.
(2) A remarkable woman told me recently: "My credit is good
enough that I could buy a small house in SLO, but I do not want
the responsibility of maintaining a house." She seeks others
who, like herself, are working single parents with adequate incomes.
The group would share the costs of forming a non-profit corporation
or cooperative that would purchase whatever apartment house the
group choose. Further options: Reserving some units for serious-minded
college students majoring in child development to be present during
"latchkey" hours in exchange for rental fees. I asked
her, "How about a gaggle of grandparent types in one wing of
this apartment house?" Her response: "Totally perfect,
if you can find them!"
Anyone really interested in this possibility can call me at 473-4897.
(3) As the baby boomers bulge beyond mid-life crisis into actual
retirement age and "senior" status, one segment of our
societyolder people will increase exponentially. Most older people
own their homes and strongly intend to stay in them "until
they carry me out feet first," as some put it. Unfortunately.
if elderly couples are not lucky enough to drop dead suddenly and
simultaneously, they will need more and more help with household
management, as well as self maintenance. The most painful plight,
in the opinion of many, is that of an elderly spouse coping with
the slow mental and physical deterioration of a longtime mate succumbing
to Alzheimer's disease. David Troxel, executive director of the
local Alzheimer Association, likes the idea of a rental facility
(such as an apartment house) for couples (or any family dyad) in
such situations. Caregivers could exchange respite services with
each other, greatly reducing dependence on friends/relatives/social
agencies or shrinking "nest eggs."
The "Common Interest Development Project" aims to provide
a data based web site listing ideas, projects, people and any other
resources that promote sustainable living. The database will grow
from sundry networks of all those passionate enough to attend monthly
confabs in Arroyo Grande, whether as regulars or drop-ins. Every
third Friday at 6pm, bring your own fodder or enjoy the healthy
nibbles provided and dine later. Marj Huggins envisions this project.
She and her partner can be found behind their table at SLO Farmers
Market, Thursday eves. Telephone Marj, (805) 481-2228.
Lastly, how about an update on my own project? After years of struggle
(as always with any newish approach), with both pride and gratitude
I announce receipt of a grant from the Community Foundation of San
Luis Obispo! Momentum began when HopeDance ran my article, "Cut-Rate
Cohousing" about three years ago, sparking both radio and TV
interviews. (Thanks also to Guy Rathbun and Rick Martel.) These
sparked further publicity and considerable response, culminating
in several meetings, which were held in an attractive conference
room setting, thanks to the hospitality of that nationally recognized
but locally based non-profit agency, People's Self-Help Housing,
Inc.
Locally, property managers frequently offer rentable older homes
as homeshares, since this approach yields the most profit when colleges
are close by. Diane Ward, owner of "RoomMate Referrals (549-8550).
Common Interest Development Project
Promoting a return to simplicity
Small Personal Living Unit
with community storage and sharing
I would like to share with others the possibility of living beautifully,
comfortably and individually in approximately 500 sq. ft. of livable
space; using environmentally safe materials and a lot less of the
world's resources. Primary to the idea is that these structures
are individual units fully self-contained and outfitted with the
necessary technology. It allows for living alone while still being
a part of a community of choice.
I am looking for others with similar goals that would like to meet
for brainstorming sessions to open doors in this direction.
Please e-mail Marj at Marj@profile.com
to become part of the simpler-life brainstormers or Call 481-2228.
