Directory of Voluntary Simplicity Resources

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Voluntary Simplicity is about making a conscious choice to act in a more sustainable and natural way. This is the category for sites relating to such a choice and its benefits and consequences. The term "Voluntary Simplicity" was coined by Duane Elgin, author of the book Voluntary Simplicity first published in 1981. It means adopting a simpler life-style by reducing our consumption in order to help conserve the earth's dwindling resources. Many feel that the simple life is less stressful and more fulfilling -- it's a way to reduce the number of hours spent working for pay and increase the time spent with children, friends, family or contributing to the community. (credit due to thegarden.com for this bit of definition)

Resources in This Category

A Real Hermit

http://hermit.bizhosting.com/hermit.html
A photographic story about a hermit that lives in the woods of Ohio, describing his lifestyle in a tiny cabin.
Affluenza: PBS Program on the Epidemic of Overconsumption

http://www.pbs.org/kcts/affluenza/
The online companion to the PBS program on the high social and environmental costs of overconsumption and materialism, helps to recognize and treat affluenza as well as educate the public.
Barenakedfamily.com

http://www.barenakedfamily.com/
Family whose values include getting rid of stuff to simplify their lives and live their dreams. Describes their eccentric traveling lifestyle and unschooling with photos.
Center For a New America Dream

http://www.newdream.org/
Non-profit movement of anti-consumerism - simplifying lifestyles by reducing waste and only buying what is needed in order to be happier and preserve the earth.
Choosing Voluntary Simplicity

http://www.choosingvoluntarysimplicity.com/
An illustrated guide to simple living and self-reliance.
Hermitary

http://www.hermitary.com/
Offers resources and reflections on hermits, eremiticism, and solitude, which is a form of voluntary simplicity. Includes articles on historical and living hermits, news, book reviews, and philosophical essays on solitude.
Hitch Hike Mike: Mike Gitelman

http://www.hitchhikemike.com/
A Canadian hitchhiker and traveller, with his autobiographical writings on his voluntary homelessness, and a description of his simple life in a tree house.
Live Simple

http://www.december.com/simple/live/index.html
An E-book that sets out specific suggestions for simplifying possessions, home, daily routines, personal goals, and use of resources.
Live Simply With Style

http://www.livesimplywithstyle.com/
Authors Mary Helen and Shuford Smith offer retirement, travel, and photography tips for a simple lifestyle.
Natural Life Magazine

http://www.life.ca/naturallife/
News and articles about sustainable living, health, family, livelihood, and mostly voluntary simplicity, since 1976.
Northwest Earth Institute

http://www.nwei.org/
Discussion courses on sustainability, deep ecology, living in place, and the practice of simplicity for groups and individuals in the Northwest and across the United States.
Raventalk

http://www.raventalk.com/
A portal for exploring how to create a sustainable planet future. Provides connections to people, activists and ideas which are working towards a healthy and sustainable planet for all living beings.
Simple Living Network

http://www.simpleliving.net/
Sponsors a huge range of simple living resources as well as communities and books. A one-stop place for most subjects involving simplifying your own life.
Simple Living Resource Guide

http://www.gallagherpress.com/pierce/index.htm
Resource guide for people interested in voluntary simplicity, simple living, and downsizing, maintained by the Pierce Simplicity Study.
The Center for Whole Communities

http://www.wholecommunities.org/
Beautiful learning center dedicated to nurturing the relationship between people and the land, a community gathering place, and a working family farm in Fayston, VT.
The Journal of Voluntary Simplicity

http://www.simpleliving.com/
Subscription information for the quarterly journal about simplifying our lives. Includes information on related books.
The Lilypad List: 7 Steps to the Simple Life

http://www.lilypadlist.com/
About the book by Marian Van Eyk McCain. Online sales, information about the author and illustrator, and the author's other books.
The New Road Map Foundation

http://www.financialintegrity.org/index.php?title=About_the_New_Road_Map_Foundation
Providing people with practical tools and innovative approaches for managing and mastering basic life challenges.
Thoughts on Voluntary Simplicity

http://www.word-works.com/simple
Explains the difference between voluntary simplicity and frugality; articles on topics such as building the simple life.
Voice Yourself

http://www.voiceyourself.com/
Project started by Woody Harrelson and Laura Louie to encourage citizens to protest pollution of the air, soil, and water through everyday choices and behaviors. Includes information about their bike and bus tour, recipes, a guide to farms, and a forum.
Voluntary Simplicity Study Circles by Janet Luhrs

http://www.context.org/iclib/ic33/luhrs/
Article from In Context on Janet Luhrs' study circles in sustainable agriculture and voluntary simplicity.
Welcome to Voluntary Simplicity

http://welcometovoluntarysimplicity.wordpress.com/
A weblog about voluntary simplicity guided by permaculture principles.
Wilderdom: A Project in Natural Living & Transformation

http://www.wilderdom.com/
Wilderdom refers to "natural living". They seek to explore human-nature relations and to derive sustainable solutions to modern-living. Wilderdom is also a sustainable living center in Australia.
Work, Money, Time, Future - Arbeit, Geld, Zeit, Zukunft

http://members.aon.at/ro.neunteufel
Thoughts on work, money, time and future with questions that make us reconsider what we are doing to impact our lives and the future.

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