Live Sustainably While Building Community: Why Agrivillage Living is the Future
In today’s fast-paced world, many of us are seeking ways to align our daily lives with our deepest values—whether those values revolve around sustainability, a strong sense of community, or a deeper connection to nature. Agrivillages offer a truly unique opportunity to not just talk the talk, but truly walk the walk. These intentional communities beautifully blend modern living with sustainable agriculture, fostering an environment where individuals and families of all kinds can genuinely thrive.
A Life Rooted in Sustainability
One of the most compelling draws of agrivillage living is the chance to embrace a more sustainable lifestyle. Residents often enjoy direct access to fresh, locally grown food, significantly reducing their carbon footprint and reliance on industrial food systems. Many agrivillages thoughtfully integrate renewable energy sources, water conservation techniques, and eco-friendly housing designs, making it easier to live lightly on the land. Imagine enjoying fresh air and engaging in functional exercise simply by helping tend to the crops and community infrastructure. Perhaps most importantly, residents discover a tangible sense of purpose in their daily lives.
Community & Connection
In an agrivillage, neighbors are so much more than just the people next door—they are partners in a shared vision. Whether you’re a young professional, a growing family, or gracefully enjoying your retirement, agrivillages provide a built-in support system that is truly invaluable. Shared meals, collaborative community projects, and social gatherings forge strong bonds, ensuring that no one feels isolated (an increasingly prevalent concern in modern society). You will genuinely get to know your neighbors on a deeper level. Most likely, you'll find several common interests with your fellow villagers, and at the very least, discover something enriching from every community member.
A Place for All Generations
Unlike traditional neighborhoods, agrivillages actively encourage multi-generational living. Children can flourish surrounded by nature, gaining hands-on skills like gardening and practical mechanical repairs. Elders can share their wisdom and remain active and engaged within the community, often gaining some much-appreciated tech support and assistance with chores. Meanwhile, families of all forms and sizes can discover a sense of belonging.
Put Your Money Where Your Values Are
Often, our primary homes are the most expensive investments in our lifetimes. By choosing to live in an intentional community that treads lightly on the land we will activate the substantial investment of a home purchase into the type of environment that aligns with our moral compass. Our funds will be put to work, as an example, something other than purchasing a home in a scrape and build subdivision. These conventional builds destroy the delicate balance of the topsoil infrastructure and the existing ecosystem. Instead, why not invest in the creative example of a different path taken? Would you rather put your funds into your own form of impact investing? Show it can be done as an example for others. For some of us it's much more intriguing than moving into the newest subdivision with the latest in countertops and wall sconces.
Choosing to live in an agrivillage isn’t just about where you live—it’s fundamentally about how you live. It’s a way to put your values into meaningful action, nurture lasting relationships, and create a healthier, more sustainable future for generations to come. If you’re looking for a home that reflects your deepest beliefs, an agrivillage might be the perfect fit. I can certainly help you explore this “what once was old, is now new again” lifestyle.
Here are some important resources:
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Bill_Mollison
https://seattlebusinessmag.com/opening-bell/agrivillage-adventure/
Interested in exploring this lifestyle? Visit www.rootednw.org
Or reach out to learn about other CoHousing communities in Western Washington and beyond. Each one has its own special magic—find the one that speaks to you. I would love to introduce you to our forming community but I also can introduce you to more options in our area.
