Lowimpact.org is a non-profit organisation - a network of great people and organisations providing information, training, products & services to help you live more sustainably. In the section, ‘Change your life’, over 200 topics to engage with, from becoming a Willing Worker on Organic Farms (wwoofers) to living in intentional communities.
Magbaz Travels website has been created by and for long-term, long-distance motor-homers and cyclists. It began after they crossed Australia in April 2005. Rebecca Watts of Cairns developed the initial structure helps maintain the site. They have made three round-the-world journeys each of one-year.
Frank from Doel says: "An artisan group living and working in the so-called Gorgs, a part of the Pyrenees Mountains situated in Spain near an old factory in the village of Castel Follit de la Roca. Most people speak Spanish there, so it is good to bring a booklet Spanish-dutch or visa-versa, since the last locals living in the village probably don't know the 'lingua franca'. Their site is operated from the Netherlands, strangely enough...
When and where they work? They are operating constantly whilst there is good weather of Spain, but their practices are more Basque probably. They offer suggestions for free living practices. E.g. To make an outdoor kitchen for free. Check it out in real life or or visit them digitally and read in American, and French as well. Their motto is: Make more with Less..."
There’s a fair bit of evidence that ‘hippy/hippie’ type lifestyle and counter culture can be traced back to 5th and 6th century Persia and the ideas espoused by Mazdak. As a philosopher and leader he argued for vegetarianism and communal living. He argued that people needed to fight against the: ‘Five Demons’ that turned men from Righteousness – these were Envy, Wrath, Vengeance, Need and Greed.
Inevitably, he was murdered for his heresies…
It’s always nice to know a bit more about the origins of ideas and human behaviour. Being hip, originally meant ‘being aware’.
So here are some links to check out Mazdak beliefs.
Ken Kesey’s merry band. ‘You’re either on the bus, or off the bus’ circa 1964+. As immortalised in Tom Wolfe’s ‘Electric Kool-Aid Acid Test’ book. And frequently associated as the Grateful Dead’s crew with Captain Trips (Jerry Garcia) at the helm. This offers links to Prankster, Ken Babbs’ site (new pages and old pages) and some promo video for ‘Magic Trip’ documentary of the original Magic Bus, 'Furthur' trip.
Hard to describe or define, micro-nations include large self-governing free spaces such as Christiania and Uzupis, but also quasi temporary autonomous zones. Some are more or less imaginary!
Links to the Wikipedia Hub list and an interesting, but tongue-firmly-in-cheek ‘Independent’ article about the concept and some of the realities! Handle with humour and caution!
Swedish video link aimed at getting us to look about the size, nature/style and footprint of our living spaces and dwellings. Some ‘wow’ factor examples from a range of architects and artists.
This is only the ‘taster’ video. The full film includes some nomadic examples too. If you google, there are sites offering the full 52 minute version if you register.
The Migration Policy Institute (MPI). A solid source of information of what’s happening to migrants, refugees and asylum seekers around the world.
Based in Italy, these festivals seem to be pretty alternative. Lots of links to music, films and ‘stuff’. Not sure how commercial or ‘otherwise’ these events actually are.
Their events have titles like 'Spirit of Woodstock', 'World Peace' and 'Rainbow Gatherings', but also 'Oktoberfest'!
Check them out through their links.
Mondamo-links. A German alternative database with a wide range of interesting links.