Sustainability with Economics as an Influence

Economic Eco-Village

   The key to having a viable community is economic.  While not the only factor in a community success.

 

We are initiating an intensive savings program which will run approximately 2 years.  Members will be provided with housing. Foods and Utilities will be paid by working 16 hours per month for the duration of the savings time in agreement with the minimum savings requirement of about $600/month for two years. Special diets will be difficult to accommodate at this time. Individual adjustments may be made to the savings amount.  For the third year grace period, folks can either move onto the land or stay in the sponsors house for $600/month, in order to build a starting fund for the construction of their homes. Savings will be kept safe in the bank under a trust to be used to purchase land. If a member leaves then the savings amount will be reduced by the rental value of $600 per month. Excess will be returned when a replacement if found for the member choosing to leave.

 

If a member is voted out of the house and a replacement house can not be found then the rental amount is forfeited and the savings towards building materials will be returned when a suitable replacement is found

 

During this time we can brainstorm on ideas on how to best save money.  By working together this will become easier.  For example, we can carpool, buy things in bulk, and provide low or cost free entertainment near home.  We will also be given the opportunity to share trades.  Maybe someone is good at oil changes while another can cook or fix bikes.  We can learn a lot from each other, or maybe encourage one another to get creative and learn something new.  All in all we hope to have a good time while beginning a journey towards something fantastic, innovative, different and enlightening. 

 

When we combine the savings amount of all members we will be able to purchase a piece of land on which everyone will be provided with a lot for their home.  Purchasing by multiple acres rather than single lots, provides great savings.  Simple design, easy to build, standard homes while energy efficient and super insulated, will provide a place for the members to live.  Group purchase for wood, windows, supplies and fixtures results in more savings.  If the project is sufficiently large, heavy equipment could be purchased and later sold. One member is a dealer for Solar Materials and has offered to supply these materials at cost. Also, Dean has made contact with a number of distributors for wholesale Building materials.

One sixth of the money for land will go to the sponsor in exchange for the rent of the housing for the savings period.

 

 

Intensive Savings