Abundance and Affordability
When neighbors share services, space, tools and infrastructure, they reduce their consumption, live more lightly on the planet, and even share profits. They can also significantly reduce their initial investment and maintenance costs. Shared washers and dryers, shops and art and crafts studios, garden space and rooftop decks for sunset celebrating are all examples of access to more benefits with less expense.
Neighborhoods might choose to build a ‘common house’ to host shared meal plans, community events and entertainment, or even to rent out on occasion to provide more community income. Recreation and fitness facilities, lifelong learning spaces, technology centers and a car and bike share are other possible examples of how we can have more for less.
Communities can also share on-site green energy generation, water collection and treatment, food production and distribution, and communication infrastructure to provide Internet, phone and cable delivery. These, in turn, will provide more local, green livelihoods in the community.
A community sharing amenities, facilities, skills and knowledge gives neighbors an experience of the abundance and power of cooperation. More affordable access to more amenities supports more diversity, which in turn offers even more skills and knowledge.
The money saved through sharing amenities and infrastructure can be applied in many different ways. Increased affordability could allow people to work fewer hours and spend more time with family and friends, pursuing hobbies and education, or volunteering for causes they care about.
Some neighbors might choose to invest saved money in green development, support service organizations doing work they believe in, or help friends and family members get started in business.
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