Respect! The Moneyless Man Mark Boyle
It all began with the famous Gandhi quote - "Be the Change You Want to See in The World"
In my seemingly never ending quest to find a delicate balance between functional style & environmental awareness, I came across a fabulous story about Mark Boyle, the ex-Economics major who has shunned capitalism and embarked on a moneyless life... no job, no income, no spending... and he seems to have this complete Nirvana that he assures the world is far better than his old income and the trappings it came with.
Mark found his caravan that he lives in on Freecycle for nothing. He grows his own food. He creates his own energy and heating from renewable sources such as beeswax candles and timber from the adjoining woods. He bathes in a river and makes his morning tea from nettles. He rides his bike into town, where he Skilltrades- offering his skills (be it labouring, consulting, whatever) in exchange for oats or grains.
It's a fascinating story! A little too "Deliverance" for what I have in mind, but certainly food for thought when it comes to the idea of being able to effectively live for free!
In the mean time, I still stick to what I know and doing my own little bit. Mark even says himself on everyone living like him tomorrow "It would be a catastrophe, we are too addicted to both it (money) and cheap energy, and have managed to build an entire global infrastructure around the abundance of both." however if we all do small things, we are able to make a big impact.
Personally, I don't think I am able to be as drastic as Mark... I do still love to purchase things, but I will continue to be consciously vegetarian, growing or swapping with my neighbours where I can. I will keep refashioning clothing & other items around the home, swapping or giving away things I no longer need or want to someone who could use it. Making environmentally (and physically friendly) decisions on what products I use around the home or on my body, with an effort to use companies or businesses with the same global-impact ethic.
Post your comments and ideas here for your ways of living that little bit more nomadic & reducing your consuming habits, I would love to hear your ideas and opinions!
See HERE for the ABC story on Mark Boyle, the Moneyless Man.
In my seemingly never ending quest to find a delicate balance between functional style & environmental awareness, I came across a fabulous story about Mark Boyle, the ex-Economics major who has shunned capitalism and embarked on a moneyless life... no job, no income, no spending... and he seems to have this complete Nirvana that he assures the world is far better than his old income and the trappings it came with.
Mark found his caravan that he lives in on Freecycle for nothing. He grows his own food. He creates his own energy and heating from renewable sources such as beeswax candles and timber from the adjoining woods. He bathes in a river and makes his morning tea from nettles. He rides his bike into town, where he Skilltrades- offering his skills (be it labouring, consulting, whatever) in exchange for oats or grains.
It's a fascinating story! A little too "Deliverance" for what I have in mind, but certainly food for thought when it comes to the idea of being able to effectively live for free!
In the mean time, I still stick to what I know and doing my own little bit. Mark even says himself on everyone living like him tomorrow "It would be a catastrophe, we are too addicted to both it (money) and cheap energy, and have managed to build an entire global infrastructure around the abundance of both." however if we all do small things, we are able to make a big impact.
Personally, I don't think I am able to be as drastic as Mark... I do still love to purchase things, but I will continue to be consciously vegetarian, growing or swapping with my neighbours where I can. I will keep refashioning clothing & other items around the home, swapping or giving away things I no longer need or want to someone who could use it. Making environmentally (and physically friendly) decisions on what products I use around the home or on my body, with an effort to use companies or businesses with the same global-impact ethic.
Post your comments and ideas here for your ways of living that little bit more nomadic & reducing your consuming habits, I would love to hear your ideas and opinions!
See HERE for the ABC story on Mark Boyle, the Moneyless Man.