When someone says the word “commune”, what image comes to mind? For many of us its some questionable version of an imaginary place where people have names like Sunshine and Moon-shadow, share everything, and very little structure or semblance of modern society exists. Not exactly synonymous with long term success, is it? On Wednesday evening this preconceived notion was dismantled by a group called Windward. Windward is a sustainable community and research center located on the eastern edge of the Cascadian Wilderness in southern Washington, where it has been thriving on marginal land for 30 years. The people of Windward incorporate both historical and cutting edge methods to demonstrate the reality that living sustainably is possible, because in their words, “…There is nothing more radical than a working model of a better way”. This involves everything from advanced farming techniques and aquaponics to gasification and solar powered walk-in freezers (coming soon!). By the end of their presentation my view on the concept of communal living was completely changed, and although I could spend pages talking about all the cool stuff they’re doing, I highly recommend you check out their website and see for yourself. If this or the info on their website sparks your interest, they will be holding an open house over memorial day weekend to go see it all in action, as well as offering a range of apprenticeships, internships, and academic fellowships.
Website: http://www.windward.org
CATEGORIES: Energy Student Sustainability Initiative