MarkPritchard.net

I’ve noticed that a lifestyle is beginning to emerge around the idea of solar energy and sustainability.  I’ve seen this in both my community and internationally. 

This lifestyle isn’t necessarily defined as green.  One reason is that word “green” has been co-opted by corporate marketing campaigns.  Another reason is that this new lifestyle involves a systems view of one’s life. 

While the permaculture movement has aspects of this view, they’re too agrarian for the techno enthusiasts who are embracing solar.   I’ve defined this emerging movement as the “Solar Lifestyle”.

It appears to have 7 components:

Part of this movement has been imprinted by the notion of radical self-reliance that’s emerged from Burning Man.  Where 40,000+ people survive in difficult conditions – without money, without facilities, without a grid, without a grand plan… and without leaving a trace!  Burning Man proves that people can come up with their own bottom-up solutions to energy, water, food…all that a person needs.

 

Now take that notion of personal responsiblity and plug it into our everyday communities.  And put the smartest techno-geeks incentive to create highly-efficient buildings, cars, tools and appliances  and suddenly that’s something you can build an entire economy around.

 

There’s lots more to ponder in this.  I welcome your comments