Voluntary Simplicity is about making a conscious choice to act in a more sustainable and natural way. This is the category for sites relating to such a choice and its benefits and consequences.
The term "Voluntary Simplicity" was coined by Duane Elgin, author of the book Voluntary Simplicity first published in 1981. It means adopting a simpler life-style by reducing our consumption in order to help conserve the earth's dwindling resources. Many feel that the simple life is less stressful and more fulfilling -- it's a way to reduce the number of hours spent working for pay and increase the time spent with children, friends, family or contribuing to the community.
(credit due to thegarden.com for this bit of definition)
Explains the difference between voluntary simplicity and frugality; articles on topics such as building the simple life. http://www.word-works.com/simple.htm
An online magazine devoted to simplifying life and making it more meaningful for busy people, based on the print magazine. http://www.realsimple.com/realsimple/
Provides practical hints on how to create your own meaning for information to prevent overload, communication crisis and technostress. Includes coaching tips and stress-reduction exercises. http://cybersimplify.com/
A community of people on the internet who are striving for growth and transformatio, for creating a beautiful place in our own lives and on the Internet, and at the same time helping to preserve and restore some of the beauty of our planet. http://www.thegarden.net
A family which strives to maintain a life of voluntary simplicity through homeschooling, organic farming, music, yoga and ecology. http://www2.dmci.net/users/kingcm/
Sponsors a huge range of simple living resources as well as communities and books. A one-stop place for most subjects involving simplifying your own life. http://www.simpleliving.net
An non-profit organization in central Ohio, educating people to live responsibly and sustainably in a joyful relationship with the earth and one another. http://www.simplyliving.org/sl/
A UK movement working towards living in a way that uses the earth's resources responsibly, and also for social justice and equality. http://www.lifestyle-movement.org.uk/
Organization that is working to equip people of faith to challenge consumerism, live justly and celebrate responsibly. Started in 1973 as a protest against the commercialization of Christmas. http://www.simpleliving.org/
A Canadian hitchhiker and traveller, with his autobiographical writings on his voluntary homelessness, and a description of his simple life in a tree house. http://www.hitchhikemike.com
Community site exploring ways to make gift giving more meaningful, through giving of the self, for the soul and for the future. Emphasis on ecology, sustainability, simplicity and spirituality. http://www.richgiving.com
Strives to inspire individuals to "think globally, act locally" by motivating them to live a simpler and more fulfilling life. http://www.pathtofreedom.com
Thoughts on work, money, time and future with questions that make us reconsider what we are doing to impact our lives and the future. http://members.aon.at/ro.neunteufel
A Canadian online community, message boards, newsletter and information on being mindful of what we are doing to reduce the impact we have on our own lives and the earth. http://www.mindfulcanada.com
Articles on voluntary simplicity from the online version of Natural Life magazine, a periodical promoting natural living, home business and environmentally friendly products. http://www.life.ca/home/simplicity/index.html
Discussion courses on sustainability, deep ecology, living in place, and the practice of simplicity for groups and individuals in the Northwest and across the United States. http://www.nwei.org/
Non-profit movement of anti-consumerism - simplifying lifestyles by reducing waste and only buying what is needed in order to be happier and preserve the earth. http://www.newdream.org/
The online companion to the PBS program on the high social and environmental costs of overconsumption and materialism, helps to recognize and treat affluenza as well as educate the public. http://www.pbs.org/kcts/affluenza/
Suggests alternatives such as walking, bicycle and public transport. The practical aspects of living without a car in Sydney, Australia with links to relevant sites. http://www.geocities.com/sydneysiteau/nocar.html
A community and network of websites with articles on self-sufficiency, voluntary simplicity, and spirituality. A movement of ideas and freedom which is providing an online school of right living. http://www.geocities.com/newlibertyvillage
Quick tips and short but informative articles on simplifying your life and prioritizing your time to get more out of life. http://www.geocities.com/livingsimplynow/
Sarah Breathnach's official website for her series, 'Simple Abundance'. Simple appreciation of every day life and beautiful things. http://www.simpleabundance.com/
Offers resources and reflections on hermits, eremiticism, and solitude, which is a form of voluntary simplicity. Includes articles on historical and living hermits, news, book reviews, and philosophical essays on solitude. http://www.hermitary.com/
How to change the common point of view which is destroying our world, to one that teaches us to nurture, sustain life on this planet, and evolve. http://www.fringewisdom.com
A program of the Center for Religion, Ethics and Social Policy at Cornell University, Seeds of Simplicity is a national, nonprofit public-membership organization working to help build a strong voice for voluntary simplicity as an authentic social justice http://www.seedsofsimplicity.org/
This site is based on an assumption that every human being has a right to an equal share of physical space on this planet, purely by virtue of being human. http://www.scn.org/earth/lightly/index.html
A Real Life magazine offers unique, practical, upbeat inspiration to create a simpler, healthier, more balanced and fulfilling life in an earthy and intimate ad-free format. http://www.areallife.com
Project started by Woody Harrelson and Laura Louie to encourage citizens to protest pollution of the air, soil, and water through everyday choices and behaviors. Includes information about their bike and bus tour, recipes, a guide to farms, and a forum. http://www.voiceyourself.com/
Covers David MacClement's effort living a comfortable but ascetic human life, to be autonomous of the globalized economy. Includes essays on sustainability, work, wealth distribution, and voluntary simplicity. http://www.geocities.com/davd.geo/
Family whose values include getting rid of stuff to simplify their lives and live their dreams. Describes their eccentric traveling lifestyle and unschooling with photos. http://www.barenakedfamily.com/
Forums about homesteading, voluntary simplicity and homeschooling for those wanting to return to a simpler lifestyle. http://outbackacres.proboards18.com./
Beautiful learning center dedicated to nurturing the relationship between people and the land, a community gathering place, and a working family farm in Fayston, VT. http://www.wholecommunities.org
Wilderdom refers to "natural living". They seek to explore human-nature relations and to derive sustainable solutions to modern-living. Wilderdom is also a sustainable living center in Australia. http://www.wilderdom.com
Raventalk is a portal for exploring how to create a sustainable planet future. Provides connections to people, activists and ideas which are working towards a healthy and sustainable planet for all living beings http://www.raventalk.com
Comprehensive articles on simple living, homesteading, homeschooling and sustainability, for those who want to change the world by improving their lifestyle. http://www.deliberatelife.com/
Information, ideas, philosophy and articles on voluntary simplicity, sustainability and spirituality. It focuses on the practical application of the "Your Money or Your Life" program and the concepts of the "Ecological Footprint" to achieve a sustainable http://www.gettingalife.org
The definitive survival guide to living in your car, with real stories, information and resources. Simple living at its extreme. http://www.carliving.com/
The author takes an anti-workaholism stance, and promotes a slower lifestyle. The site offers humorous stories of the slow lifestyle and a forum to discuss the benefits of slowing down. http://www.slowdownnow.org
A growing site with the goal of providing information and tools for those wishing to simplify their lives and live more frugally. http://www.simpleandfrugal.com/
