Correcting USA Today: cohousing is not a commune
A great mention in USA Today, but a “commune”? I don’t think so. While both communes and cohousing neighborhoods are an intentional community, a shared economy (possessions and income) is central to a commune but non-existent at a cohousing community like Nubi. Cohousing communities typically focus on the social aspects of living together.
For the record, currently at Nubinusit residents may participate in the CSA at a variety of levels, and on-site chickens and cows are not ‘relied on’ as there are many farms and grocery stores in the area. Group undertakings such as raising chickens are typically structured as ‘clubs’ which residents may or may not join and support. Essential shared work, such as checking the wood pellet boilers, managing the common land, etc., is undertaken by teams of volunteers.
An example of how this can work is unfolding now: some interested residents recently worked together to research solar energy options for summertime hot water and electricity. This evolved quickly to a group-buy for photovoltaic panels: each resident can now choose to join a group of neighbors who are each buying customized PV systems for their homes (which are individually metered). PV system cost is kept low because many neighbors will buy a similar system from the same contractor, and the legwork to find a contractor, research what is needed to qualify for green energy rebates, etc., has been done already. Plus typical questions regarding the pros and cons of such systems have been publically asked and answered.
A pretty nice benefit of living together, intentionally.
