The next step of our travels was to take us a world away from the bright lights and glitz of the capital... to an ecovillage about three hours north, where alternative living is absolutely the norm. And they’re doing it mighty well! Think of your home, your everyday amenities... the essentials. Lights. Water. Toilet. Means of cooking. Sleeping quarters. At Stjärnsund, they’ve RE-thought the lot, and found a more environmentally-friendly way of doing things. Their way is also usually cheaper ;) There’s a lot to say about this inspiring place, so rather than throw it at you all at once I’m going to post in chunks!
The current configuration sort of comes across (to me, anyway) as a collaboration between team A and team B! Team A, the Fridhem Foundation, still owns and runs the main building. There’s a coordinator, an art gallery, a meditation room, regular seminars on permaculture and spiritual healing, "free dance" sessions, yoga classes, and volunteers are welcome all year round to work in the organic vegetable gardens.
It’s really hard work, there’s no denying it. In a garden space this size there are always things to sow, to plant/transplant, to prune, to water, to weed, to mulch, to fertilise, etc.! Not to mention chickens to care for, feed and clean up after, meetings to attend, eggs and plants to sell... plus the usual domestic business of cooking, washing and cleaning.