Aroha Village

Our goal is to follow the basic principles of Permaculture to establish a 100% off-the-grid, zero-waste community. We shall provide home/community schooling options for those who are interested and shall trade goods and resources with the local community.



Food
We grow organic fruit and vegetable crops year-round to support our vegetarian diets. The goal is to produce enough fruits and vegetables to sustain the entire community internally.


Energy
Solar panels, hydro-electricity and wind turbines to meet the electrical needs of the community.


Housing
The goal is to live harmoniously on the land while also reducing our carbon footprint. We believe the best way to achieve this is by utilizing low-impact and natural earthen material construction techniques. Examples of the types of homes we will construct and approve within the community are pictured below:

SuperAdobe/Earthbag construction – utilizes earth and sand bags to build safe, weather-resistant structures at minimal cost. Dome-homes can be water-proofed and have been tested to remain structural integrity in earthquakes. We will also offer workshops and internships for students interested in learning this construction technique. Students will gain hands-on experience while helping the community continue to develop community and residential structures.

Low-Impact Woodland Homes – Using recycled wood from trees gathered on-site (and re-planted).

Alternative Building – tree house home using recycled and cheap materials. Creativity and art in the landscape is encouraged and will encourage eco-tourism.

We harvest rain water, use composting toilets and will develop a grey water system for watering the organic garden.

Potential Community Activities

* Healthy, whole food group meals
* Music circles
* Yoga and meditation
* Arts and crafts
* Permaculute/ organic agriculture
* Hiking
* Courses and Workshops: PDC, renewable energy systems, earthbuilding, food forests, sustainable living, medicinal herbs, nutritional healing, home birthing, etc.
* Eco-tourism
* Youth summer camp
* Conflict resolution and community building exercises
* Toxin-free Soap-making
* Weddings/other rentals
* WWOOF/Volunteer/Internship Opportunities

WWOOF/Internship Program

WWOOFers and volunteers will help with the daily maintenance of the farm, help prepare group meals and will learn about earthbuilding and Permaculture. Initially we can provide rustic camping accommodations with a brick floor and temporary roof. Volunteers can have their own tents in this sheltered area. The community house will be open for bathrooms and a shared kitchen. We ask that all WWOOFer volunteer practice self-observation and have an interest in their own personal growth. We also expect that the volunteer will be able to live in a simple/communal environment in an organized, harmonious, respectful and clean way. The volunteers will need to be responsible for their service and be self-disciplined. Rides to stores or pharmacies are always available for our volunteers. We speak English, Spanish and Tagalog.

We are vegetarians, yet we tolerate others' choices. It is our preference to host volunteers that have the willingness or desire for personal growth and that are willing to join us on this basis. We are not ascribed to any religion or dogma - simply committed to assist each other with forgiveness and love. Also we desire that each one that joins us to be sage, happy and inspired to be creative in their service!


Potential for Sustainability/Income-Generation

* Holding PDC, Earth building, mystical farming, yoga, meditation, Spanish and healing workshops and retreats

* Organic Vegetable and Fruit Farming (potential for web business)

* Eco-Tourism

* Selling developed and un-developed plots within the community (for eco-vacationing and expanding the intentional community)

* Rent the property for weddings and other events

* Offering land co-operatives with local/indigenous and other marginalized populations where an individual’s sweat equity can be offered in exchange for land and shared community resources