Types of Economic Self-Sustainabilit
Individual Self-Sufficiency
Business Self-Sustainability
A business generates enough revenue to cover costs, reinvest in growth, and operate without continuous external funding (like loans or investors).
Example: A small bakery that covers its expenses through sales rather than relying on investor money.
Community Self-Sufficiency
A community produces enough resources (food, energy, jobs) to support its population without heavy reliance on imports or outside funding.
Example: An eco-village that produces its own energy and food while maintaining a local economy.
National Economic Self-Sufficiency
Self-sustaining communities are those that meet many or all of their essential needs—such as food, energy, and sometimes even water—through local resources and collective efforts, minimizing dependence on external systems. Here are a few common types:
Eco-Villages and Intentional Communities
Eco-Villages:
These are communities designed around sustainable living practices. They often feature renewable energy (solar, wind), organic farming, water conservation, and green building methods. The goal is to create an environmentally friendly, low-impact lifestyle.
Intentional Communities:
These are groups of people who choose to live together based on shared values, often focusing on self-sufficiency, mutual support, and sustainable practices. While not all intentional communities have a strong environmental focus, many incorporate elements of eco-sustainability.
Agrarian and Rural Communities
Agrarian Communities:
In many rural areas, communities have historically been self-sustaining by relying on local agriculture, livestock, and crafts. These communities emphasize food production and often integrate local renewable energy sources or resource management practices.
Rural Sustainability:
Some modern rural communities work to revive traditional skills and local production methods, integrating them with modern sustainable technologies to reduce dependence on external supply chains.