Tech-free Community

I am looking for people who are interested in living completely without the Internet and phones, free from drugs, alcohol and smoking too! This is for people who want to return to the most enjoyable and suitable way of life for Humans, reconnect with nature and each other, get out of mind-based living and get into heart-based living. Instruments for live music encouraged. I am open to doing this outside of the U.S but I need more people.

Hi Mariya;
Welcome to Permies!
I hope you will find more people here who are interested in your plan.

No cell phones... that's sure ok with me
No internet .... well.... not too sure about that, kinda handy to learn how to do stuff.
No drugs... no problem
No alcohol... ok
No tobacco, no problem...
No smoking... good luck

Live music... good times
Good people... good times
Nice idea, I wish you well in moving forward with it.


 

Welcome to Permies!

Have you decided where abouts you would want this community?

I understand the sentiment entirely and I wish you well, but I'm struggling with the irony of posting online looking people that want to live entirely free from the internet.

Without the internet, I would never have heard about permaculture, rocket mass heaters, and dozens (hundreds?  thousands?) of other fascinating and wonderful things.  I also wouldn't be in contact with wonderful people around the world that I would never have met otherwise, many of them right here on this forum.  No drugs, no alcohol, no smoking?  Sure, I would be okay with that.  Give up this wonderful way of learning new things and connecting with great people all over the world?  Not for me.

I have not decided where the best spot would be for my community but I know I don't want any powerlines around nor concrete, I want abundant nature and a clean water source by me. This may only be best somewhere like Europe. This is for those who feel like they have had enough of the Internet and with gratitude, are ready to leave and try something more real and raw.

Mariya Bee wrote:I have not decided where the best spot would be for my community but I know I don't want any powerlines around nor concrete, I want abundant nature and a clean water source by me. This may only be best somewhere like Europe. This is for those who feel like they have had enough of the Internet and with gratitude, are ready to leave and try something more real and raw.

Sounds rather Old Order Amish, to me.

And I mean no disrespect, to you or them.  I've often said that I would be happy to live "plain" for a few years to learn timber framing properly.  But, the internet is - in some small measure - my library and community.  Personally, I'd find that difficult to voluntarily forego, at least at present.  My current phone is the dumbest flip phone I could find - technically capable of cruising the internet, but so clunky that only a masochist would do so.  I say it's my "Mennonite phone" (the "Amish phone" is down the road at the neighbor's house!), and my sister, who is a real live Mennonite, agrees that the bishops wouldn't need to have a talk with me for using a phone like that!  But, I'd still find it difficult, I think, to entirely give up the phone, even if I view it as - at best - a necessary evil in the modern West.

However, I have no doubt that there exists a subset of the population who've reached their breaking point, and are ready to ditch the trappings of modernity.

Yeah, I just don't know where to find these people. I know it's not for everyone at this time, but I also know there are people like me longing for it and are only using the Internet in hopes of finally finding their soul tribe and finally going off into the wild together, with no rules other than to do what is best for the body, be loving, and follow the heart.

I can understand the mixed feelings about technology. I am not sure there would be a consensus because deciding what to accept or reject will have a very unique outcome.

I really enjoyed reading the authors experience going without it for a year +. If you google "mark boyle's book the way home-tales from a life without technology free pdf", you'll be able to find a free version to read.

Just throwing that out there for motivation or a fun read.

Oh Josh, that's an amazing book! I read it back when it came out and not once! Mark was my inspiration, and he was the only one I found online who publicly left the Internet.

My son frequently expresses a desire to leave civilization and live simply.
I don't see that happening, but I want him to be happy, so I'm interested in what you come up with.

No Internet or phones.
What about paying taxes?
The only  places where one can live without anyone messing with you tend to be wastelands.
Occupying land requires negotiating with other people who might lay claim to it.
Paying taxes is one way to do that.
Violence is the other.
Maybe it will be a non-issue.

What's the plan to acquire food, clothing, tools and shelter?
Hunting, foraging , subsistence farming?
The tools are usually the sticking point for most people who are trying to escape modernity.
Ammo runs out, blades break, pots need mending.
Even a blacksmith starts with steel, and making steel is a large undertaking.
Any ongoing trade with the outside will be hard to do without phones, but doable.
If we only plan for the community to last one generation, a one time purchase could cover all needs.

That brings up aging and sickness.
The society I live in is very bad at taking care of the elder and infirm, and that is with vast amounts of wealth in play.
To a certain extent, clean living and hard work will help your community members stay healthy.
At a certain point, if we live long enough,disability for us all.
Depending on how much modern medicine is in use, there may be many more people dying suddenly or at least quickly.
There will probably be a need to agree as a community how resources with be used on people close to death.
Alcohol is one basic painkillers that is off the table, but nature provides many others.

Mariya Bee wrote:I have not decided where the best spot would be for my community but I know I don't want any powerlines around nor concrete, I want abundant nature and a clean water source by me. This may only be best somewhere like Europe.

Sounds like North Idaho, to me.  I've been looking at property in Boundary County but one of the problems I have is that I need to work remotely and can't get power to any of the parcels I've been interested in (and the amount of solar I'd need is currently out of my budget).  If you're looking for remote land with water and no electric anywhere close, you might find something suitable in that area.

While I love the romantic aspect of your dream and would be willing to live completely off the grid without modern utilities, the two main reasons I'm still 'on-grid' is because I need to make a living and I need to pay taxes on any land I purchase.  In order to make your plan work, your community will either need to be close enough to an established town in order to sell/trade products or services (since you won't be advertising or selling online) or it will need to have enough members with diversified skills to create and sustain its own economy.

In either case, though, property taxes will still be something that needs to be dealt with in the US.  But if you're willing to look abroad, there are actually several countries where you can own your property outright (something I would love to see change here):

Countries With No Property Taxes

Good luck with your search!  I'm sure there are tons of folks who would love to do this but they may already be avoiding the internet. ~_^

Lots of excellent points to consider, William!

I've watched a dozen videos about how society might be rebuilt after a massive EMP attack but they always show the technology at about the standard of the Wild West era.  In reality, I think we'd be starting over in the Stone Age because most people don't even know how to find fresh water, much less mine or cultivate the raw materials needed for modern metal tools.

William Bronson wrote: My son frequently expresses a desire to leave civilization and live simply.
I don't see that happening, but I want him to be happy, so I'm interested in what you come up with.

No Internet or phones.
What about paying taxes?
The only  places where one can live without anyone messing with you tend to be wastelands.
Occupying land requires negotiating with other people who might lay claim to it.
Paying taxes is one way to do that.
Violence is the other.
Maybe it will be a non-issue.

What's the plan to acquire food, clothing, tools and shelter?
Hunting, foraging , subsistence farming?
The tools are usually the sticking point for most people who are trying to escape modernity.
Ammo runs out, blades break, pots need mending.
Even a blacksmith starts with steel, and making steel is a large undertaking.
Any ongoing trade with the outside will be hard to do without phones, but doable.
If we only plan for the community to last one generation, a one time purchase could cover all needs.

That brings up aging and sickness.
The society I live in is very bad at taking care of the elder and infirm, and that is with vast amounts of wealth in play.
To a certain extent, clean living and hard work will help your community members stay healthy.
At a certain point, if we live long enough,disability for us all.
Depending on how much modern medicine is in use, there may be many more people dying suddenly or at least quickly.
There will probably be a need to agree as a community how resources with be used on people close to death.
Alcohol is one basic painkillers that is off the table, but nature provides many others.

Dear William, how old is your son? Maybe we can work together on this! Of course, we will figure all these things out and perhaps even find those who have figured it out already. But when the soul pulls us to a certain way of life, we must listen and not give into fear. The soul will provide clarity on the way.

Thank you for sharing, Destiny. I was curious about a place like Liechtenstein. I'm open to do something abroad!

Good luck on your journey, Mariya. The mention of Mark Boyle reminded me of Daniel Suelo, someone who greatly inspired me once upon a time, and still does when something  or someone brings him to mind.

"Free winds and no tyranny for you, Freddie, sailor of the seas. You pay no rent, free to go where you please. Then go, go to that landless latitude and good luck. If you figure a way to live without serving a master, any master, then let the rest of us know, will you? For you'd be the first in the history of the world." - The Master (2012)

J Lovejoy wrote:Good luck on your journey, Mariya. The mention of Mark Boyle reminded me of Daniel Suelo, someone who greatly inspired me once upon a time, and still does when something  or someone brings him to mind.

"Free winds and no tyranny for you, Freddie, sailor of the seas. You pay no rent, free to go where you please. Then go, go to that landless latitude and good luck. If you figure a way to live without serving a master, any master, then let the rest of us know, will you? For you'd be the first in the history of the world." - The Master (2012)

Watched a short video about Daniel Suelo with him explaining his journey, wow truly inspiring. Thank you. I feel like the Human Spirit needs wild nature even if it's risky, especially if it's risky otherwise depression is a natural side effect of not having any. The only alternative is addictions and distractions. Even meditation can become a distraction from the soul's call...

By no means tech free here, but backing up to a desktop computer is a good step to minimizing exposure.  

Destiny Lauritsen wrote:Lots of excellent points to consider, William!

I've watched a dozen videos about how society might be rebuilt after a massive EMP attack but they always show the technology at about the standard of the Wild West era.  In reality, I think we'd be starting over in the Stone Age because most people don't even know how to find fresh water, much less mine or cultivate the raw materials needed for modern metal tools.

In the best of all possible worlds, maybe it would be vaguely 12th century, after things stabilize - give or take a bunch of cathedral projects, that is.  Ard plows with oxen, and wind or water mills for mechanical power (grinding grain - sawing lumber or making paper might be pushing it).  That might be too hopeful, though, if we had another Carrington type event.

Josh Hoffman wrote:I really enjoyed reading the authors experience going without it for a year +. If you google "mark boyle's book the way home-tales from a life without technology free pdf", you'll be able to find a free version to read.

Thanks for the recommendation.  Found it, added it to the big 'ol stash-of-stuff, and will give it a read.

[quote=
In the best of all possible worlds, maybe it would be vaguely 12th century, after things stabilize - give or take a bunch of cathedral projects, that is.  Ard plows with oxen, and wind or water mills for mechanical power (grinding grain - sawing lumber or making paper might be pushing it).  That might be too hopeful, though, if we had another Carrington type event.

I would have to offer this alternative scenario.
There are enough governments and private citizens throughout the world with stashes of fuel, armament, food, water and other necessities that it would seem we would be back to where we are now very shortly only on a much smaller scale, the ensuing chaos of a Carrington or other event would most likely reduce the population.
Don't forget all of the existing infrastructure would still be available, including raw materials, manufactured materials and the machinery to begin industrial operations.
I guess I just don't see the big players going back to the Stone age or 12th century without a plan B.

well, serious folks not wanting the internet would not b reading & posting on the...

Europe is so messed up right now I can't say there is much distinction from the US.  

calbo collier wrote:well, serious folks not wanting the internet would not b reading & posting on the...

Europe is so messed up right now I can't say there is much distinction from the US.  

You're right. I'm just a tribe type of person, always wanted to find my group before leaving completely. I tried leaving before for a few years and felt deeply alone so I came back, searching. And I am open to other places in the world... Curious to know what place I'd fit in best.

Dear Mariya,

I am also looking for the same thing as you do - completely toxic free. I am smoking right now, and it is hard for me to stop, because of the stress and people around me that smoke as well. (cigarettes), I want to build the same thing you do. I am living in Europe and I can't stand it anymore. People are angry at each other, people getting more and more aggressive, capitalisms elbows at its finest. How and where can we connect, so we could see if we both fit and maybe work on a project together, finding a community or building one of our own.

Beks beee wrote:Dear Mariya,

I am also looking for the same thing as you do - completely toxic free. I am smoking right now, and it is hard for me to stop, because of the stress and people around me that smoke as well. (cigarettes), I want to build the same thing you do. I am living in Europe and I can't stand it anymore. People are angry at each other, people getting more and more aggressive, capitalisms elbows at its finest. How and where can we connect, so we could see if we both fit and maybe work on a project together, finding a community or building one of our own.

Hey Beks! I messaged you.

Hey there Mariya..

We should connect since we might be aligned in what aspects we're desiring in the community we live in.

I'm currently living off-grid on 40 acres of beautiful land in the mountains of Northern California (Humboldt area) surrounded by national forest. There are springs, wells, garden areas, quite a few big old growth trees and lots of wildlife. It's a very peaceful and special place. I'm open to starting a community here but I'd really like to plant a food/fruit forest in a tropical country since I like eating a mostly raw diet and fresh fruit is a huge part of that. So I've thought about having a "sister" community connected to one I'm part of here..or maybe other people would like to form a community here that I'm not a part of.. or possibly I should just sell this property to someone nice who wants to homestead and will love it like I have all these years. Anyway, have you considered Central or South America?

Hi Wren, that sounds beautiful. I thought about places like Peru and was even offered to join a community in Colombia, but I guess I'm looking for a colder climate. I'm not good with too much sun and heat, my ancestors come from the cold parts of Europe, which makes this journey more confusing for me haha. I'm trying to listen to my intuition about where to go but not getting any clear answers

Almost forgot.. I wanted to share a link to this community posting on ic.org that you might be interested in..

https://www.ic.org/directory/new-eden/

wren livlove wrote:Almost forgot.. I wanted to share a link to this community posting on ic.org that you might be interested in..

https://www.ic.org/directory/new-eden/

Wow, it's wild how similar the values are of these people! If they were near me, I think we would be best friends hahaha

Something to consider.. a lot of these countries have much cooler areas if you gain some elevation. Costa Rica has spring like weather year-round in the mountains. I hear ya about the hot humid weather. As much as I love the ocean and beach, I won't be living too near the muggy coast. I visited Ecuador recently.. it definitely has many variations in climate. Peru and Colombia are on my radar too.. I want to live where there's still beautiful abundant nature. Maybe you would like it here.. we get plenty of snow. I'm at around 3500' elevation near the town of Mad River.

So many of the communities I'm interested in have wifi/Starlink in their community space. I'm open to having internet (limited) if it's through fiber optics but I'm really anti-5G/wifi/Starlink.

Sorry about the Belize link.. I posted it before I saw your response (because my phone is in airplane mode while I'm writing and I only turn it off when necessary)

Me too! When I wrote to Jay (the founder of the Belize community) I told him I'm so aligned that I could have written his post!

The photo is of a really special place on my land.. I'm about to walk down and collect today's drinking water in some glass bottles:).. hope you're enjoying a lovely day🌻🦋

Oh so beautiful, thank you for sharing. Enjoy 💗

I am intrigued by the idea of living without phone/computer and fantasize about it at times. I am not sure if I will actualize that reality in this lifetime as I do enjoy my connections to others who live elsewhere. There may come a time, however, where it is safer to abandon the surveillance gadgets and head deep into the woods. Good luck in your quest in finding people to do this with. I will be curious to know how it goes...

Mariya Bee wrote:I am looking for people who are interested in living completely without the Internet and phones, free from drugs, alcohol and smoking too! This is for people who want to return to the most enjoyable and suitable way of life for Humans, reconnect with nature and each other, get out of mind-based living and get into heart-based living. Instruments for live music encouraged. I am open to doing this outside of the U.S but I need more people.

I am very open to join with others for this simple way such as people had without civilization, growing things for there is needed, for food to eat and any needed things. But it would be a very big thing for change, I might not have means to leave this country for it.

Thank you Lisa, and Fred feel free to share more about yourself! Age, location, goals, family, beliefs. I love learning more about people who are interested in my project.

Mariya Bee wrote:Thank you Lisa, and Fred feel free to share more about yourself! Age, location, goals, family, beliefs. I love learning more about people who are interested in my project.

I am now an older man, without so much resources that I would start something with acquiring land, or be leaving to some far place which any other country would be. I would not want to be getting real id for doing this, either. Having been Christian a long time I see there is design from God and civilization is not according to that, with the stewardship there is supposed to be in the world. With what was very good, and that can still be done, we could be living on land, where there is enough water and good soil, and in any of the latitudes where there is enough sunshine, growing all that we can that would be right for what we need, for food, medicinal herbs, and useful materials, without more impact on environments than this. This remains yet a sort of goal if there is yet anyway to come to this, that I then will, with people to be joined for that who are right for this, being compatible. I am without any family that would be involved. I am in California, and more interested in areas near this state, though I have tried with places further from it before.

I am in Northern CA. I am in my early 50's and in somewhat of a transitional time of my life. I definitely have a desire to get further into the country and homestead. I have a deep connection to the earth, and consider nature my church. I am an herbalist and have the goal of having my own apothecary/consultation practice. I am definitely intrigued by the idea of living without technology...

Hey Mariya,

I really resonate with your post and search, and appreciate the irony of it.

I feel so frustrated at modernity. I mourn for what it has stolen from us as humans with tribe, even as it has dazzled us with opportunities and wonders.

I was fortunate to travel in the days before the internet, the big silver birds taking me far from where I was born. I used to write addresses and phone numbers of people I met in little notebooks.

And then only a few hours drive south of my home town I saw the internet for the first time, ironically at the farm I did my PDC at in my 20s!

The internet changed my life completely, even though it revolved in circles around aspects that were there well before the internet. But I realise, a lot of what I have held dear has been technology-mediated: a radio show I once listened to every week and wrote into was like the internet before the internet. But it was so much more social than these now ubiquitous magic rectangles, or even the computers before them.

Now I live in a tiny town, and my few friends here met not because of the internet (I refuse to participate in Facebook which limits me hugely) but funny enough they are nerdy types like me. But it does not feel like enough.

I have lived off grid where the phone service is patchy, and that was better for in person interaction, but covid affected that badly. And not using technology (or sparingly) doesn't fix many of the issues people have. We are all damaged by modernity and how it isolates us. I know I am no different and my daughter will also be tainted by this.

But modernity is inevitably starting to collapse, so looking to do without the technology we currently rely on is very wise.

I'm travelling to new places in a few weeks that have in person focus. Trying to find my tribe too.

Kudra Robbins wrote:Hey Mariya,

I really resonate with your post and search, and appreciate the irony of it.

I feel so frustrated at modernity. I mourn for what it has stolen from us as humans with tribe, even as it has dazzled us with opportunities and wonders.

I was fortunate to travel in the days before the internet, the big silver birds taking me far from where I was born. I used to write addresses and phone numbers of people I met in little notebooks.

And then only a few hours drive south of my home town I saw the internet for the first time, ironically at the farm I did my PDC at in my 20s!

The internet changed my life completely, even though it revolved in circles around aspects that were there well before the internet. But I realise, a lot of what I have held dear has been technology-mediated: a radio show I once listened to every week and wrote into was like the internet before the internet. But it was so much more social than these now ubiquitous magic rectangles, or even the computers before them.

Now I live in a tiny town, and my few friends here met not because of the internet (I refuse to participate in Facebook which limits me hugely) but funny enough they are nerdy types like me. But it does not feel like enough.

I have lived off grid where the phone service is patchy, and that was better for in person interaction, but covid affected that badly. And not using technology (or sparingly) doesn't fix many of the issues people have. We are all damaged by modernity and how it isolates us. I know I am no different and my daughter will also be tainted by this.

But modernity is inevitably starting to collapse, so looking to do without the technology we currently rely on is very wise.

I'm travelling to new places in a few weeks that have in person focus. Trying to find my tribe too.

Kudra, thank you so much for sharing! Will you be in New York City or nearby anytime soon? Maybe we outa meet and chat!