Greening Life Community

Shermans Dale, Pennsylvania, United States

  • Updated on: Dec 29, 2023 (about 1 year ago)
  • Created on: Dec 3, 2020 (over 4 years ago)

Mission Statement

See above

Community Description

Greening Life, Inc. was established in 1972 on a 135-acre farm in southcentral Pennsylvania. We are a planned, Intentional Community. Most homes here were built by members, as well as creation of the Community infrastructure. Our indoor common space includes a 40' x 60' 2 story barn and a 40' x 50' equipment shed. We follow organic farming practices. We have a small orchard and a 1-acre fenced Community garden. We have more than 20 acres dedicated to hay production. Over the years, a number of members have raised domesticated animals for food and fiber. We have been enrolled for more than 17 years in the federal Conservation Reserve Enhancement Program (CREP). In CREP, we have 20 acres dedicated to promote ground nesting bird habitat, and 5 acres to create a forested stream buffer. We have 40 acres of forests with an extensive trail network. We have established a permanent conservation easement that will prevent future residential or commercial development of 100 of our 135 acres. Occasionally, we have had homes go on the market.

  • Status: Established (4+ adults, 2+ years)
  • Started Planning: 1972
  • Started Living Together: 1973
  • Visitors Accepted: Yes, rarely
  • Open to New Members: Yes
  • Please read the details in Membership below before contacting this community.Send Message
  • Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/greeninglife/
  • Community Address:
    P.O. Box 72
    Shermans Dale, Pennsylvania 17090
    United States

  • Location

    Directory Map Placeholder

About

  • Type(s):
    • Ecovillage (organized around ecology and sustainability)
    • Cohousing (individual homes within group property)
  • Programs & Activities: Neighborhood, Community Housing, or Homeowner's Association
  • Location: Rural

Housing

  • Status: We have land we have developed on
  • Area: 135 acres
  • Current Residence Types: Single-family homes
  • Current Number of Residences: 8
  • Planned Number of Residences: 9
  • Planned Residence Types:
    • Single-family homes
    • Lots to build on
  • Housing Provided: Purchase
  • Land Owned By: The entire community membership

Membership

  • Adult Members: 16
  • Child Members: 2
  • Non-Member Residents: 4
  • Percent Women: 51-60%
  • Percent Men: 41-49%
  • Percent Transgender: 0%
  • Percent Non-Binary: 0%
  • Visitors Accepted: Yes, rarely
  • Visitor Process: Contact greeningcorresponding@yahoo.com
  • Open to New Members: Yes
  • Membership Process: Membership tied to home purchase. At least 1 member per home is required.
  • Additional Comments: Up to 2 adults per home can be members. Must purchase a "voting share" to be a member. Current cost of voting share is $3,000 per member.

Government

  • Decision Making: Consensus + (everyone agrees, except for up to 3 people.)
  • Identified Leader: Yes, multiple identified leaders
  • Leadership Core Group: Yes
  • Additional Comments: Community officers are the President, Treasurer and Secretary, elected annually.

Economics

  • Join Fee($): 3000
  • Dues, Fees, or Shared Expenses: Yes
  • Monthly Fees($): 110
  • Shared Income: None
  • Suggested Weekly Labor Contribution: 1
  • Open to Members with Existing Debt: Yes

Sustainability Practices

  • Energy Infrastructure: We are connected to the grid.
  • Current Renewable Energy Generation: 0%, or close to 0%
  • Energy Sources:
    • Solar
    • Biomass
  • Current Food Produced: Up to 25%
  • Food Produced Locally: Between 26-49%

Lifestyle

  • Common Facilities:
    • Garden(s)
    • Workshop
    • Outbuilding(s)
    • Swimming pond or pool
    • Tractor & Farm Equipment
    • Fire pit
    • Swingsets & play areas
  • Internet Available: Yes, individuals provide it
  • Internet Fast?: Yes, it's fine.
  • Cellphone Service: Good for most people.
  • Shared Meals: 1-3 times per month
  • Dietary Practices: Omnivorous (plants and animals)
  • Dietary Choice or Restrictions: No - people may eat however they wish.
  • Special Diets OK: Sometimes
  • Alcohol Use: Yes, used occasionally.
  • Tobacco Use: Yes, used seldomly, or ceremoniously.
  • Common Spiritual Practice(s): Not a particularly spiritual or religious community
  • Spiritual Practice Expected?: No
  • Education Style(s): Up to each family or individual
  • Healthcare Options: Up to each family, household, or individual

Cohousing

  • Building Site Status: Own Site
  • Number of Housing Units: 8
  • Has a Shared Common Building: Yes
  • Developer: Greening Life, Inc., a non-profit corporation
  • Commercial Lender: Multiple lenders provide mortgages to homeowners

Fair Housing Laws

This community acknowledges that their listing does not include any potential violations of the Fair Housing Law, or that they do not provide housing. For any questions about this topic please see our Content Policies and contact FIC with any questions or concerns: directory@ic.org.