Living energy farm

LEF founder Debbie training oxen

Living Energy Farm, or "LEF," is a zero fossil fuel intentional community of four members [1] on 127 acres in rural Louisa County, Virginia.[2] The farm is a Community in Dialogue with the Federation of Egalitarian Communities. Like nearby Twin Oaks Community and Acorn Community, LEF is egalitarian and income-sharing.[1]

Purpose

LEF is a "neo-Amish"[2] farm and educational center.[3] The farm grows crops and maintains orchards utilizing the methods of organic horticulture. Because of its fossil fuel avoidance, LEF relies on draft animals and tractors with wood gas engines that run directly off woodchips or other cellulosic debris.[2]

The building and homes on the property are “green,”[2] insulated and built with low-tech, local materials such as straw bales, rocks, and clay. Photovoltaic electricity, composting toilets, and greywater systems are integral to the community. In the winter, living spaces will be warmed with solar heating, and a natural cross ventilation will cool the buildings in the summer months.[2]

The community aims to sustain itself financially by growing seeds for organic seed companies, selling organic fruits and vegetables[2] and offering classes to the public.[3]

Other Energy Usages

For food preparation, members of the Living Energy Farm will utilize several technologies, including thermal storage, wood pyrolysis and solar cookers. A solar ammonia loop system now being used in various countries throughout the world will provide refrigeration. The system will have no electronic or moving parts and can be built out of low-cost materials.[2]

Steam power and non-battery solar energy satisfy other general energy needs. Bicycles are used for transportation.[2]

The community will also have a location with access to the Internet and a telephone in order to be able to connect with the outside world.[2][3]

Outreach

LEF hosts interns in an educational program covering diverse areas of modern sustainable living. The community aims to teach people, especially youths, about the importance of sustainable technology in context (i.e. when and where such technologies are effective and when they are not).[3]

References

  1. 1 2 "The Federation of Egalitarian Communities".
  2. 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 "Utopian lifestyle runs without fossil fuel". The Central Virginian.
  3. 1 2 3 4 "The Fellowship for Intentional Community Directory".

External links

Coordinates: 37°55′59.05″N 77°59′38.91″W / 37.9330694°N 77.9941417°W / 37.9330694; -77.9941417

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