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Jun 28, 2016 Posted by Samuel Alexander

Residencies available at Wurruk’an ecovillage and permaculture farm (Victoria)

Wurruk’an is a small community of people living in West Gippsland, Victoria. For the last few years we have been trying to push the boundaries of environmental practice by exploring what it means to live in a deeply sustainable way. So far the community has built many demonstration “tiny houses” using a combination of reclaimed materials, cob, “Earthship style” rammed earth and super-adobe. As... read more

Jun 17, 2016 Posted by Samuel Alexander

Telling New Stories as the Old Book Closes

Today I am posting a link to my new essay, ‘Prosperous Descent: Telling New Stories as the Old Book Closes‘, which was recently published in the Griffith Review, Australia’s most prestigious literary journal. The essay tells the story of Wurruk’an, the ‘simpler way’ demonstration project that formed the basis of the new documentary ‘A Simpler Way: Crisis as... read more

Jun 6, 2016 Posted by Samuel Alexander

Compost Capitalism

I’ve had a handful of requests from people asking for a transcript of my short introduction to the film premiere last Friday (full documentary is now available here). I’ve turned my notes into a script which I think is pretty much word for word. Good evening everyone, a very warm welcome to you all, my name is Samuel Alexander and I’m very happy to be introducing tonight’s premiere... read more

Jun 4, 2016 Posted by Samuel Alexander

A Simpler Way: Crisis as Opportunity (Full Documentary)

Last night 300 people attended the sold-out premiere screening of the new documentary, A Simpler Way: Crisis as Opportunity, which I co-produced with Jordan Osmond. After the film, David Holmgren and Helena Norberg-Hodge joined us on stage for a panel discussion which stimulated a great discussion. You can watch the film freely below and information on organising your own screening can be found here.... read more

Apr 24, 2016 Posted by Samuel Alexander

Trailer to “A Simpler Way: Crisis as Opportunity”

We’ve just released the trailer to our forthcoming documentary, A Simpler Way: Crisis as Opportunity“. Half the tickets for the Melbourne premiere (3 June) have moved in the last couple of days, so if you’re wanting to attend, get your tickets here. We’re also very happy to announce that David Holmgren, co-originator of the permaculture concept, will be joining us at the premiere... read more

Apr 19, 2016 Posted by Samuel Alexander

Invitation: Melbourne Premiere of “A Simpler Way: Crisis as Opportunity”

I’ve been relatively quiet on the Simplicity Collective this year, primarily because I’ve been investing so much time making a documentary, called “A Simpler Way: Crisis as Opportunity”, which I’ve co-produced with Jordan Osmond of Happen Films. After 18 months of work, we’re delighted to announce a date for the Melbourne premiere of the film. You’re invited! I... read more

Mar 2, 2016 Posted by Samuel Alexander

Want to visit Wurruk’an? Let’s build the new world together

Wurruk’an is a humble but beautiful body of land, water, and forest in the Gunai district of Gippsland, Victoria. In recent years it has become an inclusive gathering space for people seeking to pioneer and demonstrate a ‘simpler way’ of living based on permaculture principles. Among other things, we have been running mud-building workshops and growing organic food, capturing water from the skies,... read more

Dec 10, 2015 Posted by Samuel Alexander

My Interview with David Holmgren

Recently I interviewed David Holmgren, co-originator of the permaculture concept, at his property in Hepburn, Victoria. This was produced as part of the documentary I’m making this year with Jordan Osmond of Happen Films. You can see the interview below or click here. ... read more

Oct 24, 2015 Posted by Samuel Alexander

$420 Tiny House out at Wurruk’an (Short Film)

Below you will see a short film of the latest ‘tiny house’ out at Wurruk’an, built for $420 out of reclaimed materials. The film was made by Happen Films in association with the Simplicity Institute. You can also see the film here. read more

Aug 26, 2015 Posted by Samuel Alexander

My Interview with Helena Norberg-Hodge

As mentioned in recent posts, I’m currently co-producing a documentary called A Simpler Way: Crisis as Opportunity, and as part of our crowd-funding campaign, we’re releasing some of our full interviews with leading activists, educators, and thinkers, parts of which will eventually be used in the documentary. Below you can view the full interview with the one and only Helena Norberg-Hodge, a... read more

Invitation / Incitation

The Simplicity Collective is founded upon the idea that a 'simpler life' of reduced resource and energy consumption is a viable and desirable alternative to consumer culture.

Our position is that simple living will improve not only our own lives, but the lives of others, as well as help save our planet from the environmental catastrophe towards which we are so enthusiastically marching.

We must not just fall in line, then, and continue the march ‘business as usual.’ We must explore alternative ways to live. We must experiment creatively, like the artist. We must be the poets of our own lives and of a new generation.