Top 5 Web Resources on Voluntary Simplicity

The shaky economy has some people deciding to live a more frugal life in order to ward off future economic downturns. Others have found frugality a necessity due to a job loss or a severe reduction in investment income. Voluntary simplicity is a lifestyle that embraces making wise choices in how we spend our money and our time. It's about living in a responsible, sustainable manner that not only enhances our own lives but allows other people to flourish as well. The following five resources can help anyone learn to live more simply, whether by choice or by circumstances.

1. The Simple Living Network is the best starting point for information on voluntary simplicity, alternative ways to earn a living, eco-friendly lifestyles, gardening, ethics and many other topics. Their newsletter is always informative and provides insights from people with a wide variety of viewpoints. The Web site store offers books, bumper stickers, t-shirts, buttons, postcards and many other items for sale. The books sold include classics and more recent works on voluntary simplicity, cooking, gardening and even pet care.

2. Take Back Your Time is an organization dedicated to helping us all live more meaningful lives. As we can tell by the current state of our economy, a life lived full-tilt and over-extended has a habit of turning out badly. Two initiatives backed by Take Back Your Time are reclaiming the family dinner time and reclaiming our vacation time. In addition, they sponsor Take Back Your Time Day each year in October. They also offer an informative newsletter.

3. The Dervaes family tell the story of reclaiming their lives and living voluntary simplicity and self-sufficiency to the max on Path to Freedom . You can see how they've turned their urban yard into a sustainable garden. In particular, visit their Journal often to get facts about their property, their garden production and general updates.

4. The New American Dream offers s variety of tools and resources to help you consume responsibly. They combine the idea of living simply with econ-consciousness. The Web site gives tips for work, home, charity, holidays and even vacations.

5. Treehugger, once independent, is now part of the Discovery family. Despite having gone corporate, Treehugger is still a good resource on learning to live a sustainable and simple life. The site is broken down into three sections. "Get Informed" helps you learn how to adapt everything from your clothing choices to your business to a sustainable lifestyle. "Interact" offers forums and other means to communicate with like-minded folks. "Take Action" is a guide to putting a sustainable life into practice.

On each of these sites you'll find additional links and resources to help you on your voluntary simplicity journey.