Honeydew’s motto is ‘Ecology in Community’. We believe that our stewardship of the earth depends on collective solidarity – on relearning how to coexist in social as well as biological ecosystems.

This involves a shift in awareness, an awakening to the natural world as a perpetual presence, not an occasional encounter. Western solutions to the climate crisis often reflect the individualistic ethos that caused it, emphasising ‘better’ forms of consumption. Instead, we regard our community as a living organism, integral to the environment that nurtures it. We cannot reconnect consciously with the earth without reconnecting consciously with each other. Only by transforming how we perceive the world can we hope to repair our relationship with it.

All Honeydew communities commit to two key goals for sustainability:

- To be agriculturally self-sufficient within five years;
- To achieve energy independence within five years. 

Ecologically and economically – as well as for culinary and health reasons – becoming self-sufficient for fruit and vegetables is an essential aim for our communities. This does not mean that purchasing from our neighbours is prohibited; simply that we are able to sustain ourselves if necessary, especially in moments of adversity. 

In Italy, we have been pursuing a regenerative approach to agriculture known as syntropic farming. This biodiversity-friendly method works with the land rather against it, and compliments our aim of planting diverse crops to meet the community’s various needs. On site, we host chickens and bees, and are preparing to welcome goats.

We seek to recruit knowledgeable farmers with passion and ambition who can help us feed our communities. If you’re interested in learning more, please write to ecology@honeydew.community