Joined-up thinking
Joined-up thinking is central to the concept of indigenous modernism. Imagine being able to enjoy the many benefits of the modern world at a fraction of the financial and environmental cost, whilst at the same time, having more in-person connection.

It is centred around (but not limited to) the merging of any or all of the following: indigenous wisdom and knowledge, minimalism, ultra-efficient affordable clean technology, growth & health practices, permaculture, forest gardens and general efficiency, to create an easeful, smart, clean, healthy, fun and fulfilling lifestyle approach


This lifestyle can be achieved by choosing ways of carrying out everyday tasks or bigger projects, that have multiple benefits for ourselves, friends & family, society and/or the environment, reducing wasted time & money and increasing motivation

What might joined-up thinking look like?

Travel Solutions


Ride-share platforms. Sometimes public transport isn't a viable option. If you live in a city, town or even village, ride share apps can help you get from A-B at a fraction of the cost of the car-ownership model. And if owning a car is a necessity for you, offering ride share journeys is a great way to offset some of your costs. In addition, you'll be helping to reduce the congestion, pollution and emissions associated with low-occupancy vehicles, whilst making your journeys less lonely. Here are a selection in various countries. Check locally for other countries - there are 1000s of options:


blablacar.com (Europe, India, Mexico, Brazil)

karos-mobility.com (Western Europe)

kangaride.com (USA & Canada)

scoopcommute.com (USA)

uber.com/us/en/ride/uberx-share/ (Various US and international cities)

poparide.com (Canada)

togopool.com (India - commuter focused)

penguinup.com (Norway)



Home-swapping. Why spend so much on our homes, only for them to sit empty when we travel, then spend even more on accommodation at our destination? Designated tourism developments use more resources and land, ironically, often degrading the natural environment that drew us to the destination in the first place. To make things worse, many tourism developments are unoccupied for large periods of the year. Money saved can be spent on local organic food, artisanal goods, sustainable services or ecotourism adventures, ensuring our visit still contributes to local livelihoods. Here are selection of platforms that offer different services to suit your needs:


homeexchange.com Subscription, points system for flexibility.

livekindred.com No Subscription, service fee per exchange, points system

peoplelikeus.world Mid-priced subscription, no points system



Couchsurfing. A wonderful platform connecting hosts with guests who stay at no financial cost and unlike the name might suggest, sometimes have their own room. Cultural exchange is the currency here. Host’s benefit from social connection and global learning from the comfort of their own home. Or they may also choose to feel the pride and great satisfaction gained from showing guests around their local area or providing recommendations. Guests may bring gifts, cook, or take the host out for a meal. A many-win situation! The platform also offers a meet-up section where visitors to global destinations can connect with each other for everything from language exchanges and dance classes to hikes and dinners. couchsurfing.com


Work exchanges. On these platforms, hosts including homeowners, farmers, smallholders and various businesses offer a room and food in return for help with all sorts of work tasks. Volunteers generally work for 15-20 hours a week giving them a very low budget way to travel, whilst learning new skills and experiencing cultural exchange at the same time.

wwoof.net A pioneer of this concept focusing mainly on organic farming.

workaway.info This platform offers a range of work opportunities





Joined-up thinkers
Charles Eisenstein, one of the greatest joined-up thinkers of our time, explains how by fully embracing and practicing a principle of interconnectedness called interbeing, we become more effective agents of change and have a stronger positive influence on the world.

In his book, The more beautiful world our hearts know is possible, Eisenstein relates real-life stories showing how small, individual acts of courage, kindness, and self-trust can change our culture’s guiding narrative of separation, which, he shows, has generated the present planetary crisis. He brings to conscious awareness a deep wisdom we all innately know: until we get our selves in order, any action we take - no matter how good our intentions - will ultimately be wrongheaded and wronghearted. Above all, Eisenstein invites us to embrace a radically different understanding of cause and effect, sounding a clarion call to surrender our old worldview of separation.

Natural Capitalism: Creating the Next Industrial Revolution, a book by Paul Hawken (also author of the newer books Regeneration and Drawdown), Amory Lovins, and L. Hunter Lovins, is a key read, speaking into joined-up thinking and how modernism will increasingly merge more harmoniously with the natural world
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