an ethics based on sharing and cooperation – that’s Communalism in a nutshell. A beautiful manifestation of sharing with each other is the Crop Swap movement that’s currently taking Aotearoa by storm. What started in 2014 in suburban New Plymouth is now a network of 17 meeting places across the North Island. The idea is simple: Toha atu toha mai / I share with you, you share with me.
“Crop Swap Aotearoa was once a tiny seed that fell into fertile New Zealand soil. In September 2014 a bunch of backyard gardeners met in a private house in Merrilands, New Plymouth, Taranaki, and experienced the joy of sharing their garden produce first hand. Crop Swap Merrilands was born, grew bigger, moved into a public hall and inspired people in other suburbs and villages to start their own Crop Swap hubs.”
The values of the group: “We come together with a mindset of abundance, give with generosity and take mindfully. We understand that we as individuals are only then truly well when everyone’s needs are met. We are open and inclusive and support people in finding their gifts. We are building a multi-generational network of gardeners to support local food production, preserving gardening knowledge and enjoy each other’s company.”
The Crop Swap website – http://www.cropswap.co.nz/ – has a map of all the venues and ideas on starting your own Crop Swap in your community. And you can find a super cute video here.
