Downsizer is a

virtual community A virtual community is a social network of individuals who connect through specific social media, potentially crossing geographical and political boundaries in order to pursue mutual interests or goals. Some of the most pervasive virtual communi ...

, run on a not-for-profit basis, which describes itself as "a resource for people who want to live more sustainably". Its website includes articles on

sustainable living Sustainable living describes a lifestyle that attempts to reduce the use of Earth's natural resources by an individual or society. It is referred to as zero wastage living" or "net zero living". Its practitioners often attempt to reduce their e ...

and a popular forum with over 4,500 registered members.

History

The site was set up in October 2004 by the founder members. Its name came from a term used in present-day English to describe a person, whose aim it is to cut down on consumer goods and live a more self-reliant and sustainable lifestyle. A year after Downsizer's establishment, the ''Essex Chronicle'' remarked on the site's growth, observing that it had "tapped into an increasing awareness and interest in the impact our lives have on the environment". It has continued to grow, and has over 4,500 users registered on its forum as of July 2011.

Content

Downsizer.net is a not-for-profit online community, a resource for people who want to live more sustainably. Like-minded individuals can visit the forums to discuss matters of self-sufficiency and sustainability amongst other things. The website also includes many articles related to downsizing issues including the following: * Growing Fruit and Vegetables * Raising Livestock * Recipes, Preserving, Homebrewing / Winemaking * Foraging * Energy, Efficiency, and Construction * Fishing, Shooting, and Trapping * Recycling and Conservation

Reviews

The website received a positive assessment from Alison Cork in ''

The Observer ''The Observer'' is a British newspaper published on Sundays. It is a sister paper to ''The Guardian'' and ''The Guardian Weekly'', whose parent company Guardian Media Group Limited acquired it in 1993. First published in 1791, it is the w ...

'', who commented on the variety of topics discussed by members and concluded, "Whether you're an individual wanting to live a more sustainable lifestyle or a small business trying to get an appreciative market for your ethical product or service, you'd be hard pushed not to find something of interest." A more negative stance was taken by Steve Lowe and Alan McArthur, authors of '' Is It Just Me Or Is Everything Shit?'' (2005). In an article in ''

The Sunday Times ''The Sunday Times'' is a British newspaper whose circulation makes it the largest in Britain's quality press market category. It was founded in 1821 as ''The New Observer''. It is published by Times Newspapers Ltd, a subsidiary of News UK, whi ...

'' to promote their book, they presented the interest of "burnt-out stockbrokers" in the advice provided by Downsizer as an instance of the "mediocrity" of contemporary

British British may refer to: Peoples, culture, and language * British people, nationals or natives of the United Kingdom, British Overseas Territories, and Crown Dependencies. ** Britishness, the British identity and common culture * British English, ...

culture.

References

External links

* {{Official website, www.downsizer.net Internet forums Sustainability