Creative Greeks Seek Crisis Relief

Far away from politicians and debt collectors, and even cut off from the national power grid, 10 full-time volunteers are currently working at the Telaithrion Project.
Creative Greeks Seek Crisis Relief
Valentin Schmid
8/21/2012
Updated:
9/29/2015
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In an emailed statement, Sianos says that the founders “combined [their] recourses [sic] and prioritized in what needs to be purchased and of course the land was in the top of that list,” referring to the 3 acres of land they bought at the foot of the mountain.

“Free and Real” is what the community calls itself, and it stands for Freedom of Resources for Everyone, Respect, Equality, Awareness, and Learning. After buying the land, they set out to construct an ecological shelter and started organic farming, which satisfies about 80 percent of their food needs. As for the rest, Sianos is banking on the principle of what comes around goes around: “We never actually barter, we just give away our surplus and at some point this comes back to us.” He also admits that for some bigger projects—such as the construction of a central dome—they still need support from the outside in the form of contribution of know-how, manpower, and donations. 

Basic sustenance, however, is just the beginning. The group is exploring goals in other areas that will provide a complete way of living disconnected from the current economic woes and pitfalls of modern civilization. Free and Real aims to provide economic stability, an education system, medical care, a clean environment, energy-efficient housing, essential goods and services, recreational facilities, and access to all amenities for everybody. To achieve these goals, members leave behind concepts of nationality, race, and gender, and will reduce environmental stress and abandon the traditional fiat money system, according to the group’s website. 

Project Not Intended as Panacea

Recently, interest in the project has skyrocketed, and Free and Real helps answer many questions from people who are considering moving from the cities to the countryside or general questions about a sustainable lifestyle, according to a BBC interview with Sianos.

Valentin Schmid is a former business editor for the Epoch Times. His areas of expertise include global macroeconomic trends and financial markets, China, and Bitcoin. Before joining the paper in 2012, he worked as a portfolio manager for BNP Paribas in Amsterdam, London, Paris, and Hong Kong.
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