Mildred Loomis / Ralph Borsodi's Principles for Homesteaders

Mildred Loomis and Ralph Borsodi, notable figures in the homesteading movement, echoed principles that resonate closely with the groundbreaking proposals made by former World Bank economist Herman Daly. His suggestions, aiming to recalibrate the global economy towards sustainability, bear uncanny relevance to homesteaders seeking autonomy from consumer society.

Revisiting Consumption: The Real Measure of Prosperity

Herman Daly challenged the traditional treatment of natural capital in economic accounting. Borsodi and Loomis, similarly, emphasized the importance of preserving natural capital for the independence and health of homesteads. Adopting methods that balance consumption with sustainable yield, these homesteaders align with Daly's first principle, ensuring their practices contribute to a truly prosperous lifestyle.

Shifting the Tax Burden: An Incentive for Conservation

The second of Daly's principles advocates for a tax shift from labor and income to the depletion and pollution of natural resources. Just as homesteaders value the efficient use of materials and energy, this approach would incentivize businesses to minimize waste and optimize resource use, aligning economic interests with ecological stewardship.

Maximizing and Investing in Natural Capital

Daly's third principle—a call to maximize the productivity of natural capital, aligns seamlessly with homesteading ethics. Homesteaders inherently focus on enriching soil, conserving water, and nurturing biodiversity, embodying an investment in natural capital that promises long-term sustainability.

Local Economies: A Homesteader's Lifeblood

Moving toward national production for internal markets, Daly's fourth principle champions local economies, mirroring the homesteading principle of self-sufficiency and local trade. Working within a community-oriented framework strengthens both ecological balance and social bonds, enhancing a homesteader's quality of life and resilience.

Bridging Guiding Principles with Global Adaptation

As homesteaders and global economists alike grapple with principles of sustainability, there emerges a need for adaptation—not just in agrarian or financial sectors, but within every aspect of modern living. This includes mindful travel, where the choice of eco-friendly accommodations complements the ethos of sustainable living. Homesteaders who travel, be it for education, advocacy, or respite, tend to patronize establishments that share their principles of stewardship and simplicity. As the principles of pioneers like Borsodi, Loomis, and Daly infiltrate all spheres of life, even the realms of travel and hospitality adapt, moving towards a more sustainable and interconnected world.