
eco-commoning
seeking the common good
for the earth and each other
eco-commoning as a way of life
Eco-commoning offers a new way to tell an old story of people cooperating in their living, working relations and in their respectful interconnection with their habitat. This way of life was called the commons. It was local, self-governing, and relatively equitable. To this, we’ve added the eco to accentuate our 21st century need to rebalance our intrinsic relationship with the earth.
Our latest articles
Guest Article by Heather Menzies
Being a commons and becoming “indigenous to place” requires more than just ‘build it and they’ll come.’ It requires clearing space in the community’s imagination to revive commons ways of being, which date back to pre-modern, pre-colonial, even pre-feudal times. The commons’ heritage predates the invention of private property … geared to sharing the land and sharing responsibility to sustain it.
How might my abundance contribute to my neighbour’s well-being? How might my neighbour’s talents contribute to my well-being. How might we translate this kind of coinage systemically? Surely with our advanced communication systems where funds are redistributed at lightning speed, we can figure out how to redistribute abundance?
The social gospel emerged in the early 20th century as a response to the abuses of capitalism and the need to understand how the church, and state, could be part of building God’s Kin(g)dom on earth. A hundred years later, we continue this struggle but with the added need to ensure the earth’s wellbeing as well. This article details some of the social gospel’s influence back then so that we might be inspired to carry it on now.
Our latest resources
Bill Phipps discusses with Ted Reeve the practice of commoning as a means of creating social justice. (subtitled version)
This is another video in the series “Kitchen Table Conversations” between Ted Reeve and Bill Phipps. Bill reflects on the series of opportunities that led him into leadership roles related to the social gospel. He recounts advocacy in Toronto, his work in Alberta, and the establishment of Faith and the Common Good, which addressed issues of economic justice and climate change. (subtitled version)
In this “Kitchen Table Conversation” video, Ted Reeve interviews The Very Reverend Bill Phipps about his love of the creativity of urban life and human ingenuity alongside his love for Mother Earth. Just a month before his death, Bill shares his great hope and optimism for the future of creation because of his confidence in youth and young people he experiences. (subtitled version)
In this “Kitchen Table Conversation” video, Ted Reeve interviews Bill Phipps, ordained minister, lawyer, politician and former moderator of the United Church of Canada. Ted invites Bill to reflect on his life’s experience as a social activist, church leader and politician, and offer his wisdom as a message of encouragement to young people. (subtitled version)
The Global Commons Alliance is an unprecedented partnership of more than 50 of the world’s most forward-looking organizations in the fields of philanthropy, science, environment, business, cities and advocacy.
Their goal is to create the most powerful network to scale science-based action to protect people and planet.
WEAll is a collaboration of organizations, alliances, movements and individuals working towards a wellbeing economy, delivering human and ecological wellbeing.

Who are we?
Click here to find out more about the eco-commons collective.
Contact us
Click here to send us your comments. We would love to hear from you.