Both the recession and the harsh reality of our endangered planet have people looking for new ways to save money while also reducing their carbon footprints, and so communal living is continuing to make a comeback in many forms. Looking to share resources, people of all ages and backgrounds are coming together to create what are now being referred to as "intentional communities." Unlike the communes of the '60s and '70s, this is not a counterculture movement to create utopia outside the constraints of mainstream society, but rather a way of working within the community to help one another and the environment.

This practice is evident in many forms. From Brooklyn families opting to forgo the traditional brownstone for more modern apartment complexes where they feel they will have a stronger support system, to urbanites aching for the sustainable simple life organizing friends to make a group move to the country, the need for community is becoming stronger in these difficult times.

Also gaining ground are more organized cohousing communities, such as Nubanusit Neighborhood & Farm. Located in Peterborough, New Hampshire, the development boasts high quality, energy efficient homes, a common house, office/studio space for rent, and productive farmland in a woodland area.

If you're now feeling inspired to create your own intentional community, check out architect and social designer Stephanie Smith's recently launched Wanna Start a Commune? project, which encourages and teaches people exactly how to share resources and create communes. Ideas range from starting a lending library and carpooling for groceries to bartering and bulk buying. So dedicated to the communal living concept is the WSAC organization that they've created three neighborhood "culdesac commune" pilot projects in Los Angeles. Look out for the site to introduce digital tools and an online commune network next month.