There are many people who do not want to wait any longer and want to start to right now to live more sustainably and realise their vision of a society that is more socially equitable and humane. They think about new models, break existing structures. And they take matters into their own hands, for example by producing their own electricity and growing their own food – in the urban garden or in an institutionalised garden cooperative. They reduce their belongings to a minimum, live independently in self-built “Tiny Houses”, without the need for bank loans and mostly reject consumerism. Others believe in an alternative model of economics. In an economy of common good, which places co-operation, networks and the community in the foreground, therefore symbolising a stance against unlimited economic growth.

Regardless of whether it is environmental, health, social or economic motivations that are in the foreground, more and more people are choosing to pursue alternative paths at one level or other. The basic idea is the same with most: They want independence. From things, structures and tendencies, which they cannot and do not wish to be connected to any longer. And of course, there is one thing that really connects them: The satisfying feeling of changing something.

Living in a community without private property

“Radishes are sprouting here, fennel is growing over there and peas are growing there – look, some pods have already formed!” Franca’s joy is really noticeable on the tour of Yamagishi Farm gardens on this June morning. The 25-year-old teacher only arrived at the colourful “patchwork family” in the Winterthur district of Hagenbuch a few weeks ago. However, this is not the first time she has lived and worked in an agricultural cooperative or community. But it is the first farm where she has found it particularly peaceful. “On other farms, there was always some jealousy between people or there was resentment, because one of them worked too little in the garden or lived in a larger room.” It’s different here. Franca quickly explains the reason: It is due to the Tokkoh spirit, which has its roots in 1950s Japan and according to which these current fifteen people who live in the courtyard in the eastern part of the canton of Zurich, abide. An attitude towards life that ultimately aims to enable all human beings to live in harmony with each other and with nature (see info box). And, a community that does not require any private property. The residents of Yamagishi court, for example, even share their wardrobes. “In practicality, it rarely happens that someone else wears a t-shirt, which I wear regularly,” says Alex, who joined the community about three years ago, after he googled “life without possessions” on the Internet and soon after attended a Tokkoh course.

The Yamagishi farm in Hagenbuch has existed since 1994. And it is easy to imagine that in a village of 1100 inhabitants amidst geraniums, idyllic church steeples and Swiss flags fluttering in the wind, the emergence of the community in the Winterthur SVP community was viewed with much scepticism. “They labelled us as a sex sect, and we were also called communists and hippies, yet we are neither politically nor religiously motivated”, explains André, who has become somewhat of a mouthpiece for the Yamagishi’s in Hagenbuch and has been here since the beginning of the community living on the outskirts of the village. At that time, the 60-year-old, with blue eyes and a soft voice, moved here with his wife and two children. “Ultimately, I have always been driven by the question of what contribution I can make to the well-being of all – for the land, animals and people – in the long term”. The former nurse of the Yamagishi community has found answers. “Actually it is quite simple: Alone, my vision is limited, together with other members of the community, I get an extended view of reality.”

The Yamagishis make a living selling agricultural products. With seasonal fruits and vegetables, but also with meat products from the in-house butchery and baked goods of all kinds. For this purpose, there are five green mobile shops parked in front of the ivy-covered main house. “Our food does not carry any special certification or organic labels, because we believe that the quality of our products can be tasted: how we handle our chickens, live with our sheep, goats and cows up here and the fun we have when we make our caramel or spätzli,” says Alex, who distributes food to markets and local neighbourhoods five days a week. Those who are not busy with sales, work in agricultural teams, or in the kitchen or butchers. In order for the life model of the Yamagishis to be compatible with the welfare state – which assumes that people are in a wage relationship – an administrative team ensures that wages are actually paid out and the AHV pension-scheme contributions of individual members are paid. However, wages then subsequently return to the common household budget. If you need money because you want to go to the cinema or need new shoes, you request it from the community. “I have enough of everything,” Alex says as he closes the gate on the geese and adds emotionally: “Above all, a zest for life – that is in every animal in the yard, in the cherry tree, in the chives and ultimately in myself.”

The Yamagishis’ ideas can not easily be pigeonholed. There is definitely a bit of Buddhism, with a pinch of Marx, spirituality and pacifism – but it does not really matter. Because in the end, there is only one thing matters: The Hagenbucher community and its alternative way of life, suggests that other ways are possible.