In the context of communitarian union eco-social principles and practices, Right Livelihood embodies an ethical approach to work, ensuring that both intellectual and physical toil contributes positively to people, animals, and the planet. This guiding principle requires associates to conscientiously avoid involvement in professions and industries that perpetuate harm, exploitation, or environmental degradation.
In its place, ethical production and distribution of life’s necessities, emphasizes the contribution of time, talent and resources to establish, duplicate and multiply eco-social enterprises that uphold communal union’s values that bring to fruition lasting-peace, born of planned production that provides collaborative material security. These Right Livelihood labour practices, provide the base for social and ecological sustainable enterprises that ensure the constitutional right of people and animals to life, liberty and happiness, together with protecting the Earth’s essential life-supporting eco-systems.
Purpose of Ethical Boundaries
By establishing clear ethical boundaries around work, Communitarians ensure their livelihoods align with the common good and foster the growth of shared prosperity. These boundaries:
- Prevent complicity in systems of exploitation and harm
- Redirect energy and resources into regenerative, life-affirming practices
- Uphold the Union’s commitment to collective care, environmental stewardship, and justice
Prohibited Industries & Their Impacts
- Exploitative Labor Practices
Industries that profit from unfair treatment of workers, such as sweatshops, gig platforms with no safety nets, or exploitative factories, are fundamentally opposed to the Union’s principles. These practices create cycles of poverty and inequality, undermining the dignity and rights of individuals.
Communitarian Alternative: Worker-owned enterprises that ensure fair wages, safe conditions, and democratic decision-making.
- Environmental Destruction
Work in industries that degrade ecosystem, such as fossil fuel extraction, deforestation, and unsustainable mining, is prohibited. These industries threaten the planet’s ability to sustain life.
Communitarian Alternative: Renewable energy projects, regenerative organic permanent agriculture Food Forests, and eco-friendly construction using sustainable building materials.
- Animal Exploitation
Industries like meat, milk & egg production that requires the sacrifice of life through slaughter together with the denial of liberty caused by restriction, castration and rape of farmed animals, animal testing, along with hide and fur production that relies on cruelty and exploitation, violating principles of care and respect for all living beings.
Communitarian Alternative: Plant-based food systems, vegan product development, and habitat restoration for wildlife.
- Military and Arms Manufacturing
Producing weapons or working in industries that perpetuate war and violence contradicts the Union’s commitment to peace and nonviolence.
Communitarian Alternative: Conflict resolution training, community-building initiatives, and sustainable development programs.
- Predatory Financial Practices
Industries like payday lending, speculative trading, or monopolistic enterprises exploit economic vulnerability, increasing inequality and financial instability.
Communitarian Alternative: Cooperative banking systems, ethical investment funds, and ‘common’ wealth pooling of funds to establish local and regional globally networked Shared economy projects.
- Consumerism and Waste-Driven Enterprises
Fast fashion, single-use plastics, and industries creating planned obsolescence exacerbate global waste problems and deplete finite resources.
Communitarian Alternative: Making durable, repairable products, upcycled goods, and circular economy initiatives promoting zero waste.
- Media and Entertainment Perpetuating Harmful Values
Producing or distributing content that promotes violence, exploitation, or unethical behavior, such as pornography or gambling, is prohibited.
Communitarian Alternative: Media that educates, inspires, and fosters community well-being through uplifting narratives and inclusive representation.
Towards Eco-Social Collaborative Provisioning
Communitarians channel their labor and creativity into eco-socially responsible industries that reflect Right Livelihood principles. These industries emphasize collaboration, sustainability, and the shared benefit of all members. Examples include:
- Living Food Systems: Organic Kitchen Gardens, and Permaculture Food Forests
- Sustainable Manufacturing: Natural fibre clothing, vegan footwear, and durable furniture
- Renewable Energy Generation: Solar and wind energy insulation & harvesting enterprises
- Circular Economy Practices: Recycling, composting, repairing, and repurposing goods
- Educational Services: Offering training in sustainable living, collaborative enterprise management, and eco-social practices
The Ethics of Contributing to the Common Good
By avoiding harmful industries and committing to eco-social enterprises, Communitarians advance the broader mission of contributing to forging paths that contribute to creating a sustainable and just world. These efforts are rooted in foundational values such as:
- Shared Prosperity: Pooling resources for equitable distribution
- Collective Care: Prioritizing communal needs and environmental health
- Responsible Stewardship: Protecting and regenerating natural resources
- Justice and Equity: Ensuring fairness and inclusion in all aspects of work and life
The Path Forward
The Communitarian Union invites individuals and communities to reflect on their livelihoods and consider how their work contributes—or detracts—from the common good. By adhering to the ethical boundaries of Right Livelihood, we can redirect energy toward industries that honour life, respect the planet, and uplift humanity.
Together, we can build a world where livelihoods sustain current and future of generations of people along with the biodiversity of land and sea animals, while contributing to the conservation of built environments and natural ecosystems.
