What Is Solarpunk Living? (And 7 Ways to Start Living It Now)

Maressa Benz
May 29
2 min read

Updated: Aug 28

Solarpunk: Building a Brighter Future Together

Solarpunk is a vision. It serves as a hopeful blueprint for a more sustainable, community-rooted, and regenerative future. It asks a fundamental question: What if our homes, cities, and systems worked in harmony with nature, not against it?

What if we could build a beautiful world while living more gently right now?

At its core, solarpunk is about possibility. It emphasizes using what we have, slowing down, and creating a life that aligns with both the planet and our well-being.

Why Solarpunk Resonates Right Now

As climate anxiety, burnout, and fatigue continue to rise, more people are seeking alternatives that feel slower, softer, and more sustainable.

Hello, I'm people!

We're realizing that "eco-friendly" isn't about perfection or guilt. It's about doing what we can with what we have. Even small acts, like growing herbs, mending clothes, or making DIY products, can ripple out in powerful ways.

The Heart of Solarpunk Values

If you’ve been following along with us at The Eco Connection, you’ve already been exploring some of the core values that shape this movement:

Thoughtfulness: Making space to feel, reflect, and move through life with care.
Consume Less, Create More: Swapping out mindless buying for intentional making.
Intentional Living: Choosing rest, presence, and clarity over autopilot.

These values aren’t separate from solarpunk living; they are solarpunk living.

Want to Put These Practices into Motion?

We created a free 7-Day Solarpunk Challenge to inspire you and help you start living that solarpunk lifestyle.

Over the next 7 days, you will receive an email from us with a simple action, reflection prompt, or ritual. These will bring you back to the earth and back to yourself.

You can access the challenge here: theecoconnection.com/spring-solarpunk-challenge

7 Ways to Begin Living a More Solarpunk Life

If you're ready to bring these ideas to life right away, here are a few beginner-friendly ways to start:

Plant Something for Pollinators: Bees, butterflies, and birds need our help. Try native wildflowers or herbs like lavender, thyme, or mint.
Repair or Upcycle Something You Already Own: Mend your clothes, repaint old furniture, or get creative with what you have.
Spend a Day Without Disposable Plastic: Notice what you reach for and swap in a reusable option where you can.
Sketch, Journal, or Pin Your Vision of a Solarpunk World: Don’t just dream it. Draw it, pin it, and read about it.
Take a Nature Walk: Observe and document the nature around you, even in small or urban spaces.
Swap or Gift Something: Share books, plants, clothes, or seeds with a friend or neighbor.
Make a DIY Natural Cleaner or Body Product: Start with simple ingredients like argan oil, jojoba oil (natural skin and hair care), or even household products like olive oil and vinegar.