Our work at SCRAP is rooted in action. We’re building communities that don’t just talk about sustainability but actively live it. Our programs and initiatives focus on key areas that are essential for creating thriving, future-ready communities. Here’s a look at some of the foundational projects driving our mission forward:
1. The One Acre Challenge:
This groundbreaking initiative tests how many people can be sustainably supported on a single acre of land. By integrating innovative design, efficient food production, and renewable energy, we’re exploring how small spaces can meet the needs of modern life without sacrificing comfort or livability.
- Goals: Achieve zero waste, self-sufficiency in food and water, and a vibrant community atmosphere—all on a small, efficient footprint.
2. The Community Innovation Lab:
This is where theory meets practice. Our innovation labs are physical spaces where interdisciplinary teams come together to develop and test new systems for sustainable living—from advanced water filtration technologies to shared community governance models.
- Goals: Create a pipeline of tested solutions that other communities can adopt to accelerate their own sustainability journeys.
3. Educational Partnerships:
We believe education is the key to transforming how society thinks about sustainability. Our partnerships with leading universities, starting with the University of British Columbia, focus on creating educational hubs where students, researchers, and community members collaborate to design, implement, and monitor real-world projects.
- Goals: Establish a global network of community laboratories connected by shared knowledge and a commitment to innovation.
4. The Utopia Factory:
Inspired by Alvin Toffler’s vision, this initiative explores futuristic community models through “test towns” that serve as living laboratories. Each town is a self-sufficient microcosm designed to push the boundaries of social, ecological, and technological experimentation.
- Goals: Create fully operational communities that showcase the potential of sustainable living and inspire other municipalities to adopt similar models.