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Mark Boyle: ‘No Money Man’ keeps on
photo by bbcworldservice (source: Flickr Creative Commons)
Mark Boyle, aka No Money Man, has been living out of an old donated caravan on an organic farm outside of Bristol, England for over a year and a half. He eats well, keeps fit, grows vegetables and forages for necessities. He also keeps up a blog and occasionally writes for the Guardian. He’s even written a book while he’s at it.
Oh, and he’s lived without money the entire time.
From a CNN Eco Solutions report:
Although it hasn’t always been easy, and there have been many challenges and sacrifices, 18 months later, Mark is still living this way. He told CNN he has really loved it and never been happier or fitter.
Although Mark doesn’t suggest other people live as he does, which is something of an experiment, he seems to inspire a fair bit of vitriol on internet forums and in the comment section of online articles by or about him. Some people just don’t like others to stick out – and they sure don’t like anything being said that might be interpreted as critical of their own lifestyles.
But I guess Boyle’s actions speak louder than his words, which are as mild as to suggest ‘car sharing’ as a way to reduce consumption and help the environment. His suggestions range from that no-brainer to making flip flops out of used tires and taking a hitchhiking vacation – the latter a big no-no when I was growing up.
Boyle’s latest article for the Guardian shares his travel experiences sans cash and is a bit of a ‘how-to’ on money-free holidays:
Once you get wherever you’re going, traditionally another major cost arises: accommodation. Not any more. If you love being outdoors whatever the season (I’ve often woken up on urban football pitches at 6am only to find my water bottle frozen), there is always a bivi bag or the tried and trusted tent.
Previous Guardian articles by Mark Boyle include ‘How to live a cashless life without starving’ and ‘My year of living without money’.
Here is a clip from the BBC’s One Planet show where Mark shows off his money free lifestyle.
How to live a money-less life by Mark Boyle
by Graham Land
Additional resources:
Tags: Boyle, caravan, CNN, free, Guardian, Mark, money, No Money Man
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