Simply Living

A new co-op introduces Indianapolis area families to the joy of cutting back to the basics in life.

By T.J. Banes, first featured in the Indy Star on April 29, 2002

While many 20-something women may be running the career fast-track and juggling duties at home, Sarah Brown is slowing down and inviting other women to do the same.

She recently formed a family co-op called Simpler Times, which introduces people to the joys of basic living. News of her effort has spread by word of mouth, and her mailing list now includes more than 200 names.

Most co-ops start with a shared interest in benefiting a local economy, said Phil Schutt, grocery buyer for Bloomingfoods Market and Deli in Bloomington. That co-op, which specializes in locally grown organic foods, has two locations and has been in operation for 26 years.

Sarah wants people in her co-op to share their goods and services in exchange for points. No money will be used.

Twice a week, her 3-acre property comes to life with the company of other moms and tots, working the garden. Occasionally, her husband, Josh, 24, has to stop a farm animal from munching on the Brussels sprouts.

“I’d say I’m traditional, but not modern,” said Sarah, 25, the mother of Isaac, 3, Anna, 2, and Esther, 7 months. “I just don’t want the rest of the world to influence what I do and when I do it.”

Karen Kornelsen, 25, a stay-at-home mother who lives on the city’s Southeastside, said she loves being outside barefoot digging in the dirt.

Recently, she set out plants while her 9-month-old daughter, Laura, slept in a backpack. “Being part of Simpler Times allows me to fellowship with other women and to bring home fresh produce so we can eat healthy.”

Eventually, the co-op’s harvest will become part of a twice-monthly trading day on Fortville’s Main Street.

Both the garden, and the trading day, mark the beginning of Sarah’s attempts to spread the simple life to other families. In addition to produce, families trade homemade baked goods, crafts, used clothing and books.

Click here to read more and find out about the perfect tool for you to use in setting up your very own Co-Op!