How One Man Lives on Almost Nothing in Tiny Homes
Robin Greenfield, a 37-year-old activist and author, has spent over a decade living in tiny homes without modern comforts. He survives on almost no money, donates any extra earnings, and avoids phones, credit cards, or official ID. His way of life challenges conventional ideas about necessity and sustainability.
Greenfield’s journey began in 2011 when he started cutting ties with the financial system. Small changes at first, he soon embraced a life free from bills, rent, and consumerism. By 2016, he was living in a 53-square-foot home in San Diego—so cramped he couldn’t even stand upright.
For a time, he stayed in a Minneapolis garden after finding the spot on Craigslist. The owner, Lynette Marie Hanthorn, allowed him to set up his tiny dwelling in exchange for teaching her sustainable practices. Later, he bought a used camper for $950 (around €865) and lived in it while constructing his first proper tiny house. His next home in Orlando cost under $1,500 (about €1,366) and measured just nine by nine feet. Despite its size, he found it surprisingly comfortable. All his homes lack running water or electricity, forcing him to collect rainwater and manage waste carefully. This makes him acutely aware of every drop he uses. Most of his belongings—around 90 percent—are food-related. He invests in seeds, plants, and preservation tools, ensuring he can grow and store what he needs. His income, earned from books and press work, goes straight to charity, keeping him below the poverty line by choice.
Greenfield’s lifestyle removes distractions, letting him focus on harmony with nature. He grows his own food, conserves resources, and shares his knowledge with others. His choices show how little is truly needed to live—and how much can be given back.
