Solution: EcoVillages

"We stand at the junction between two millennial. The past millennium was about building societies that ran on fossil [fuel] and militarism. The next one, still a mystery, must be more conscientious and humane, or we won't survive. It's on the shoulders of ecovillage pioneers that the dream rests for peace, security, prosperity, family and happiness for the coming generations of our children - whether we or they recognize it yet."
Albert Bates of the Global Ecovillage Network

What is it? Where it originated?

The idea of 'ecovillages' came about in various locations around the world around the same time. Political stresses, a breakdown of existing social structures, and a concern for the environment played a part in crystallizing the idea of a new society with ecological concerns in top priority in many different areas.

The Findhorn ecovillage in Scotland started in the early sixties as a "conscious response to the complex problem of how to transform our human settlements, whether they be villages, towns or cities, into full-featured sustainable communities, harmoniously and harmlessly integrated into the natural environment."

The ecovillage model is a conscious response to the complex problem of how to transform our human settlements, whether they be villages, towns or cities, into full-featured sustainable communities, harmoniously and harmlessly integrated into the natural environment (ecovillageFindhorn.org).

It seeks to find and implement personal and community based solutions to real world issues by focusing on aspects of permaculture, ecological building, green production, alternative energy and community building practices.

Ecovillages are intended to be socially, economically, and ecologically sustainable. They ask the question "how can we live well, but lightly?"

How it works

-Ecovillages provide a context in which people are closely in touch with nature on a daily basis by interacting with soil, water, plants, and animals.

-Nature can provide daily needs of food, clothing, and shelter.

-Housing, income-producing work, and resources are provided on site.

-A shared vision and agreements that create a sense of community unity and mutual support.

"In my view, ecovillages, and the larger social movements with which they are an integral part, are the most promising and important movement in all of history."-Robert Rosenthal, Professor of Philosophy, Hanover College

Why are ecovillages important?

Ecovillages show the world how others can live more "lightly" through example and educational endeavors. The focus on sustainability goes beyond protecting nature; it regenerates nature and creates even healthier environment. Living, working, and taking part in quality social interactions increases mental and spiritual health and happiness.


Principles: Why Care?

"Ecovillages are intentional communities dedicated to creating and demonstrating ecological, social, economic and spiritual sustainability," Cleveland EcoVillage member Manda Gillespie writes in Communities magazine.

Motivation

-Reverse disintegration of social/culture supportive structures
-Choice and commitment to stop environmental destructive practices Social/Community

Formation

-Ecovillages form a deep sense of community and belonging to a group


Approaches


Education

- Ecovillages have education centers that implement sustainable forms of education

Goals

-Collaborative efforts of experience, education and research
-Develop sustainable systems to respond to social and environmental problems
-Encompass whole-systems educational programs

Ex. include

Sustainable skills
Green technologies
Regenerative social and cultural practices
Organic, Biodynamic and Sustainable Agriculture
Biological Waste Management
Natural Building Techniques
Sustainable Forestry
Conservation Land Planning
Consensus decision making, egalitarian and open democratic governance
Cottage Industries, alternative businesses

Eco-Consulting

Ecovillages provide consulting services to others by assisting and sharing knowledge needed for sustainable project developments with individuals, nonprofits, businesses, community groups, and NGOs.

Ex. of Key Areas

Permaculture
Ecological landscape design and land use planning
Village, neighborhood and urban design
Ecotourism resort and conference center development
Ecological agriculture and food production
Architecture and natural building
Renewable energy systems, waste management and other green technologies
Concept development and total project management
Educational program development
Social ecology and decision making