What is an Ecovillage?
- a Collective Exploration of
Sustainability
The green movement has introduced new, exciting terms like precycle and urban homestead. Of these phrases that are becoming ever more familiar, the term "ecovillage" is one of the most intriguing. Read on to answer the question, "What is an ecovillage?", learn about the history of the ecovillage movement, and take a look at three ecovillages and their benefits.
What is an Ecovillage?
An ecovillage is a community of people in a rural or urban setting who aim to live in a environmentally sustainable and socially supportive way. Members of ecovillages reach this goal by using practices like eco-friendly building, alternative energy, and community strengthening methods. Ecovillagers strive to find sound alternatives to common systems that erode communities and the environment.
Ecovillages: A Brief History
The term "ecovillage" was coined in the summer of 1991 in the journal In Context, which later evolved into the magazine YES! A Journal of Positive Futures. The founder of In Context, astrophysicist Robert Gilman, sought to give a name to the sustainable communities that were cropping up in the US.
Some Historians assert that the ecovillage movement is the latest in a series of egalitarian efforts sparked by the ideas set forth in Sir Thomas More's book Utopia published in 1518. Other predecessors of this resurgence are the Quakers and the Amish.
Ecovillages Today Today, there are ecovillages worldwide that espouse the principles of an interconnected community and minimal impact on the earth. They draw inspiration from indigenous cultures worldwide and strive to respect the global community.
Ecovillages Today Today, there are ecovillages worldwide that espouse the principles of an interconnected community and minimal impact on the earth. They draw inspiration from indigenous cultures worldwide and strive to respect the global community.
- The Farm
The Farm in Summertown, Tennessee, is one of the oldest ecovillages. This thriving community was established in the 1960s by a group of "hippies" who attended a weekly consciousness lecture called "Tuesday Night Classes". The Farm is now home to Ecovillage Network of the Americas (ENA) and the Ecovillage Training Center (ETC). - Annapurna
Annapurna Ecovillage in Astam, Nepal, has been in the Adhikari family for seven generations. Annapurna offers guest accommodations that include meals and sightseeing. These endeavors help to support the local community including the school, the medical center, and vital ecological programs. - Wind Walker
Wind Walker Ecovillage is in the beautiful Sanpete Valley in Utah surrounded by majestic mountains. It includes a membership based community, learning center, and nature spa. Wind Walker is based upon the principles of social organization, spiritual diversity, and ecological balance.
Spending time in an ecovillage comes with a number of benefits including:
- Basic knowledge of health and survival
- Strengthened community building skills
- The ability to live in harmony with the environment
- Greater economic stability
- The ability to coexist with people of diverse backgrounds
To learn more about ecovillages visit Ecovillage Network of the Americas .
This article was originally published as a post on www.AsanteGeorge.com entitled What is an Ecovillage? A Collective Exploration of Sustainability
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This article was originally published as a post on www.AsanteGeorge.com entitled What is an Ecovillage? A Collective Exploration of Sustainability
Related Articles:
Reuse Building Materials, and Give Old Supplies New Life
3 Green Dream Jobs
How Can We Protect the Ocean? 15 Simple Steps That Make a Big Difference
A Pictorial Guide to Green Wines
Introducing My New Shop 'Awaken'
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