Ecovillages

What is an Ecovillage?

An Ecovillage is a small sustainable development, usually of 50-400 people, which aims for:

  • Environmental sustainability - for example, using green energy and eco-friendly materials, recycling and water and waste.
  • Social sustainability - for example, resolving conflicts peacefully, raising children, providing relevant education, reducing crime, fostering a feeling of community.

The origins of the Ecovillage movement

The Ecovillage movement is a global phenomenon sparked by global causes. It is a pro-active response to corporate globalisation. Ecovillagers believe that unending economic growth is unsustainable in the long term, and propose ecovillages as a new model for society.

What motivates people to become Ecovillagers?

There are three general reasons why people become ecovillagers: social, ecological and spiritual. All ecovillages have an ecological element, but this is not always the only issue that's important to ecovillagers. Findhorn, founded in 1962 in northern Scotland, was formed as a spiritual community. Anarres ecovillage, on the other hand, was formed with anarchist social ideas in mind.

Can Ecovillage concepts function in mainstream cities and societies?

Town and city planners are beginning to use Ecovillage concepts such as peripheral parking, commmunity facilities and central open spaces in their designs. However, more needs to be done before Ecovillage philosophy can truly function in mainstream society. The role of architects and public authorities must change to support participatory processes and such things as local renewable energy and biological wastewater treatment.

The word 'Ecovillage' suggests a rural environment, but city Ecovillages such as BedZED (see article) can work too.

Visit these sites to find out more about ecovillages:


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