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Eco-Villages
In 1991, Robert Gilman set out a definition of an eco-villages that was
to become a standard. Gilman defined an eco-villages as a:
- human-scale
- full-featured settlement
- in which human activities
are harmlessly integrated into the natural world
- in a way that is
supportive of healthy human development and can be successfully
continued into the indefinite future.
The principles on which
ecovillages rely can be applied to urban and rural settings, as well as
to developing and developed countries. Advocates seek infrastructural
independence and a sustainable lifestyle (for example, of voluntary
simplicity) for inhabitants with a minimum of trade outside the local
area, or ecoregion. Rural ecovillages are usually based on organic
farming, permaculture and other approaches which promote ecosystem
function and biodiversity. Some ecovillages integrate many of the
design principles of cohousing, but with a greater ecological focus and
a more "organic" process, typical of permaculture design.
An eco-village usually relies on:
- "Green" infrastructural
capital;
- Autonomous building or
clustered housing, to minimize ecological
footprint;
- Renewable energy;
- Permaculture;
- cohousing or other forms
of supportive community.
- Its organization also
usually depends upon some instructional capital
or moral codes - a minimal civics sometimes characterized as
eco-anarchism.
- Local purchasing so as
to support the local economy;
- Local food production and
distribution;
- Moral purchasing to avoid
objectionable consumption;
- Consensus decision-making
for governance;
- A commitment to respect
diversity.
Be
sure to take a look at Intentional
Communities and CoHousing.
Eco-Village at Ithaca, NY
The Eco-Village - a viable alternative?
Green:
Ecotopia at 30
Eco-City
Builders
This a non-profit organization dedicated to reshaping cities for the
long-term health of human and natural systems.
Its goals include returning healthy biodiversity to the heart of our
cities, agriculture to community gardens and the streets, and
convenience and pleasure to walking, bicycling and transit.
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