Eco Villages

Eco villages are intentional communities whose goal is to become more socially, economically and ecologically sustainable. Eco village are about helping us regain our connection with the natural world which most of us have lost in the rhythms of our industrialized lives. Most range from a population of 50 to 150 individuals, although some are smaller, and larger eco villages of up to 2,000 individuals exist as networks of smaller sub communities.

Did you know…that there are many eco villages around the world?

One of them, the granddaddy of eco villages is located in Iceland. The 87-year old and thriving Solheimar Eco Village, lies on the road back to Reykjavik. This tiny village deserves more attention than it gets, as it is one of the oldest thriving eco villages in the world, and is a model community for green-minded individuals. The founder had been strongly influenced by the writings of
Rudolph Steiner , particularly with his emphasis on the relationship between individuals and the environment: be self-sustaining and in symbiosis with the land.

Another one is hidden away in the Finger Lakes region of upstate New York: the EcoVillage at Ithaca, which offers an alternative model of living. An intentional community and non-profit educational organization, it provides the setting for a healthy, socially rich lifestyle focused on minimizing the ecological impact of humans. Envisioned in 1991 and brought to life in 1996, the community has grown and a third village is now in construction to accommodate to a flourishing demand for more sustainable living options.

Here is a partial list of Eco Villages around the world:

Portugal, Senegal, Jamaica, Australia, CostaRica, UK, SriLanka, France, Germany, Palestine, Egypt, USA.

Learn more about the Eco Villages through the
Global Ecovillage Network
Source: http://inhabitat.com/