EcoVillages

[Niffer]

So hubby and I are looking into an self-sustaining ecovillage about 45 minutes away from us.
It looks really interesting, but I don't know anyone else who does this, but I've already spoken to several people who live there, and will be taking a tour of it next month.
Anyone else live/have lived/know of someone who lives in an EcoVillage?

I'd love to hear opinions.

Peace
-Niffer

 

[NickW]

Never heard of an EcoVillage. Is it exactly what it sounds like?

 

[Barefoot Dama]

How does the Eco Village work?
Is it a place where you stay away from the rest of the world?

 

[RunningPirate]

Had to Google it, myself:

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Ecovillage

http://gen.ecovillage.org/ecovillages/whatisanecovillage.html

Here's the site for an ecovillage in the Bay Area, no too far from where I work...I might cruise by after work some day to see it: http://www.greensolutions.org/smcc.htm#anchor21152675

It sort of reminds me of the communes I've heard about happening in the 70's, but with the focus being on ecology/sustainability. I'm interested in hearing about the tour Niffer and her husband goes on.

 

[Niffer]

Thanks for posting the links Pirate.
Most ecocommunities are not associated with any religion or even belief system, they're really just trying to make a self-sufficient community. I'm a SAHM, but hubby would still continue to work.
Some ecovillages require rent if you want to stay there, the village we're looking at is still forming, and are wanting people to buy a share of the land.
Either in lump sum or in payments (like rent..though more like a mortgage.)
I spoke to my IL's about it, and both they and my SIL and her husband are interested in taking a tour too - so now it looks like I'll be bringing 8 people instead of just us 3.
I just really need to make sure it isn't run by kooks who offer me kool-aid, ya know?

Peace,
-Niffer

 

[RunningPirate]

I just really need to make sure it isn't run by kooks who offer me kool-aid, ya know?

Oh, I'm sure it's run by normal people that will offer you Kool-Aid. But, so long as the Kool-Aid is biodegradable, it's Kosher (as Cyanide is a naturally occuring substance, I reckon it will go right back to the earth, no problem!). How's that for priorities?

One thing I would look in to is the division of labor and how that's enforced. I've been in group scenarios (graduated from the great University of Phoenix) where there were some members that contributed while others slacked off. I was able to tolerate that whilst gettting a degree, but that would be untenable for a living situation...

RP

 

[Niffer]

I totally agree, thankfully it's very much not like a commune in the sense that people cannot just 'bunk there'. A lot of communes say "work for board" - they don't do that here, you live and work there, (and have to pay mortgage fees) or you don't.
So it doesn't really appeal to the homeless-slacker type, because you actually have to pay to live there, ya know?

And thank you for freaking me out about the Kool-aid now!

-Niffer