Chapter 1 :: ECOVILLAGES: the Ideal and the Real

     An ecovillage is reality as well as a concept and reality is imperfect. The existing ecovillages only partially meet model definitions. Ecovillage models range from utopian to pragmatic. Still, each of the four definitions presented in this chapter assert that an ecovillage is comprised of more than energy efficient houses. Rather, projects aspire to become communities where families, schools, businesses, recreation and community function in concert with the well-being of the individual, community, and environment. While the focus of the early Swedish ecovillages was residential, later projects incorporated commercial and educational endeavors. Despite their short comings, the existing projects and those in the planning stages strive toward the ideal. The current ecovillage residents and their communities are pioneers. It is crucial for their experiences to be shared with existing and future projects so all can move closer to an ideal vision of sustainable living.

[ download the complete .pdf :: 9-pages / 66kb ]