What is an Ecovillage Anyway?

One of the most popular definitions of an ecovillage is taken from the book, Ecovillages and Sustainable Communities: A Report for Gaia Trust, by Robert and Diane Gilman. The Gilman's describe ecovillages as, “human-scaled, full-featured settlements in which human activities are harmlessly integrated into the natural world in a way that is supportive of healthy human development, and which can be successfully continued into the indefinite future”. The common bond between ecovillages around the world is that they specifically aim to create an ecologically focused community. This is what differentiates them from intentional communities, Kibbutzim, and other co-housing operations. Another important thing to point out is that every ecovillage does not try to be completely self-sufficient; rather there are varying degrees of sufficiency. There are some urban ecovillages that understand that their urban surroundings makes it hard to live lightly on the earth and therefore do their best to incorporate environmentally friendly living practices. No matter where the ecovillage is located, they try to create an environment in which the equity between humans and their surrounding natural environment are balanced. Along with supporting an ecologically sound life-style, ecovillages, similar to other communities, incorporate a holistic approach to social well being, by striving to fulfill physical, emotional, mental, and spiritual needs of the individual and the community as a whole. The idea of sustainable development is also embedded in the nature of the ecovillage. Ecovillages have sprung up all over the world as an approach to address sustainable development practices. I think the ecovillage way of life will thrive as we look for more sustainable and low impact ways of living in the wake of climate change and with the environmental movement gaining momentum in mainstream society.