“Ecovillages” around the globe are a realistic glimpse of a sustainable future

The writers explore how communities prioritize sustainability through advanced agricultural techniques and community-focused living.

Stephanie Hanes and Sara Miller Llana report for The Christian Science Monitor.

In short:

• Experts indicate a significant rise in ecological communities globally, reflecting a shift towards integrating sustainable practices into everyday life.
• From projects in Africa to former mine sites turned into permaculture sites, in Barbados, the number of “ecovillages” in the Global Ecovillage Network has skyrocketed from 440 a decade ago to over 10,000 last year.
• For example, Martina Wiedemar and Joao Almeida are developing Gandum Village in Portugal, integrating solar panels, earthen buildings, and regenerative agriculture to promote sustainable living.
• The project aims to engage the public by offering residency options and community activities, emphasizing the accessibility and appeal of eco-friendly lifestyles.

Key quote:

“This place is an example that a sustainable life can be beautiful. It can be easy. It’s not just a hippie thing.”

— Joao Almeida, co-founder of Gandum Village.

Why this matters:

These innovative models offer a glimpse into how communities can fundamentally reshape living standards to be more sustainable by integrating eco-friendly practices into daily life. Read more: Climate, justice, and the deep roots of regenerative farming.