Concept in Definition ABC

Most of the population world lives in a big city. The rhythm of big cities and the stressful lifestyle do not satisfy everyone and for this reason more peaceful and stimulating alternatives are sought. Ecovillages are an option for those who are tired of crowds, traffic jams and the noises of cities. As the same term indicates, an ecovillage is a small town in which its inhabitants live and work in an ecological spirit.

Looking for a new vital approach

In a very simplified way we could say that life in an ecovillage is the same as life in the country. This definition is valid, but totally insufficient. They are related to some ideas that go beyond life rural traditional.

People who choose this option are usually grouped with others to create a small community. On many occasions, cooperatives or associations are formed to rebuild an abandoned town and turn it into a habitable place.

Environmentalism and direct contact with nature are two fundamental elements in this alternative to the city

With respect to economic activity, its inhabitants dedicate themselves to the tasks of the field, to the cattle ranch or some artisan activity (it is necessary to indicate that new technologies allow a person living in the countryside to work remotely with total normal). With this economic and vital approach, the typical consumerism of cities is avoided, since it is they satisfy the basic material needs but in a balanced way and without whims unnecessary. Is attitude explicitly expresses a certain rejection of the capitalism and its associated values ​​(individualism, competitiveness, private property, maximum profit ...)

The human relationships that are established are far removed from the urban model, since bonds of cooperation and mutual help are created between all the neighbors. As a general criterion, in these communities there is a spirit of solidarity.

From the historical point of view, the hippie movement of the 60s is considered the precursor of this way of life

Spontaneously and without any kind of planning the first hippies were creating their small communities. They mostly settled in a healthy rural environment to break away from stress and escape the established system.

Over time the ecovillages incorporated environmental sustainability criteria. This new context is related to permaculture, an organizational system that combines farming, engineering ecological and comprehensive management of all resources.

Fotolia photos: franz12 / kozorog