By Bunmi

For the past couple of years I’ve been fascinated with the concept of ecovillages: small family-run communities where people live, work, and play together. The lifestyles of these communities are sustainable and eco-conscious. Many of these villages have small schools on site. Meals are prepared in community and everyone chips in for a holistic, warm experience.

photo credit: goingreenguy.wordpress.com

These villages sound just like…villages! Modern day homesteads made up of people committed to each other and the environment. Surprisingly, they are popping up all over Canada from Vancouver to Québec as people leave the fast past of the city or spread our suburbs for an existence that is closer to nature.

I often wonder if I would be able to live in one of these ecovillages. It sounds amazing to have such a close group of friends who become your family. The emphasis they place on living low-impact lives is certainly appealing but I wonder if I’d eventually feel suffocated. I wonder how these communities handle personality differences and conflict? I’d be a very interesting experience to say the least!

photo credit: iskcon.com

Before winter comes, I’m planning a trip to La Cité Écologique (The Ecological City) in Ham Nord, Québec. Their ecovillage has grown to over 120 members. I must say that the images on their website are appealing: children baking and playing together, families working side by side. How wonderful! I look forward to having the kids experience a bit of country life for a couple of days as we visit. I’ll be sure to report back!

Further Reading:

The Ecovillage Network of Canada: http://enc.ecovillage.org/

My Ecovillage Adventures: http://www.ecovillagenews.org/wiki/index.php/My_Ecovillage_Adventure_in_Quebec

What about you? Would you consider living in an ecovillage?

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