It Takes an Ecovillage

Source: http://www.ecovillage.ithaca.ny.us/

Link to article:

http://www.time.com/time/magazine/article/0,9171,1659708,00.html

By Bryan Walsh

Time Magazine

Summary:
The article talks about an Eco Village in busy New York, the reasons for the setting up of such a village, the frugal lifestyle of the village folk and possible impacts such villages would have both now and in the future

Comments:
In the ever changing world we live in today, one has to be constantly on the move. However, there are also many adverse effects of this trend of globalisation; one of which is the detrimental impact it has on the environment.

Many countries, in their quest to become economic superpowers, have put their economies first over that of environmental sustainability. This pollution has even boiled down to the lifestyle of the average home owner, whose so many energy guzzling appliances have led to even greater pollution since more fossil fuels are burnt to sustain this demand. Such ever increasing strains put on Mother Earth have no doubt led to questions about the future to come.

However, every cloud has a silver lining and although the current situation might seem gloomy, there are many environmentalists out there today working hard to save the Earth.

I firmly believe that actions speak louder than words, and the only way to show to others that one is really seriously about the environment is not through protests and 24hr across the globe concerts, which in itself also results in great environmental pollution, but through oneself evoking change in his own lifestyle and mindset first, before moving on to revolutionize the lives of many others.

And indeed by living in an eco village like this one, these people are examples for all, that one can enjoy a modern lifestyle, but at the same time, reduce human induced damage to the environment.

Here, residents not only show their commitment towards environmental sustainability by growing their own crops; the populace also firmly believes that such lifestyle adjustments are necessary, and this way of thinking is no doubt the main driving force behind this community.

These self sustainable communities also allow for greater bonding and the fostering of friendships, and this keeps residents occupied and happy.

Changes in lifestyles though, cannot happen overnight, and people take time to accept new ideas. People also have preferences; some prefer living as a singular entity and as such may not seem to take on this idea of living as a community.

To an outsider, the eco village might appear to be the perfect home, where people can live a happy life free from disagreements.

However, as much as it might seem like it, this eco village in not a semi utopia. A fair share of sacrifices on ones time still has to be made; all villagers have to play their part in contributing to the community, whether through the growing of crops or cooking meals for the commune.

Problems also exist everywhere, even in villages like these. Although the article might have painted a beautiful picture of such an eco village, it is certain that like many such communities, this community also has its fair share of disagreements.

And like many other communities, this village is not immune to the pressures from the outside world, as much as the leaders might like to create an attractive alternative to American life.

(498 words) – Excluding the summary