What is an Ecovillage?

The Global Ecovillage Network defines an ecovillage as an intentional or traditional community using local participatory processes to holistically integrate ecological, economic, social, and cultural dimensions of sustainability in order to regenerate social and natural environments. Because any group can call itself an ecovillage, the term has been adopted by entities ranging from student coops to suburban housing developments. In order to have an authentic experience of ecovillage life, I chose to visit larger, more established communities belonging to the Global Ecovillage Network. I also selected for diversity in order to experience the full range of ecovillage culture: rural, urban and suburban; rich and poor; secular and spiritual. Starting with Earthhaven on the east coast of the US, I worked my way around the world via Europe, Africa, Asia, and Australia, concluding my journey in Los Angeles nine months later.