Ecovillage at Ithaca: community design and sustainable living

Ecovillage Ithaca

Environmental awareness and harmonious relationships were the core values that gave birth to the EcoVillage at Ithaca. The EcoVillage concept therefore combines two distinct goals. First, the EcoVillage is dedicated to restoring, respecting, and preserving the local ecosystem. Second, the EcoVillage at Ithaca is a social experiment as a cohousing community. The EcoVillage at Ithaca pioneers a sustainable living model: based not just on ecological sustainability but also on the sustainability of human communities.

The design of the EcoVillage at Ithaca occurred somewhat organically, as new communities have sprouted up out of one. Communal living spaces including areas for entertainment, socializing, and eating encourage social interaction while private dwellings ensure sufficient privacy. Although dwellings are private, some are adjoining and interaction with neighbors is inevitable. Moreover, Walker points out that Danish cohousing models inspired the buildings at EcoVillage. Abundant windows let in ample light and also encourage frequent engagement with the outside. Walker notes, "Without EVI's layout to provide us easy visual access to our neighborhood," the collaborative spirit of the community would not be possible (p. 80). Cars are parked in designated areas to allow residents to enjoy the peace of walking and cycling between areas. The car-free environment proves the viability of a sustainable community that can practically feed itself off of ten acres of land. The West Haven farm is integral to the EcoVillage and was "the first part of the EcoVillage vision to manifest," (Walker 39).

The West Haven farm is crucial to the EcoVillage community. On a practical level, the farm provides residents with plentiful fresh produce. The farm's ten acres feed 1000 people per week (Walker 40). Moreover, the farm serves a special role in the community as a place where residents learn about organic farming and teamwork. The West Haven farm is one of the main labor focal points of the EcoVillage. The West Haven farm also serves as an important bridge between the EcoVillage and the greater Ithaca area. Produce grown on the West Haven farm is sold in local stores and farmer's markets outside the EcoVillage. Moreover, Ithaca residents can be shareholders in the West Haven farm. Their contributions sustain the farm and pay for operational costs, and their dividends are paid in produce. Students of Cornell University have a chance to witness sustainable living first hand. Finally, the West Haven farm plays an important role in the future of Ithaca because it is "protected by EVI's permanent conservation easement," (Walker 39).

Although idyllic in many ways, the EcoVillage at Ithaca has not been without problems. Most of the conflicts that have arisen and continue to arise at the EcoVillage are related to communications, notes Walker. One of the first major conflicts to arise cut to the core of the community's values. Some members pushed for immediate subsidized housing for new members who had nothing to invest. Others, understanding that the EcoVillage "had no money to subsidize anyone," advocated an approach that would cater to middle-class Americans (Walker 57). The rift caused many of the "idealistic" members of the community to leave almost as soon as the EcoVillage had been started (Walker 57). Conflicts over money as well as lifestyle issues are not uncommon at the EcoVillage, Walker admits.

Other conflicts include the perpetual push to participate in social activities vs. The need for solitude. Walker claims that talking openly is the key to resolving conflicts before they become problems. "Learning to deal effectively with conflict is the hardest part of living in a community," (Walker 83). Community members need to set personal boundaries and be as upfront as possible.

Cohousing has significant advantages over living in typical North American communities. The advantages include warm relationships with neighbors, a democratic community government, strong social support networks, and a peaceful lifestyle devoid of long commutes to unsatisfying jobs. Families enjoy reliable, safe child support as children are raised communally. In the EcoVillage at Ithaca, added benefits include access to fresh organic produce right from the soil, and the ability to participate in a revolutionary project. Disadvantages to living in a cohousing community include some personal sacrifices including greater restrictions on privacy and the inability to avoid conflicts.