In 1996, EcoVillage at Ithaca in Ithaca, New York was founded by Joan Bokaer and Liz Walker with the help of the Center for Religion, Ethics, and Social Policy at Cornell University. This sustainable community was inspired by co-housing projects that appeared in Denmark in the early 1960’s; with the goal of creating a model community to exemplify sustainable systems of living. This community is a working model and demonstration of 175-acres of meeting human needs, namely shelter, food production, energy, social interaction, work, and recreation while preserving natural ecosystmes.
There are three different neighborhoods; FROG, SONG, and TREE. Each neighborhood provides walkways and lawns that unite housing units, a Common House for weekly meals, a pool or pond, a laundry room, and office spaces.
Residents of EcoVillage participate in weekly volunteering in various work teams; cooking, dishes, maintenance, outdoors, finance, Common House, governance or any other projects needed.
What makes EcoVillage so sustainable?
- Residents use 40% less energy than middle class U.S. households
- Low-flow toilets & faucets
- Radiant floor heating
- Rainwater catchment systems
- Shared heating
- Triple-glazed large south-facing windows
- Solar electric systems in FROG
Other organizations also a part of EcoVillage include the non-profit Center for Sustainable Education and the Groundswell Center for Local Food and Farming. These organizations help offer educational opportunities on global warming and sustainable lifestyles.
Mattie Love
Sustainable Journeys 