Thinking of Starting an Ecovillage? Real Talk After Talking to Dozens of Members/Founders

A while back, I did a video in which I discussed my interest in launching an eco-village community in the Portland area. I asked for input and stories and experiences from current and former cohousing/eco-village members, and founders. I toured ecovillages, spoke with developers of cohousing communities, interviewed founders of failed attempts at eco-villages, and chatted with dozens of current and former eco-village and cohousing residents in the PNW and across North America.

Here's what I learned, and I'll admit it took the wind out of my sails...big time. But in permaculture, we say the problem is the solution, and if we don't truly examine the barriers and issues to a sustainable community, we cannot design for solutions. So, let's look at what I gleaned from many many conversations with folks who have lived experience in eco-villages, and talk about how that feedback has shaped my search for a sustainable community in Portland, Oregon going forward.

(NOTE: I am not going to name communities or members in this video. Most of the folks I spoke with still live in eco-villages or cohousing, and I DO NOT want to create drama for them by sharing their concerns/criticisms/frustrations. I've kept details of locations and communities vague to honor the folks who took their time and energy to share honestly with me.)

I am still searching for ways to have a more truly sustainable community in my city and to help launch and participate in them. I'm not giving up. If you have wisdom you'd like to share, thoughts, positive feedback or critiques of your time in eco-village life, I'd love to hear from you at [email protected]

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