Re: An eco-village is. . . | <– Date –> <– Thread –> |
From: Fred H Olson WB0YQM (fholson![]() |
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Date: Fri, 26 May 95 12:35 CDT |
Russell Mawby Toronto cohosoc [at] web.apc.org is the author of the message below but due to a listserv problem it was posted by the COHOUSING-L sysop (Fred). **************** FORWARDED MESSAGE FOLLOWS ********************* John Massengale asked "What is an Eco-Village?". I thought I'd share two local versions of what an eco-village might be. One group, in Orangeville, Ontario is pursuing the development of a community that, on the Eco-side, is an 'Earth friendly' rural community: * in which the Earth and all forms of life are valued * where attention is given to alternative energy techniques and the use of recycled materials * in which human activities are harmlessly integrated into the natural environment * which encourages our self-reliance through community enterprises, organic crops and other alternatives. and on the Village side is: * an intentional community of people who share basic common values * a combination of private households and shared common facilities such as gardens, community centre, . . . and wildlands. * a respect for individual and private pursuits, with an emphasis on the common shared endeavours of the community. (the above is taken from their promotional brochure) On the other hand, a downtown Toronto neighbourhood has decided that it too is an eco-village. I quote from a recent newspaper (The Real Estate News!) article: "Bloor-West an Eco-village" by Vanessa Ring A group of west-end Toronto volunteers is turning its community into an eco-village. Members of Bloor West Eco-village are committed to a "healthy community", says Dan Bailey, group member and minister at Windermere United Church. The eco-village concept encompasses many issues, from traffic to health to environmental practices. The aim is to involve residents, businesses, churches, schools and government agencies. "It's not organized against things as much as it is for things", Bailey said. He said the group asks, "what can we do (rather than) what can we stop?". The volunteer organization was founded a year ago during Earth Week. It has spent the past year having round-table discussions and setting its goals. It also sponsored an all-candidates' meeting that centred on environmental issues before the municipal election last fall, Bailey said. The group also supported Weedless Wednesday, helped with recent healthy lifestyle awards that were given out to area restaurants and held a contest to select a logo. During Earth Week this year the group will be at the April 22 celebrations at Colborne Lodge in High Park to survey residents about transportation concerns. The next day, group members are inviting people to help pick up litter at Etienne Brule Park from 1 to 3 pm. The last event is one that Bailey's church organized for the past five years, but which now falls under the eco-village umbrella. Eventually, the group wants to become involved in public advocacy. "We see ourselves as spark plugs for new initiatives," Bailey said. Local transportation issues may become the group's immediate focus, Bailey said, including issues such as traffic calming, using sand versus salt on icy roads, and walking and bike trails. (Real Estate News, Friday, April 21, 1995, p. A1) * * * This eco-village exists entirely within (and depends upon) on the built environment and services of a major urban center, and yet I cannot help but think that maybe they've got it right as well. Russell Mawby Toronto cohosoc [at] web.apc.org
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Re: An eco-village is. . . Fred H Olson WB0YQM, May 26 1995
- Re: An eco-village is. . . J . Massengale, May 26 1995
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