Los Angeles Ecovillage: Building a Sustainable Urban Community (Video)
Los Angeles Ecovillage Nurtures Community in the CityNever having been there, I've always assumed that LA is one big grid-locked metropolis with very little going for it, sustainability wise - yet I keep having my ignorant prejudices challenged by wonderful projects and people that call LA their home. From LA's giant solar stimulus to the thriving Transition City Los Angeles, it's clear the City of Angels is not short of a few saints. Now StreetFilms brings us another example of sustainable living in the big city, talking to the residents of Los Angeles Ecovillage. An ecovillage in the city? The idea really isn't as weird as you'd think.I actually mentioned Los Angeles Ecovillage in my previous post about the Global Ecovillage Network, because even though many intentional communities fit the stereotype of the rural hippy idyl, there are as many different models for sustainable communities as there are people willing to pursue them - it's all about context. And while finding the space for large scale food growing may be challenging, the infrastructure and population density that cities offer can be a real boost for ecovillagers.
As shown in the video above, for example, the Los Angeles Ecovillage has teamed up with the city to convert a derelict lot into a neighborhood park, and has even engaged in some pedestrian-friendly streetscaping. (No wonder StreetFilms paid them a visit - we know how they love a chicane or two!) Of course one ecovillage isn't going to fix the problems of a city like LA, but it is a huge start - showing residents that simply by reaching out to each other they can start to take control of their surroundings and work together for a sustainable community.
Found via Worldchanging.
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