"What if We Moved to Live in an Eco-Village?"

Collab: Sofía Belen Sos, student (University of Salvador), with experience in educational tutoring and a passion for the environment.

In a world increasingly aware of the need to address environmental and social challenges, eco-villages have emerged as models of sustainable communities seeking a harmonious balance between humans and nature. In this article, we thoroughly explore what eco-villages are, how they function, and how some of their principles can be applied in large cities. From regenerative agricultural practices to participatory governance systems, eco-villages invite us to reconsider how we conceive and live in our communities, offering an inspiring glimpse into a lifestyle more harmonious with our planet.  

These communities are based on five key pillars for their operation and philosophy, guiding them towards a more sustainable lifestyle in harmony with the environment:

1. The creation of a cooperative community where each resident contributes significantly to the overall well-being is the first pillar.

2. Promoting environmental education, a task facilitated by the constant contact with nature that characterizes these communities.

3. Encouraging collaborative consumption by promoting practices such as establishing community gardens to reduce costs and strengthen self-sufficiency.

4. They aim to be self-sufficient by using renewable energy, gardens, and rainwater collection systems. This pillar also emphasizes the importance of sustainable economic activities, such as the production of crafts and natural products.

5. Actively promoting recycling and waste reduction.
   

Therefore, they stand out for a series of benefits that position them as examples in the pursuit of harmonious coexistence with nature and as comprehensive and sustainable models for the well-being of their inhabitants and the planet. Firstly, they consciously utilize natural resources by opting for renewable energies such as solar and wind, as well as constructing with eco-friendly materials like clay, wood, or straw. Moreover, their commitment to respecting nature extends beyond merely avoiding its degradation to actively rehabilitating the ecosystems where they reside through practices such as recycling, reforestation, and habitat restoration. Eco-villages also serve as educators, promoting positive values such as environmentalism, solidarity, equality, and self-sufficiency. As a result of this comprehensive education, there is a significant improvement in community living, with more communicative and participatory citizens who can resolve conflicts through dialogue and collaborative decision-making. Lastly, their focus on a responsible economy, supported by regenerative technologies and sustainable practices like bioclimatic architecture and organic farming, not only reduces environmental impact but also contributes to the fight against global warming by consuming less energy and encouraging responsible practices.

In our country, there are various eco-villages, and among them, I would like to notably highlight Umepay in Córdoba. Construction began in 2012 with a small group that has managed to create a leading space for those seeking an alternative to life away from large cities. It spans several hectares, approximately 400, divided into 6 neighborhoods: La Aldea, Nogales, Tres Ríos, Arroyo del Sauce, Castaños, and Campo Acacias. Each of these neighborhoods serves different purposes. For example, La Aldea acts as a meeting point for tourists seeking a holistic perspective and participating in retreats and workshops, with only a small portion allocated to housing construction. Umepay is a tangible example of how transitioning to a more ecological lifestyle is possible. Nestled in a natural paradise in the Córdoba mountains, with the Río Grande as the focal point of the surroundings, it offers crystal-clear waters, beaches, streams, and mountain forests. This project is a living testament to how sustainability can be integrated in harmony with nature, providing a unique refuge for those seeking a more conscious and connected way of life.

Photograph of Umepay found on the website of our friends at Sustainable Communities.

How can we integrate these practices into large cities? The answer lies in creativity and ingenuity. One way to start is by establishing community gardens in our neighborhoods or even in our urban apartments, fostering collaboration among neighbors and sharing knowledge. This approach allows us not only to connect with nature but also to strengthen community bonds. Additionally, we can adopt the 3Rs principle: Reduce (cutting down on excessive consumption of resources such as water, electricity, or plastics), Reuse (an opportunity to transform waste into useful resources, for example, turning plastic bottles into planters or creating toys from cans and lids), and Recycle (separating organic solid waste to use in compost, which benefits our gardens, while cardboard, plastic, paper, glass, and cans can be sorted and taken to city recycling points for proper collection and recycling). These actions involve more conscious consumption and, in many cases, a change in perspective.

Finally, sustainable construction focuses on reducing the environmental impact of buildings and homes through the use of environmentally friendly practices and materials. It concentrates on key areas such as green design, the use of eco-friendly materials, energy efficiency through renewable sources and efficient insulation, water management with recycling and reuse, indoor air quality through non-toxic materials and natural ventilation, the implementation of smart technology, and the adoption of sustainable certifications like LEED and BREEAM. Additionally, innovations such as eco-friendly blocks and 3D-printed constructions are being explored. It is essential to note that practices and technologies in sustainable construction are constantly evolving, with ongoing advancements aimed at creating more environmentally friendly buildings.

¿Have you read our article in collaboration with Bioguía "From Urban Conglomerate to a Sustainable System: Resilient Cities"?

Photograph of Villa Ecológica Tres Arroyos found on the website of our friends at Sustainable Community.

In conclusion, this journey through eco-villages, urban sustainability, and sustainable construction leaves us with a clear message: the urgent need to rethink our relationship with the environment and adopt practices that promote harmony between humanity and nature. The case of Umepay serves as inspiration, demonstrating how the integration of sustainable practices can transform not only the way we live but also our surroundings. With this article, I also invite reflection on the importance of the role we play as individuals in a community, and while the transition may present certain challenges as we continue to explore and adapt to innovative practices, we will collectively contribute to the creation of #ForABetterWorld.