Ecovillages, New Horizons of Sustainability by Jonathan Dawson was published in 2006. In my opinion, it can be a bedside book for anyone interested in the subject. It may also be a great starting book for people who are not yet interested in the topic. As stated in the book, Ecovillages will become a way of life that we will all be familiar with in someplace, after all.
Some of us never heard of ecovillages and some of some little about them. Jonathan Dawson talks about ecovillages most simply and interestingly so that everyone can understand in this great book. While discussing what an ecovillage is, what it is not, and how it should be, he also explains successful examples from different parts of the world. With these ecovillages, none of which are similar, he has summarised the common features among them.
You will read many different ecovillage experiences from the villages that print their own money to communities that sell their products in stores or markets. You will see that it is actually possible to live with the least harm to the environment. In fact, you will realise that this is not possible but more compulsory. I say realise because we all know that the world is crushed under our burden.
The book also includes a resource for further reading and photos of the communities described. Be sure to read this book as soon as possible. And I’m sure that the applications carried out in the world will give you hope, and at least you will want to be part of one. Enjoy!
Ecovillages, New Frontiers for Sustainability
Ecovillages – local communities which aim to minimise their ecological impact while maximising human wellbeing and happiness ?– are found all over the world. They incorporate a wealth of radical ideas and approaches which can be traced back to Schumacher, Gandhi, the 1960s, and the alternative education movement. This Briefing describes the history and potential of the ecovillage movement, including the evolution of the Global Ecovillage Network. The ecovillages movement promotes: learning from the best elements in traditional and indigenous cultures; community banks and currencies; low-impact living; organic, local food production; and reviving small-scale participatory governance. Faced with climate change and diminishing oil supplies, this Briefing examines the lessons that we can learn from ecovillages to live sustainably.
Jonathan Dawson
Jonathan is a sustainability educator, currently working as Head of Economics at Schumacher College in Devon.
Until recently a long-term resident at the Findhorn ecovillage and a former President of the Global Ecovillage Network, he has around 20 years experience as a researcher, author, consultant and project manager in the field of small enterprise development in Africa and South Asia.
Jonathan is part of the team that created the Gaia Education sustainable economy curriculum, drawn from best practice within ecovillages worldwide, that has been endorsed by UNITAR and adopted by UNESCO as a valuable contribution to the UN Decade of Education for Sustainable Development.
Reading this book contributed to these challenges:
