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- EcovillageHidden away in the Finger Lakes region of upstate New York, <a href="http://ecovillageithaca.org/evi/">EcoVillage at Ithaca</a> offers an alternative model of living. An intentional community and non-profit educational organization, EcoVillage provides the setting for a healthy, socially rich lifestyle focused on minimizing the ecological impact of humans. Envisioned in 1991 and brought to life in 1996, the community has grown and a third village is now in construction to accommodate to a flourishing demand for more sustainable living options.1
- EcovillageA small road restricts cars to the outer perimeter of the villages.2
- EcovillageChildren can play outside with few worries and a Common House offers several communal meals a week and a play area for kids in the colder months.3
- EcovillageA one-acre pond provides the perfect place to swim or ice skate and see wild life.4
- EcovillageClustered groups of houses in the SONG village allow for shared heating systems and a series of closely packed duplexes enhance heat maintenance.5
- EcovillageTriple-glazed large south-facing windows help trap heat in the winter and a trellis lined with grape vines offers shade during summer months.6
- EcovillageWhile small, averaging 1,228 square feet compared to the US average of 2,230 square feet, the double-storey house design creates a sense of space.7
- EcovillageEach villageÕs Common House reduces the need for communal space or guest rooms in individual family homes. Pictured above is the FROG Common House.8
- EcovillageCommunal meals offered three times a week cost $3 and are attended by about half of the residents.9
- EcovillageThe villages each occupy about three to five acres.10
- EcovillageSeveral FROG residents recently invested in a community scale solar electric system that is expected to pay off in 11-15 years. 224 trina solar panels were installed that are expected to generate 60,000 kilowatt hours per year, offsetting about 60% of resident energy usage and reducing carbon dioxide by 250 tons.11
- EcovillageResidents are engaged in an array of sustainable initiatives and come from as far away as Brazil and England to join the community.12
- EcovillageMost people own their houses however some are occasionally for rent.13
- EcovillageThe Groundswell Center for Local Food and Farming offers summer courses open to anyone and regularly hosts tour groups, students and the media.14