ABSTRACT
Eco-communities are grassroots movements for social and ecological change. They are self-organized initiatives, independent of government control, that develop practices, infrastructure, and spaces to live more sustainably and in harmony with each other and the environment (see Grassroots Innovation, Alternative Consumer Cooperatives). Eco-communities are collectively organized housing, livelihood, and educational spaces purposefully designed to regenerate ecological and social environments from resource depletion and inequality. Eco-communities bring together residents with a collaborative spirit to build a better future. They seek (i) to self-provide, as far as practically possible, their own energy requirements, food, livelihoods from the land or locally, and resources for building their homes, and (ii) to minimize waste generation. The social dimensions of eco-communities are just as vital as their ecological features. Eco-communities practice participatory self-governance, share common resources, have systems of sharing between residents, and have expertise in non-violent communication and conflict resolution (see Sharing Economy).
