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Los Angeles Eco-Village

            The Los Angeles Eco-Village is located in Korea Town, Los Angeles. The members aim to live a sustainable life in all aspects of daily living. The members are called “Eco-Villagers”, and they live in one of three large apartment buildings. To share their message, they provide tours, talks, workshops, conferences, public advocacy and other media. Eco-Villagers are a diverse group, comprised of 15 ethnic groups, singles, couples, single parents, nuclear families, roommates, and extended families.

            The lifestyle of the LA Eco-Village is centered on reduced consumption, recycling of materials, and reuse of products. One way they reduce consumption of energy is through on-site urban gardening. The LA Eco-Village Gardens are located in the surrounding areas of the living facilities. Eco-Villagers have the ability to reserve a spot to begin growing and managing food crops. The Eco-Village also sells crops to the public, with foods grown by local organic farms. Another way they reduce their consumption is through the use of grey water. Grey water is used water from showers, tubs, bathroom sinks and washing machines. The Eco-Village uses grey water to irrigate their garden, as well as for laundry. All parts of the home, including furniture and flooring, are sourced from recycled materials. The village also engages in “time-banking” which fosters the exchange of services among the members.

            Our tour of the facility included several activities to help the class learn more about the Eco-Village. We were able to meet some of the members of the Eco-Village, and to learn its history and the reasons for their work today. They gave us their definition of what an Eco-Village is, including their mission and their practices. Throughout the tour, we had the opportunity to ask questions to our guide. We also learned about what is required if we want to join the Eco-Village. We learned that not everyone is accepted into the community. A two week application period is required, to determine whether the applicant and the village are a good fit for one another.

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