3 of the Most Sustainable Communities in the World

Could conscious communities be more than a utopia? Explore some real places that feel like a dream.

Key takeaways:

  • Eco-villages are built to be environmentally, socially, and economically responsible.
  • They rely on renewable energy, local food, and strong recycling habits.
  • Found worldwide, these communities also provide educational programs to inspire change.

 

Imagine a place where no one gives you side-eye looks for bringing your reusable mug everywhere, and your composting skills are met with a standing ovation. Sounds like a dream, right?

Believe it or not, these places exist and they are called eco-villages – communities built on environmental, social, and economic responsibility. Picture locally grown food, renewable energy, efficient waste systems, and even programs to inspire visitors. [1]

And no, you don’t need a yellow brick road or Munchkinland magic to find them. With over 1,100 eco-villages worldwide [2], these revolutionary places prove that living in tune with our earth isn’t just a fairy tale. Ready to explore? Come along as we guide you through three of these dreamy communities.

 

The Findhorn Eco Village, Scotland

This place is basically “the Netflix original” of eco-villages – it’s where the Global Ecovillage Network was born. [3]

Nestled in the Bay of Moray, it exemplifies the concept of a “20-minute neighborhood”, where all your daily essentials are within a short, traffic-free stroll. With one of the lowest environmental footprints in the developed world, the village continues to outdo itself: in 2022, total emissions dropped to 3,217 tons of CO2e, down from 3,858 tons recorded in 2019. That’s an impressive average of just 7.9 tons of CO2e per community member. [4]

The buildings here are as innovative as they are environmentally conscious, featuring “breathing walls” (don’t worry, they are not chatty), efficient insulation, and recycled materials like old car tires. Combine these with renewable energy sources such as solar panels and wind turbines that generate more energy than the community uses, and you’ve got a truly self-sufficient haven. [5]

Top it all off with workshops for extra wisdom, and you’ll get a place that’s literally “walking the talk” of mindful living. Ready for the next stop on your tour?

Ecovillaggio Torri Superiore, Italy

A 3,500 square-meter gem in the province of Imperia, where the past meets innovation… though here, the future has a delightfully medieval twist. Picture this: hiking through the breathtaking Ligurian mountains, cooling off in Bevera’s crystal-clear waters, and discovering a community where mindful living isn’t just a buzzword, it’s a way of life.

This village is a shining example of how to live harmoniously with the land, thriving on local farming, solar energy, and ingenious natural building materials like cork and coconut. [6] Old-school traditions like local trade and beekeeping [7] are encouraged, while collaborations with nearby enterprises help create conscious job opportunities for the community.

With about 4,500 overnight stays per year, this village is a living time capsule. [9] Who needs a time machine when you can just visit this town or the next one we will bring you to?

 

Crystal Waters Community, Australia

Spread across 640 acres [10] of paradise, this community has a golden rule: 80% for wildlife, agriculture and environmental projects, and just 20% for humans. [11] Imagine sharing your backyard with wallabies, birds, frogs, and – yes, you guessed it right – kangaroos all while coexisting in perfect balance. [12]

From ingenious water systems to clustered homes and a strong culture of recycling and reusing, this community is all about living intentionally. Every choice is made with care, ensuring the planet and its inhabitants thrive together.

No passport? No problem! Check out the 90-minute documentary and take a virtual stroll in this paradise.

A sneak peek to our next article

We’ve seen how some communities truly live consciously. In our next article, we’re diving into how some brands “fake it ‘till they make it” with clever greenwashing tricks. Get ready – it’s going to be eye-opening!

 

 

[1]“5 of the World’s Coolest Ecovillages”, World Economic Forum, available at: https://www.weforum.org/stories/2022/09/5-of-the-world-s-coolest-ecovillages/
[2]
“Ecovillages from Around the World for Sustainable Living”, Earth.org, available at: https://earth.org/ecovillages-from-around-the-world-for-sustainable-living/
[3] “5 of the World’s Coolest Ecovillages”, World Economic Forum, available at: https://www.weforum.org/stories/2022/09/5-of-the-world-s-coolest-ecovillages/
[4]“Findhorn CARBON FOOTPRINT 2022 report”, The Park Ecovillage, available at: https://parkecovillagetrust.co.uk/wp-content/uploads/2023/04/PET-Carbon-Footprint-Report-2022.pdf
[5]
“5 of the World’s Coolest Ecovillages”, World Economic Forum, available at: https://www.weforum.org/stories/2022/09/5-of-the-world-s-coolest-ecovillages/
[6]“Sustainability in Practice”, Ecovillaggio Torri Superiore, available at: https://www.torri-superiore.org/en/ecovillage/sustainability-in-practice/
[7]The “Terre di Confine” Network, Ecovillaggio Torri Superiore, available at: https://www.torri-superiore.org/en/ecovillage/the-terre-di-confine-network/
[8]“Sustainability in Practice”, Ecovillaggio Torri Superiore, available at: https://www.torri-superiore.org/en/ecovillage/sustainability-in-practice/
[9]Ecovillaggio Torri Superiore website, available at: https://www.torri-superiore.org/en/home/
[10]Crystal Waters Community Cooperative website, available at: https://crystalwaters.org.au/
[11]“Ecovillages from Around the World for Sustainable Living”, Earth.org, available at: https://earth.org/ecovillages-from-around-the-world-for-sustainable-living/
[12]“5 of the World’s Coolest Ecovillages”, World Economic Forum, available at: https://www.weforum.org/stories/2022/09/5-of-the-world-s-coolest-ecovillages/