Forgive me if I sometimes seem to equate the pioneers of cohousing with the pioneers who resettled America. I know it seems like a gross exaggeration, but you have to admit, there are similarities. In both cases, pioneers work within given conditions—sometimes harsh—to try to create a safe, equitable, livable world. In our times, the given conditions include things such as traffic congestion, overconsumption, and global warming—as harsh as they come. However, I believe that the best measure of a successful civilization—or community—is how well it can absorb disruption and keep going. A sustainable community produces less stress and more support for its inhabitants and puts less stress on the environment by conserving resources such as energy, water, and soil.

Saturday 1:30 – 3:00 pm
The presentation features the ecological, economic, and social/cultural/spiritual aspects of
sustainability in ecovillages, with over 400 photos of 30+ ecovillage projects worldwide. Shows
permaculture design, natural building, off-grid power, alternative technology, sustainable
agriculture, Earth restoration projects, international peace activism, service to people in need,
local currencies, on-site cottage industries, participatory decision-making, conflict resolution,
and process and communication skills for bonding and connecting, and much more. Features
three kinds of ecovillages: (1) intentional communities (including ecovillages using the
cohousing model), (2) ecologically aware traditional indigenous villages, and (3) sustainability
education centers. Featuring ecovillages in North America, Europe (Italy, Germany, Denmark,
Russia, Iceland), Africa (Senegal, South Africa), Asia (Japan, India, Thailand), and Latin

This track offers four breakout sessions.

Half Day Workshop: Wed 8:30 – 12:00

Price: $60

This workshop will examine sustainable choices from siting, harvesting, and processing to building with your own resources. We will focus on energy and material efficiency, low cost and low impact options, natural lighting, heating and cooling and how small can be both beautiful and sustainable. We will also examine sustainable forestry's connection to green building including embedded costs, assumptions and appropriate scale/size. As a case study we will examine an 800 square foot hybrid house kit (an example of end-product forest management) helping to clarify the integration between sustainable forestry and efficient and affordable housing. We will explore concepts which include direct solar gain with air-core mass floor, hybrid post and beam, I-Beam rafters and joists, membrane insulation systems and much more.