Communities Directory: Bethel Suburban Ecovillage

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Forming Formed: 2008

Bethel Suburban Ecovillage

Eugene, Oregon,

United States

(Northwest Part of Town)

Community in earliest stages of development. Four member households. Two parties actively looking at property to purchase.

This ecovillage is comprised of privately owned households within a loosely defined geographical area. Focus is on community building, individual networking and cooperative ventures.

Founders are developing 1/3 acre property into a permaculture demonstration site and micro-community while doing subtle outreach to mainstream neighbors.

Our goal is to attract other sustainably minded people to purchase (or rent) homes in our neighborhood as they become available. We envision families, couples and single people buying their own property, as well as lower-income people cooperatively purchasing homes to share. Among the ecovillage properties, there may be extra bedrooms (or yurts or trailers) that could be rented to people who want to live in community but aren’t financially ready, able or willing to purchase property.

The goal is a loosely woven “suburban ecovillage.” Coordinate orchard plantings and crop rotations. Take care of one another’s kids, chickens, gardens, etc, during emergencies or vacations. Tool sharing, equipment sharing, vehicle sharing. Work parties. Service projects. Barter and trade. Potlucks, games nights, movie nights, dances, jam sessions. Eventually, a community center? Work out elder-care options?

For now: Demonstrate more sustainable lifestyles to our mainstream neighbors. Members are discouraged from judging/showing disapproval of the lifestyles of others, or trying to force "more sustainable" habits or attitudes on others. All change must come from within, person by person and household by household, with the support and encouragement of the community at large. Aim is to educate (gently and by example) on peak oil, global warming, carbon footprint, local/seasonal food, successful cooperative ventures and water issues. Assist interested parties (members and nonmembers) in getting started in whatever small (or large) ways they feel compelled to change.

Everyone is free to participate to whatever degree is comfortable and/or possible for them, in whichever community activities appeal to them. We encourage (not harrass) each other to move toward sustainability.

Our location has many advantages. Property values are low. Large lots are still available. Quiet, working-class neighborhood. Excellent public transportation. Direct bus to downtown transportation hub. Branch Library, one mile. Home improvement center and landscape supply company: biking distance.

MANY PROPERTIES FOR SALE NOW. Please visit our website for a list of current and recent listings and classified ads (rent, sell, trade, projects).

Let us know if you are interested in this project, whether in the short or long term, or if you have other ideas about how we can manifest our vision.

Website: http://www.suburbanecovillage.org

Contact:

Denise-Christine
Eugene, Oregon 97402 United States
Phone: 541-688-1442

Links:

Bethel Suburban Ecovillage Project: Concept, Property Listings, classified ads, discussion group

Former/Other Names: Suburban Ecovillage, Bethel-Danebo Neighborhood,

Last Updated:8/15/2009

Visitors Accepted

Visitor Process: Email us at denise_for_peace@yahoo.com.

Affiliations:

Network Affiliations:

No Official Affiliations

Population Open to new adults: Yes Open to new children: Yes Age Focus: No Focus Age Restrictions: No	Government Decision Making: Other (To Be Determined) Identified Leader: Yes (Concept originators: Denise-Christine and Pat Driscoll) Leadership Core Group: No Answer (Not yet)	Labor and Money Financial Style: Members have independent finances Open to Members with Pre-existing Debt: Yes (Finances, including debt, is the responsibility of each individual.) Labor Contribution: (Members will decide their degree of participation and will (in theory) receive from the community commensurately.) Join Fee: No (No fee at this time.) Regular Fees: No (No dues at this time. Possibly later, depending on evolution of group and goals.)
Land and Buildings Suburban Land Owned By: Individual community member(s) Number of Residences: 2 Cohousing: No	Food, etc. Percentage of Food Grown: (varies from household to household) Dietary Choice or Restrictions: Diet is up to each individual Alcohol Use: Used occasionally (Individuals will drink as they please in their own homes, but drunken behavior is not likely to meet with approval in the community at large.) Tobacco Use: Prohibited (Prohibited in current households. Each household will decide it's own smoking policy and will respec the policies of other households. Smoking will not be allowed at group functions--but a smoking area may be designated at a distance from the actifivies..)	Social Factors Open to Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual, and/or Transgender members: Yes Restrictions on Romantic Relationships (between consenting adults): No Shared Spiritual Path: No Which Spiritual Path(s): (Each member's religion, spirituality or lack thereof is a personal choice that will be respected by all community members. Unwelcomed solicitations or proselytizing will not be tolerated.) Educational Style(s): (Education methods will be the responsibility of each parent. Parents may join together to create home schools, eventually.)

Become an Editor Current editor(s): denise4peace

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