By Shane Goodman shane@dmcityview.com

Walking the walk

It seems like you can’t throw a plastic bag out your car window these days without hitting a tree hugger and being accused of leaving a carbon footprint on the earth. And that’s a good thing, as more and more people are learning about the benefits of living a green lifestyle across the nation and here in Central Iowa.

Talking about concern for the earth and doing something about it are two different things. Residents at Abundance EcoVillage near Fairfield are not only talking the talk, but walking the walk. They are living, learning and experiencing the practical uses of solar, wind and water power and adjusting their lifestyles accordingly.      
  
Reporter Jared Curtis visited the ecovillage and shares what he heard from homeowners there about renewable energy, organic agriculture, tree crops, natural building, rainwater systems, urban design and biofuels — and how all of these relate to the rest of life on earth. 

The ecovillage residents claim that this lifestyle is not only the right thing to do but is cost effective as well. Are these folks a bunch of hippies? Not exactly. They are into something more than hallucinogens. Anyone who can reside in a 3,600-square-foot home with five adults and use less than 100 kilowatts of energy per month is doing something right. 

For many, building a house made of straw may sound like something for three little pigs. But for Abundance EcoVillage residents, it is a way of life. They aren’t concerned about any huffing and puffing that may blow their homes down. In fact, they invite the big bad wolves in to take a look and learn what they are all about. And we can all learn from what they are doing. 

Thanks for reading. CV

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