Designing Ecological Habitats - Gaia Education

28 Designing ecological Habitats
Svanholm Ecovillage.
whereby both the release of CO 2 and the much stronger greenhouse gas,
nitrous oxide, is reduced significantly. Approximately one third of the
agricultural land is used for multi-year willow, fruit trees and pastures, all of
which build soil carbon.
A portion of the effluent from AIH is used as fertilizer for willow trees,
thus binding CO 2 by solar means, saving energy and eliminating the emission
of nitrous oxide from basins as in conventional treatment.
We sort our waste into many categories, so a significant part is reused.
This is very satisfying, and, once systematized, is no burden.
We have 2 jointly-owned cars at Hjortshøj. For some, it means that they
do not need a car. For others it means the chance not to buy car No. 2.
In both cases, it becomes clearer what the costs are. This promotes the use
of bicycles and public transportation.
There are so many things to do in AIH that there is simply no one with
weight problems. How about that for a new angle on lifestyle change!
The Svanholm Collective
In 1978, the 800 year-old Svanholm Estate was acquired by a group of people
with a dream to live a sustainable life in community – and the dream is still
alive. Today, the 420 hectares are inhabited by 90 adults and 60 children.
Together, we operate an organic farm and several businesses. We have a
common purse, common meetings and a common kitchen, but no common
dogma. We also have apartments and privacy.
Community with a Common Purse
The collective is formally organized as a limited partnership in which all
are members. The collective makes all major decisions at the monthly
common meeting. Decisions can only be taken by consensus, not by voting.