America is loaded with the suburbs. You know the type: undistinguishable houses, half acre lots, kids riding their bikes up and down the sidewalks, dogs barking, neighbors waving hi to one another, Honda Accords parked in the driveways. However, there is a new sheriff in town. Earth Haven eco-village is adding a twist to the modern day ‘Green Acres.’ Founded in 1994, Earth Haven is comfortably situated on three hundred and twenty acres in western North Carolina. The inhabitants of the eco-village take full advantage of the culturally rich and biologically diverse countryside, and demonstrate holistic, sustainable culture. Put in layman’s terms, Earth Haven is like it’s own medieval city-state. Today, Earth Haven boasts about sixty members within it’s illustrious borders. Although most of it is still under construction, Earth Haven’s permaculture site plan includes residential neighborhoods and compact business sites, in addition to areas suited for orchards, market gardens, and wetlands. Their near-sighted goal is to increase their population size to one hundred and fifty, with just over fifty-six homesites. Interestingly enough, members of Earth Haven govern themselves with a consensus decision-making process and a Council and committee structure. They own title to their land which has been financed from private loans from members. Members also pay their share of the cost of the land simply by leasing homesites from the community. Members of Earth Haven have the opportunity to create and operate their own environmentally-friendly businesses within the eco-village. From a permaculture nursery, carpentry and home construction, tool-rental, solar system installation, plumbing and electrical installation, candle-lanterns and other wooden craft items, this modern day civilization should give the Amish a run for their money (and their horses). With their own ecologically sound businesses and sustainable living mechanisms, Earth Haven eco-village is so efficient, the outside world will barely even know it’s there...after all, isn’t that what it’s all about? Have YOU helped save the world today?For more information, visit: earthhaven.orgWant to become a Social Firestarter? “Like” us on Facebook or follow us on Twitter @ BrushfireMG
