Natural neighborhoods: eco- and generation-conscious: explore with janeAnne Narrin how co-housing is just the thing for every generation.

Today, I had the good fortune to meet a woman whose diminutive size might belie her stance in the world. She's a mother, a grandmother, recently a great grandmother, and a powerful activist in the evolution of sustainable communities. Many consider her a local hero. This woman, let's call her "Claire," has long held a gigantic interest in "'improving the world, one neighborhood at a time."

She beams as we chat over tea. The reason? She and her group of investors are on the hunt for land. They intend to create an ecovillage near Asheville, NC. According to Claire, an ecovillage is a "socially, economically and ecologically sustainable social network" Claire and her friends of all ages are lobbying for co-housing in a small-scale conservation development. They are dedicated to, and insistent upon, minimal ecological impact. At seventy-something, this is one of the most thrilling projects she has sponsored.

OLD-FASHIONED NEIGHBORHOOD? ECOVILLAGE? CO-ROUSING?

Many years of ecovillage projects in Denmark led to the formation in 1990 of the Global Ecovillage (GEN). GEN's aim is to support and encourage the evolution of sustainable settlements across the world. The group defines ecovillages as "urban or rural communities of people who strive to integrate a supportive social environment with a low-impact way of life. To achieve this, they integrate various aspects of ecological design, permaculture, ecological building, green production, alternative energy, community building practices and much more."

Whether you refer to these developments as ecovillages, co-housing, or old-time neighborhoods, those in the know say this is the next trend in multi-generational housing. And the concept that originated in Denmark is now making a mark here in our area. Claire confides, "We are just now seeing that it is a wonderful opportunity for people like me. I won't be alone at eighty. In this variation on the theme of sustainable communities, I am assured that my neighbors hold a commitment to a relationship with one another and will look in on me."

So, co-housing is a collaborative opportunity in which residents of "all ages actively participate in the design and operation of their own neighborhoods. And, Claire's excited because the group can sculpt the way it comes together. She envisions communities with renewable energy systems that have both creature comforts and quality of life components. "I can see it right now," she smiles. "A cafe, a neighborhood organic market, a local artisans shop, a bakery, office and live-work space just off the road, and further up the hill, small, yet elegant abodes, townhomes and single-family residences all in a mixed-use, eco-development designed for sustainability and human-scale living."

As our conversation unfolds, we both enjoy the notion that this ecovillage will thrive on state-of-the-art strategies--sustainable site development, water savings, energy efficiency, material selection and indoor environmental quality--that work with the natural setting. It will offer quality space and surroundings to people who choose to live there. "People who live in this village can conduct business there, or simply choose to relax in a pleasant environment," we conclude. Claire's group is looking at a sustainable landscape design with all kinds of native plants, organic vegetable and herb gardens, a labyrinth, walking and hiking trails on adjoining acres, places to sit and relax and an amphitheater in the woods.

Her enthusiasm is contagious. Although the overall neighborhood design offers all the features of conventional homes, those who live in an ecovillage also have access to common facilities such as open space, courtyards, a playground, a meditation deck and fountain, and a lodge ... a "green plan" that encourages both social contact and individual space. Again, there is the understanding that, as a member of this multi-generational community, you are entrusted with a shared sense of caring for all who live there.

"You and I are entrusted with a shared sense of caring for all who live there," Claire sings as she waves goodbye and hops in her fuel-efficient car to ride out to hand she and the others are considering.

EXAMPLES OF ECOVILLAGES/ SUSTAINABLE COMMUNITIES

Sunward Co-housing near Ann Arbor, MI.... A place "where lives are simplified, the earth is respected, diversity b welcomed, children play together in safety, and living in community with neighbors comes naturally." www.sunward.org.

Winslow Co-housing on Bainbridge Island near Seattle, WA ... Where residents aim to "a minimal impact on the earth and create a place in which all residents are equally valued as part of the community." www.winslowcohousing.org.

Ecovillage at Ithaca, NY ... Here, the goal is "to explore and model innovative approaches to ecological and social sustainability." www.ecovillage.ithaca.ny.us.

Earthaven Ecovillage near Asheville, NC.... Where residents are "dedicated to caring for people and the Earth by learning, living, and demonstrating a holistic, sustainable." www.earthaven.org.

janeAnne holds the highly-regarded designations of ECO[R] Real Estate Consultant and e-PRO[R] and serves as an active member on the New Life Journal Green Home Experts Board. As founder of the ECO-Steward Real Estate Firm, she specializes in viewshed acreages, horse farms, conservation developments, and Eco-wise 1031 Investing.