What is Eco Living?

Eco living is a lifestyle approach that minimizes environmental impact and supports ecological health through daily practices, choices, and systems. It goes beyond individual actions to include community-level practices and integration with regenerative principles.

At OASA, eco living is integrated with regenerative commons, where communities practice eco living while actively restoring ecosystems.

Core Practices of Eco Living

Renewable Energy

Using renewable energy sources:

• Solar panels and solar energy systems
• Wind power where appropriate
• Hydroelectric or micro-hydro systems
• Reducing dependence on fossil fuels

Local Food Production

Producing food locally:

• Regenerative agriculture and agroforestry
• Food forests and permaculture gardens
• Community gardens and shared growing spaces
• Reducing food miles and packaging

Waste Reduction

Minimizing and eliminating waste:

• Composting organic waste
• Recycling and reusing materials
• Designing out waste from systems
• Zero waste to landfill goals

Water Conservation

Conserving and managing water:

• Water retention landscapes and rainwater harvesting
• Efficient water use practices
• Greywater and wastewater treatment
• Aquifer recharge through infiltration

Eco Living vs. Sustainable Living

Eco living and sustainable living are closely related:

• Sustainable Living: Practices that maintain current conditions without degradation
• Eco Living: Practices that minimize impact and can integrate with regeneration

Eco living can be part of sustainable living, and both can integrate with regenerative practices that actively improve ecosystems.

Eco Living in Communities

In sustainable communities and ecovillages, eco living includes:

• Shared infrastructure and resources
• Collective decision-making about practices
• Community gardens and food systems
• Shared renewable energy systems
• Collective waste management

Integration with Regenerative Practices

Eco living integrates with regenerative practices:

• Soil: Composting and organic practices build soil health
• Water: Water retention and conservation practices
• Air: Renewable energy and tree planting improve air quality
• Biodiversity: Native plantings and habitat creation support biodiversity
• Resources: Renewable resources and circular systems

Eco Living in Regenerative Commons

In regenerative commons, eco living is:

• Integrated with regenerative principles
• Practiced collectively by communities
• Aligned with commons-based stewardship
• Part of long-term intergenerational thinking

Benefits of Eco Living

• Reduced Environmental Impact: Lower carbon footprint and resource use
• Cost Savings: Lower energy and resource costs
• Health Benefits: Cleaner air, water, and food
• Community Connection: Shared practices build community
• Resilience: Less dependence on external systems

Eco Living in Practice

At Traditional Dream Factory and other OASA projects, eco living is demonstrated through:

• Renewable energy systems
• Local food production through agroforestry
• Composting and waste reduction
• Water retention and conservation
• Integration with regenerative practices

Related Terms

• Sustainable Living - Related lifestyle practices
• Regenerative Principles - Practices that go beyond eco living
• Sustainable Community - Communities designed for sustainability
• Ecovillage - Intentional sustainable communities