The following strategies of the Yarrow EcoVillage are arrayed in three dimensions (Social-Economic; Ecological and Cultural-Spiritual). Each dimension has five elements (e.g., Learning/Teaching...). Each of the elements contains one or more descriptive statements or critical success factors.
YES Strategies, adapted from: Ecovillage Living: Restoring the Earth and Her People by Hildur Jackson and Karen Svensson
SOCIAL - ECONOMIC
Learning/Teaching
- Experimentation
- Research and demonstration
- Internal and outreach education and communication
- Lifelong learning
Promoting a Healthy Lifestyle
- Preventative healthcare
- Fitness and nutrition
- Holistic healing
Supportive Community
- Shared vision and agreements that express commitments
- Listening for meaning
- Consensus decision-making
- Collaborative conflict resolution
- Co-intelligence
- Sharing resources with one another and with the wider community
Diverse and Accessible
- Inclusion of individuals from various backgrounds and stages of life, differing abilities, incomes and family structures (including singles), and diverse cultural, spiritual and religious backgrounds
- Barrier-free design
- Provision of affordable housing options, (i.e., rental, lease to own and use of sweat equity).
Localizing Economics
- Economic activities planned for, enabled and supported on site
- Encouraging worker ownership
- Supporting the local economy
- Community economic development
ECOLOGICAL
Minimizing Ecological Impacts
- Green business
- Life cycle and ecological footprint analysis
- The Natural Step
Conserving Resources
- Green building
- Renewable energy
- Local water care
- Alternative waste disposal
Organic farming
- Local food production, consumption and recirculation
- Certified organic farm
- Sustainable year-round food production
Biodiversity
- Encouraging the wild and native flora and fauna
- Habitat restoration
- Ecosystem protection and management
Permaculture
- Permaculture design
CULTURAL - SPIRITUAL
Creativity
- Artistic expression
- Personal unfolding
Spirituality
- Respecting, honouring and celebrating everyone's spirituality
- Finding and incorporating beauty in all elements of life
Celebrating Life
- Honouring cultures
- Celebrating significant events and passages
- Promoting peace and nonviolence
Holistic Worldview
- Philosophy and science supporting the interconnectedness of life
Connecting with Nature
- Attuning to natural cycles
- Bioregional thinking