Nowadays, living in big cities is no longer an option for those who need to have more contact with nature. For this reason, in different countries sustainable communities are being created for the benefit of people and of course, the environment. But what are sustainable communities and how are they created? Also, what are the sustainable communities examples to follow?
What are sustainable communities?
Sustainable or sustainable communities are places developed with the aim of improving the quality of life of the people who inhabit these spaces. At the same time, minimizing the consumption of natural resources and promoting nature conservation. This, thinking of guaranteeing the future of the new generations, without neglecting social justice.
In fact, among the 17 goals related to sustainable development by the United Nations. One of these is to develop plans to convert current communities and cities into fully sustainable areas.
Currently, the planet is being severely affected by the disproportionate consumption of its natural resources. This leads to their scarcity, thus causing a huge environmental imbalance. In addition, the high levels of pollution in cities, energy consumption and growing social inequality, provide urgent solutions. So, little by little, sustainable communities have become a more than necessary option.
Sustainable communities are clear examples that the planet needs imminent changes. Otherwise, the life of human beings and any other living being will be in great danger. It should be noted that the idea of sustainable communities was born in 1994 in Aalborg, a well-known Danish city. In that place, a movement began that had the full support of the European Charter for Sustainable Cities.
From that moment on, the idea took shape until it reached some 400 sustainable communities in different parts of the world. Currently, these numbers are expected to increase progressively until these communities become even more widespread.
What are the characteristics of sustainable communities?
Several years have passed since a small number of sustainable communities have become the focus of attention. This is due to their strong link on such important issues as creating cities that are smart and green. Very necessary to promote the preservation of natural resources and care for the environment.
Nowadays, reaching the highest levels of sustainability has to be among the main priorities of society. Keep in mind that sustainable communities are examples that the quality of life can be improved without endangering the environment. Reason why it is important to know some of its most important characteristics, these are:
– People who live in sustainable communities are fully committed to preserving the environment. This through a healthy and, of course, ecological lifestyle.
– Although the priority is the use of resources responsibly, this does not mean that the quality of life is affected. On the contrary, in sustainable communities each and every one of the inhabitants has access to many benefits. Among the most important are a high-level health system, security, education, means of transportation free of fossil fuels. Furthermore, healthy entertainment also plays an essential role within a sustainable community.
– Green spaces are extensive and are found in and around the community. This in order to offer comfortable areas where the inhabitants can enjoy outdoor activities without problems.
– Regarding its production system, it is not only designed to benefit trade within the community. It also generates great employment opportunities for the inhabitants.
– Any planning that is carried out within the community, has the participation of the people who inhabit it. In this way, the intention is that all solutions are both participatory and inclusive. Positively impacting the quality of life of the locals.
– Almost all buildings work through the implementation of clean energy, thus promoting efficient energy consumption.
– All policies implemented by their government leaders are based exclusively on sustainable models.
– Sustainable tourism is promoted in these communities, with the aim of promoting the cultural diversity of the community and its citizens.
– Both in homes and in companies, what is known as the three “Rs” is applied without fail. That is, reduce, recycle and reuse, thus promoting responsible consumption.
How are sustainable communities created?
Creating a sustainable community is not something that is done overnight, in fact, it requires strict planning. In addition, the help of each of the inhabitants is also required, since the operation and maintenance of the community depends on them. To understand how sustainable communities are created, it is important to consider the following:
Social development
Having green spaces is important in creating sustainable communities, however, it is not everything. Raising the level of the quality of life of the people who live in the community is also essential. For this, free access to quality public services is essential, in order to improve the well-being of the inhabitants.
Education must be of quality and be taught by qualified teachers, without forgetting that care for the environment must be encouraged. Likewise, the health system must be guaranteed without any exclusion, since one of the characteristics of these communities is social equality. In the same way, public transportation must be sustainable and must not deviate from the sustainable model that is based on the creation of the community.
The treatment of waste through recycling, reuse and good use of resources are also important. This as well as security and above all, spaces suitable for the enjoyment of each of the inhabitants. Since these factors are fundamental to understand how sustainable communities are created.
Economic development
The excessive consumption of resources is something that does not fall within the planning of sustainable communities. On the contrary, the inhabitants are required to be more responsible and aware with the use of resources. In this case, the implementation of fair trade is promoted, highlighting the local purchase which maintains respect for nature.
The products that are obtained through local production are designed to meet the demand of the inhabitants. In addition, being cultivated through 100% ecological methods, they guarantee a healthy diet, which favors healthy habits. As if that were not enough, farmers benefit from the sale of their products, while helping to preserve the environment.
On the other hand, only the use of clean energy is implemented, ruling out any method that could generate high energy consumption. In this way, economic growth takes place smoothly within sustainable communities.
preservation of the environment
This factor is very important when it comes to creating a sustainable community, since caring for the environment is essential. For this, it is essential to implement measures that can efficiently reduce CO2 emissions.
The ozone layer suffers constant damage due to high levels of CO2, as well as other gases that are quite harmful to it. It is for this reason that within the planning of a sustainable community, this factor must be a priority. It is a simple way to understand how sustainable communities are created and what to do to maintain them.
In this sense, the use of clean and renewable energies is one of the main objectives. As well as the use of sustainable transport such as the train, electric cars, buses and of course, the bicycle.
Homes must also be adapted for better use of resources, promoting energy and water savings. The latter, one of the most valued resources within sustainable communities, since it represents life itself.
Institutional dimension
Finally, government policies are very important when it comes to creating a sustainable community. Since the planning starts from these entities and, therefore, the most appropriate model is chosen for the benefit of all the inhabitants. In addition, a significant economic investment is required for the development of these communities, which is why, without a doubt, it is one of the fundamental factors.
What is the importance of sustainable communities?
As explained so far, sustainable communities are developed with the aim of achieving coexistence between people and the environment. Maintaining a balance between social growth and, of course, economic growth. Natural resources are becoming scarcer every day and what is even worse, in a few years they will cease to exist if their preservation is not promoted.
Sustainable communities have been important since their creation, as they demonstrate that people can significantly improve their quality of life. This without harming the environment at all, on the contrary, promoting its protection.
There are already many communities and even cities that are implementing a sustainable model for the benefit of their inhabitants. Places like London, Singapore, Colombia, Argentina, Mexico, are quite clear examples of the benefits of a sustainable community.
Some examples of sustainable communities
Sustainable communities are spreading in various parts of the world, especially in Latin America. Place of great importance with regard to the creation of these communities. Some of the most notable examples of sustainable communities in Latin America are the following:
Ecovillage Gaia, in Argentina
Without a doubt, one of the best examples of sustainable communities is found in the Gaia ecovillage, in Argentina. It is a town created in 1992 located in the depths of this wonderful country. In fact, the closest town to this one is no more and no less than approximately two hours away. In ecovilla gaia absolutely everything is of organic origin, even the houses, made with alternative materials.
Ecovillage Velatropa, in Argentina
Like the previous one, the Velatropa Ecovillage is another of the most important sustainable communities in Argentina. This community is located just a few meters from the popular Ciudad Universitaria Buenos Aires. Although it seems incredible, this village has become an oasis right in the middle of said city. All its inhabitants; The vast majority of them are young, lead a vegan lifestyle and also grow their own food.
Ucareo, in Mexico
In Mexico there is a village that works hard with the goal of achieving sustainable energy autonomy. For this, they cling to the collective development of solar panels, thanks to the collaboration of an organization that promotes responsible energy consumption. In this way, Ucareo will light up using only clean energy, reducing…