Immutable Essential Principles
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These Immutable Essentials were derived by identifying components of an Eco Village that are integral, and must not be forfeited in the name of compromise. These essential characteristics are introduced to prospective Eco Village citizens by means of various educational programs. The overall intention is to identify an ecologically-conscious, community-centered group of people who share specific values, goals, and characteristics, as exemplified by these Immutable Essentials
Community
- The community, as a whole owns all land under condominium law, a land trust or other appropriate legal mechanism, to ensure that all future value accruing to the site as it is developed, goes to the community.
- On the resale of all buildings, there is a 50% capital-gains tax paid to the community to discourage speculation, and to ensure that the town, which is has ultimately been responsible for the increases in property values, will receive their proper share.
- A Community-owned Credit Union, or bank, provides zero-interest home and business building loans, and a community-wide currency is developed, as are other innovative financial technologies.
- Local people, local materials are employed whenever possible.
- Village-owned laboratory facilities monitor air, water, soil, sewage, do some materials testing, and conduct on-going research in these and other crucial areas.
- Free education is provided to citizens by a non-profit Community-Owned system, oriented toward training students in the systems creating ecological and economic sustainability.
- Healthcare facilities and treatment are provided for all Eco Village citizens.
- All transportation in the community is with zero CO2 or hydrocarbon emissions, and no cars or trucks are allowed inside the town proper. This implies a community transit system like a trolley, or a Personal Rapid Transit (PRT) monorail.
- Local enterprises are encouraged, and startup industries and commercial business supply most of the necessary materials and other items for constructing the Eco Village.
- A community owned/operated insurance system serves the residents' needs.
- Affordable housing includes owner-participation in construction, under direct supervision.
- Utilities and Services are owned by the community.
- Eco Village government is representative for conducting of preliminary discussions, but is totally democratic, and all registered voters vote on all issues.
Ecosystems
- Water is primarily collected from rain and atmospheric-moisture from greenhouses and a wastewater treatment enclosures, and its purification uses hydrogen peroxide and ultraviolet light (not chlorine).
- No more water is removed annually from the local aquifer than is returned to it.
- Sewage purification is through bioremediation (biological systems), plus sterilization by hydrogen peroxide and ultra violet light. The effluent is then recycled into the agricultural system. (This is a centuries-old process. See "Farmers of Forty Centuries", and review the Biosphere 2 experience of the early 1990s.)
- Food, equivalent to the community's overall required nutrients and calories, is grown and processed locally.
- All community energy comes from renewable sources.