LA ecovillage: self-reliance in car-free urban homestead

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  • čas přidán 15. 06. 2014
  • In urban Los Angeles, about 3 miles west of downtown, 500 people live on 11 acres where priority is given to bicycles, fruit trees, greywater, veggie gardens, clotheslines, compost, shared spaces (tool shop, art space, bike shop), micro-businesses, on-site natural food coop and chickens.
    The Los Angeles Ecovillage was launched over 2 decades when its founders looked to the neighborhood for inspiration. "The way in which we think about making an urban ecovillage, we have to ask ourselves the questions, 'what are the problems in your neighborhood with air, soil and water'", explains co-founder Lois Arkin. "And for us, in the beginning, it was discovering that the children in our neighborhood had 20% less lung capacity than children in other neighborhoods. So what could we do, we could stop driving."
    * Filmed by Johnny Sanphillippo -- more of his stories about urbanism, adaptation & resilience: granolashotgun.com/
    LA Ecovillage: laecovillage.org/
    Original story: faircompanies.com/videos/view/...
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Komentáře • 474

  • @bethanyday3471
    @bethanyday3471 Před 4 lety +25

    Would love an updated video on how this is going now. If only more places could be like this. Realistic in how they are approaching the homestead with great big plans that hopefully end with mostly self-reliance.

  • @Junior_Jackson
    @Junior_Jackson Před 9 lety +83

    This woman has big plans. I think that's a good thing. I guarantee this neighborhood is a much better place because of them.

  • @samella35
    @samella35 Před 10 lety +22

    I prefer city living vs rural living. But in this vid, with all the fruit trees, veggie plants, cycle riders, etc., they have the best of both worlds. Kirsten, this vid is so inspiring to me, as Imma city girl, but love to live simply and self-sustainably. Thanks so much for reaching out and exposing the variety of ways we can live eco-friendly. You're the best.

  • @lancedaniels
    @lancedaniels Před 10 lety +20

    Thanks Kirsten for giving me a chance to see such an interesting community. It sounds like they have striven to achieve ownership with little debt too. Very impressive.

  • @janetlevisay1770
    @janetlevisay1770 Před 9 lety +13

    This lady is a visionary -- I really respect that!!

  • @AnthonyRizzo2
    @AnthonyRizzo2 Před 10 lety +63

    Solutions happen when people supplant cynicism and apathy with conviction and action. In an age of big corporation and big government, it is refreshing to see people who are not waiting for someone else to lead but who instead are taking their own lives and future into their hands. It’s beautiful to see so many different generations of people represented too. It shows that this is not some fringe specialty group but that it is a way of life for the masses. I would love to see a big polluting city like L.A. transformed into an urban oasis dominated by bicycles instead of cars, because if there is hope for L.A. then there is hope for the rest of Americas big cities as well.

    • @albertrasch4793
      @albertrasch4793 Před 10 lety +1

      Let's not forget that it would all be for naught if they didn't get handouts and donations, grants and city funds... That all comes from people other than the direct community. A necessary evil perhaps?

    • @AnthonyRizzo2
      @AnthonyRizzo2 Před 10 lety +10

      Albert Rasch Our government keeps the price of animal feed artificially low so that industry wide agra-corporations can mass produce meat for the nation. It’s a system of public handouts that have made companies lucrative deals that should have fallen through. It has in turn created a network of interdependent economic relationships that are all artificially propped up. We are living and working in an unsustainable system that is bound to collapse.
      We are coconspirators in this failed economy. We help support it. We create new businesses that depend on it. We buy and support products and services that it supplies. We know it’s wrong yet we remain as I said before apathetic and cynical. Every large scale effort to the contrary by well backed entrepreneurs gets met with skepticism and thwarted by red tape and regulations. Every grassroots effort gets criticized as fringe and a drain on public grants and private contributions.
      Yet they are doing nothing different than the larger well established corporate industries are doing. They are seeking financing and public support for an idea, product or service that will stand to make billions given adequate support. So what’s the difference? This new model is sustainable. It is realistic; It does not need to be propped up by the government. All it needs is public support, both in the way of how we shop and public funds and regulations that make such businesses easier to start and run.
      It’s not a necessary evil. It is how a democracy speaks.

    • @albertrasch4793
      @albertrasch4793 Před 10 lety +3

      Anthony Rizzo
      Now THAT I agree with;
      Well thought out Sir!
      Thanks

    • @AnthonyRizzo2
      @AnthonyRizzo2 Před 10 lety +1

      Albert Rasch I'm glad because I've been criticized for being a bit too verbose.

    • @samella35
      @samella35 Před 10 lety +2

      Anthony Rizzo. I totally agree, and am trying to do the same in my beloved city, Detroit, with some success. Thanks for your enlightened comment.

  • @tadamsmcadams7141
    @tadamsmcadams7141 Před 10 lety +14

    I think its wonderful. I see a lot of haters, but I think they are part of a change that is good. I live in Arizona and when I visit friends in Scottsdale, everything is manicured and perfect...but its the dessert...this seems definitely more free flowing with people interacting with each other. Its better than perfect yards and homes where no one talks to each other. They have a vision for the place that they live.

  • @wynnkidsnannylorivance4111
    @wynnkidsnannylorivance4111 Před 7 lety +20

    Kirsten, I know I say this about almost every film you make....but....this one is my favorite!.....again! :)

  • @terrideniseA
    @terrideniseA Před 10 lety +18

    I think this is awesome. There is so much potential and these people are going for it. It's a life that's more affordable and they are being so creative. I agree with the way they are living, trying to do things cheaper, more natural, recycling and living with honesty and respecting each other, thus helping each other and teaching future generations. It takes time and money to beautify but I see they have accomplished so much. I have bookmarked their website and will read more about how they manage things. I have lots of questions. Thanks for posting this Kirsten. I didn't know these communities were around.

    • @samella35
      @samella35 Před 10 lety +1

      What is their website. I'd like to contact them as well. Thanks.

    • @terrideniseA
      @terrideniseA Před 10 lety +1

      to nzinga zindua:The website, LA Ecovillage is at laecovillage.org/

    • @frand122
      @frand122 Před 7 lety

      Denise Anderson is

  • @thesuppliesgirl
    @thesuppliesgirl Před 10 lety +16

    this lady is amazing. buying up the ghetto and turning it into this wonderful property brings a smile to my face. and the water filter system they set up for the street drains - what an inspiration!

  • @TheXanUser
    @TheXanUser Před 3 lety +5

    would really love to see a 2020 followup on this one.

  • @kenmurray8476
    @kenmurray8476 Před 9 lety +1

    I had the very enjoyable opportunity to attend a film screening last week at the LA Eco Village, and met Lois! Along with a number of other residents. It was very inspirational in the opinion of many new attendees such as myself. It was a very welcoming environment, and was great fun!

  • @bealtainecottage
    @bealtainecottage Před 10 lety +25

    This is simply fabulous...a wonderful concept for living! Such a great example, it makes a good template for other communities! I practice permaculture and it's great to see this being applied in the city!

  • @maureenspaulding7092
    @maureenspaulding7092 Před 9 lety +6

    How are you dealing with police/fire protection? Insurance? Liability especially? If you get sick how are you going to get an ambulance to you quickly?
    I love the concept and you certainly are strong dedicated folk with a great alternative to urban blight! I commend you and will pass this on to many friends I know. My advise is Not to become too isolated. I live in a rural community in Mass. and I have the exact opposite situation that you do. Because we are considered poor we are being taken advantage by corporate greed who want to take our land for natural gas that will go outside of the country. They just want to use us without liability for their actions. We are fighting hard to keep our open spaces and farmlands here. If there is an explosion we will be on fire forever like California. It is the "Fire Next Time" said James Baldwin. Water is precious. Glad you are aware and more.
    Mo Spaulding

  • @smallfootprint2961
    @smallfootprint2961 Před 8 lety +1

    She's my hero. May she live forever and change the world. I know exactly where this is and think it's amazing that they have had the insight to make this happen. Now if I can just figure out how to size down my avitar....

  • @tonibartling3844
    @tonibartling3844 Před 10 lety +5

    Love this girl....so much vision and real determined! She doesn't let anything get in her way lol. Kudos.

  • @dancewomyn1
    @dancewomyn1 Před 8 lety +6

    I would love to learn from this woman...What a pioneer! To come into an area that I'm sure in the 80's was scary as hell, and come out on the other side with this self sustaining community is quite an accomplishment! And did she say "no bank loans" by the way!?? Wow. impressive.

  • @moonchildani
    @moonchildani Před 10 lety +8

    Thank you for sharing ~ I look forward to all of Kirstins videos. I read below a controversy on opinions of liking this way of life and not ; and there lies the issue of why not more of these communities pop up ~ is the difference of opinions on how they'd run such a community. The good parts everyone can take from this is growing more food as landscape and sharing ~ also the recycle, composting and again the sharing. God bless them in their endeavors.

  • @xX19Cass89Xx
    @xX19Cass89Xx Před 10 lety +18

    Id love to live in a community like this! I think humans have strayed from the importance of community. Everyone's wrapped up in work and stress with the " we have to have this, we have to have that" mentality.. I think we all need to slow down and just take it easy. We only live once and i'm not a bee... I do not want to work my whole life away. When we purge the unnecessary things in our life we'll be able to actually live life and not live for the things we don't even use because we're to busy working.

  • @justgivemethetruth954
    @justgivemethetruth954 Před 10 lety +51

    17:06 - they don't have that social time that our parents did, I mean, like you know you don't hear about people playing bridge anymore.
    This hit me as a really profound comment. We are turning ourselves into robots. Maybe this is the solution. I sure would like to see this kind of thing take over a lot more than I like seeing corporations and just money take over.

    • @jenniferholden9397
      @jenniferholden9397 Před 4 lety +3

      Justgivemethetruth It hit me when people were taking their lunch at their desks! Try explaining that to the French. When I started work in '71 we had to take a lunch break no argument and I wasn't sat looking at a computer screen. Bring back the unions.

  • @paperkawaii
    @paperkawaii Před 10 lety +10

    Wow that looks so cool.. I'd love to live there..! I love all your videos, thanks for taking the time and effort to make them :)

  • @JacksonSharpening
    @JacksonSharpening Před 10 lety +13

    This is a fascinating living example of cooperative living over a period of time. I'm amazed at the underlying human interactions and dynamics that must go on to make this a growing success.

  • @bellaangel9425
    @bellaangel9425 Před 10 lety +10

    This is such an inspiring and encouraging video. We each have the power to cherish ourselves, each other and our Lovely Earth.

  • @eleanorwu3610
    @eleanorwu3610 Před 10 lety +4

    Thank you for sharing your success with us. I am very encouraged by your determination and spirit of doing the best under the circumstances. Please continue your good work. This world need alternatives like the one you are presenting.

  • @wynnkidsnannylorivance4111

    urban self reliance in one space---that is just cool!!!

  • @marzymarrz5172
    @marzymarrz5172 Před 6 lety +1

    Now you’re talking’. Excellent Kirsten. What an interesting way to deal with all the housing issues people in cities have to deal with. In that it is as clear as glass that government will be no help to humanity, humanity has to lawyer up just like this very interesting activist woman did. This is particularly appealing for people of a certain age who would like to live surrounded by people of different ages including noisy and active children. This just gets better as the video unreal!

  • @tiyiendeamyszka6266
    @tiyiendeamyszka6266 Před 8 lety +1

    WE need more of these awesome Eco-villages in the urban setting! It give me great hope when people can come together and live more cooperatively! Keep growing and flowing planting many "seeds" that will spread near and far! Blessings to you all in LA!!!!! Peace, and love, TiyiEndea at Avalon Organic Gardens & Eco-Village, Tumacacori, Arizona

  • @xd0rablex
    @xd0rablex Před 10 lety +6

    This place is amazing! I didn't know such place existed in la! Thanks again fair companies for your awesome videos!

  • @zayvier69
    @zayvier69 Před 3 lety +1

    This intentional community is amazing, this woman is amazing and so knowledgeable I hope others are taking notes from her experience.

  • @mildredmartinez8843
    @mildredmartinez8843 Před 2 lety +1

    This lady is fabulous. Neighbors getting together to make a better sustainable and people friendky right in the heart of LA. Incredible! But true.

  • @pattibrown1809
    @pattibrown1809 Před 4 lety +2

    I love this!!! How beautiful!!! This is exactly what our world needs!❤❤❤

  • @romyjugroo4542
    @romyjugroo4542 Před 10 lety +5

    My car stays in the garage when I can use my bike.Otherwise I cycle when possible or run errands in homemade sandals.Great garden,nice video.

  • @nameofthepen
    @nameofthepen Před 10 lety +19

    Old hippies don't die. They just turn into guerrilla developers of "green" habitats. ;-))

    • @calijames5393
      @calijames5393 Před 10 lety +2

      sometimes you have to fight fire with fire.

  • @hfortenberry
    @hfortenberry Před 4 lety +2

    I LOVE this! This is just fantastic! The whole thing, with all the concepts are amazing! I love how they have those garage compartments each as a specific community use, like the workshop or bike shop or art studio or business incubator (coffee roaster). Wonderful! I'd love to see these kinds of communities popping up all over the country!

  • @buenavidaestates-livingthe6333

    I'm a RE investor and serial renovator and this is awesome and inspiring. Not everyone's style or aesthetic so as they say...take the best, forget the rest. It's just one example. Not your thing? Make your own!! Love the garages/art spaces and tool sheds. I'm just amazed at how she acquired all the buildings and the sense of determination & vision. You go Lois!!

  • @lcrread
    @lcrread Před 7 lety

    Great example of a city urban homestead. A community comes together and made this place a self-reliance and sustainable garden. We need more neighborhoods and other cities to do what they're doing. Thank you for a great video.

  • @JenLavery
    @JenLavery Před 9 lety +1

    If only there was a place like that here. Many people working towards a common goal of self-sustainability. What a beautiful project. ^^

  • @silverhairdemon
    @silverhairdemon Před 4 lety +1

    If the whole world looked like this, it would be paradise.

  • @juliefaye78
    @juliefaye78 Před 10 lety +3

    What a beautiful example of community. Thank you for presenting this Kirsten :)

  • @JamesScottGuitar
    @JamesScottGuitar Před 10 lety +9

    Incredibly inspiring !

  • @earthlingbrittany
    @earthlingbrittany Před 10 lety +3

    Lois, I really appreciate all the hard work you've put into this! I think it's a wonderful ecovillage and I found it very inspiring!

  • @yorkandpomona
    @yorkandpomona Před 10 lety +4

    the art shops are amazing! work shops gardens grey water. oh these people are amazing\

  • @jasonpowell8335
    @jasonpowell8335 Před 10 lety +3

    Kirsten keep up the great work I love watching your documentaries!

  • @justgivemethetruth954
    @justgivemethetruth954 Před 10 lety +3

    The auto-repair shops are kind of scary considering the oil, gas, asbestos and lead. I greatly admire their toughness and perseverance!

  • @diogenesalejandroxenosdax1723

    Wow, may more people build such supportive healthy sustainable communities.

  • @amarketing8749
    @amarketing8749 Před 4 lety

    This is So Wonderful!! In so many city's and college towns, the cost of living is outrageous. This village gives people a chance to actually grow their own food, coop pantry, bicycle repair and storage.... Heck even just having a lobby to gather in is huge!! I hope to see more of this!!

  • @AlexMW-1
    @AlexMW-1 Před 7 lety

    Thanks for posting Kirsten. Enjoyable

  • @writingsinthesky
    @writingsinthesky Před 10 lety +6

    Thanks for sharing. This is an idea that shows promise. I think that 500 people is a bit ambitious, but I hope this project is an inspiration to many others. As for the naysayers about how tidy it is, hey...why not pick up a broom and a shovel and go over there and help these people achieve their dream?

  • @liverawkstar
    @liverawkstar Před 10 lety +2

    I love this upload, :inspirational..
    Im watching it for the 2nd time now...
    awesome folks who live here and support this thinking

  • @Manda11.11
    @Manda11.11 Před 6 lety +1

    ive watched this video like 12 times love it so much

  • @neptronix
    @neptronix Před 10 lety +1

    One of your best videos yet... thanks! :)

  • @sgale79073
    @sgale79073 Před 9 lety +1

    You guys are amazing, what an inspiration. We need to do this in Reno, NV. We are trying to get co-housing started, but there is a real need for affordable urban EcoVillage living like you have demonstrated. It is clear to see the hostess (not sure of her name) is a key community force, and gives us brave ones out there inspiration.

  • @lisawhitaker8709
    @lisawhitaker8709 Před 7 lety +5

    We were sorry to get to the end of this video...ready to move now!

  • @anielaszymanska9592
    @anielaszymanska9592 Před 8 lety +3

    this is soooo great opportunities for some kind of people that will be able might be even survived Thank you so much for such great example and show others to be normal, environmental friendly, ordinary persons Thank you again and all the best in the future

  • @bebahojt
    @bebahojt Před 7 lety

    So inspirational and so many amazing ideas. Just love this one !!

  • @joansmith3492
    @joansmith3492 Před 10 lety +7

    So cool. I love what your doing! It looks like a wonderful place to live! Except I didn't see any dogs! (I can't live without a dog or two). I hope you are able to convert your fellow LA Californians to this better way!

  • @qristv1912
    @qristv1912 Před 8 lety +9

    they should do something like that in every city

    • @DJBSharpMusic
      @DJBSharpMusic Před 8 lety +2

      +Vegantastic Make one. I'd also do it if I had the cash to fold, so to speak.

  • @moetrymwm7807
    @moetrymwm7807 Před 3 lety +1

    What a fascinating tour and community. Los Angeles could sure use more spaces and neighborhoods like yours.

  • @moccasinlanding
    @moccasinlanding Před 5 lety +1

    Amazing people, you o\present them so beautifully

  • @futurelegendfilms
    @futurelegendfilms Před 4 lety

    She’s great. What a vision!

  • @The72Nana
    @The72Nana Před 8 lety +2

    So amazing!

  • @paulypizzaful
    @paulypizzaful Před 10 lety +2

    you are a great person to do selflessly for yourself and others we need others to respect where -how they live withself and others pleas leave your ego out side the perimiter of our blessed community bless you for your service

  • @msyin9
    @msyin9 Před 10 lety +2

    Beautiful!

  • @andreewert1142
    @andreewert1142 Před 6 lety +1

    A Great little Community...Bravo..Mulch, Yeast and Compost ...and you re set to Grow..lol. ..Love Life Loud and Clear

  • @packleader1215
    @packleader1215 Před 10 lety +6

    We need more "bicycle cities" such as Portland, Oregon; Amsterdam; Groningen
    Cycling Friendly Cities

  • @FunTrails
    @FunTrails Před 9 lety +6

    Wonderful and inspiring. Really wan't to come down to check it out sometime, only live an hour away.

  • @yorkandpomona
    @yorkandpomona Před 10 lety +2

    omg im so inspired. i live in los angeles. i want to live here this is a dream come true how amazing!

  • @yorkandpomona
    @yorkandpomona Před 10 lety +2

    I love this so so so so much. Ow This has made me so happy!

  • @debcobern312
    @debcobern312 Před 9 lety

    An inspiration for others living in cities who wish to see this kind of change.

  • @patches_kitty
    @patches_kitty Před 8 lety +1

    AAHHH THANK THE MAKER I SPENT AN HOUR AND A HALF LOOKING FOR THIS VIDEO

  • @NEMO-NEMO
    @NEMO-NEMO Před 7 lety

    This is commune living .... it's always been a better way of life and practiced for a very long time until recently. Everyone working together for a global aim. You also hv the benefits of having different skill sets coming together to solve problems and save money.

  • @lidiabroccolino9433
    @lidiabroccolino9433 Před 2 lety

    Thank you! Your videos are so inspiring and so loving! Very soon I am going to change my life too....

  • @ThisisEkkalak
    @ThisisEkkalak Před 10 lety +2

    This is a nice inspiration at least for me do good things for community. Thank you so much.

  • @beth8775
    @beth8775 Před 6 lety

    She has an amazing vision!

  • @juliamckechnie4094
    @juliamckechnie4094 Před 7 lety +3

    i love this idea.

  • @almannone
    @almannone Před 9 lety

    Another jem! Love it!

  • @riverofpurple
    @riverofpurple Před 4 lety

    I love the way this lady thinks...

  • @donfrancis1400
    @donfrancis1400 Před 10 lety +3

    Amazing!

  • @ragemodels
    @ragemodels Před 4 lety +1

    Love to see a follow vid on these amazing people !!!

  • @Ursaminor31
    @Ursaminor31 Před 3 lety +1

    She is amazing.

  • @CrankyBubushka
    @CrankyBubushka Před 7 lety +2

    Omg I love this place!! I wish I could have a place like that where I live!!

  • @marywatkins9438
    @marywatkins9438 Před 4 lety

    I love this channel and many of the ideas presented. This particular ecovillage is nice, but didn't do much for me personally. But I'm glad their hearts are in the right place and that they are doing good work in their community.

  • @DingoAteMeBaby
    @DingoAteMeBaby Před 3 lety +1

    Amazing mission.

  • @patrickmurphy3
    @patrickmurphy3 Před 10 lety +1

    A very lovely and informative video. RIP my headphones, when she was eating that chewing sound caused me to throw my headphones wildly across the room. It sounded like 10,000 brain bugs eating my head apart. Then again, I get mad at my wife for chewing her food on the other side of the room. Just really sensitive to that sound I suppose. Hope there will be an update on this each year to see how the ecovillage continues to progress.

  • @pgm98387
    @pgm98387 Před 9 lety

    Very nice! Thanks for sharing.

  • @DarklightAmy
    @DarklightAmy Před 10 lety +2

    I would love to live like that one day :) very inspiring!

  • @andrewwinke
    @andrewwinke Před 9 lety

    this is amazing. please dont stop

  • @smeyer9507
    @smeyer9507 Před 4 lety

    This is Awesome, makes me miss CA.

  • @hfortenberry
    @hfortenberry Před 4 lety

    Those little units are adorable. They should have left in the murphy beds. I lived in a place with one once and I loved it.

  • @angelaangell8523
    @angelaangell8523 Před 10 lety +3

    Very nice community..I don't understand how poor people can afford that high of rent though. I know I could not afford to pay that much rent. I'm glad I own my property or I would not be able to make it on my little pension. I feel so blessed.

    • @TEO.187
      @TEO.187 Před 7 lety

      it is largely due to urban location! because I live in an even smaller city and pay $400 a month for a single room that's less than 100sq feet, 550 a month for a whole apartment with its own kitchen and bathroom seems like an amazing deal for Luxury.
      it's so cool that you have your own property! I'd love to save up to buy a small bit of land someday too!

  • @DanielLoveReel
    @DanielLoveReel Před 9 lety +1

    I love it when hippies make sense.

  • @brandonburrell8517
    @brandonburrell8517 Před 6 lety

    This is awesome!

  • @aslfdjalskjflkajs134
    @aslfdjalskjflkajs134 Před 7 lety

    this is so inspiring

  • @PatheticHero
    @PatheticHero Před 5 lety

    I see this as a very idealistic enterprise and very needless to say it is very successful.
    This Woman had a vision and it has now become manifest,
    Brilliant.

  • @TheDtfamu89
    @TheDtfamu89 Před 7 lety

    This is a good idea that helps to stabilize living costs, and people see themselves as owners.

  • @fedepatagonia
    @fedepatagonia Před 4 lety +1

    good people .... very inspiring. i really like it

  • @zayvier69
    @zayvier69 Před 3 lety +1

    These units are quite spacious

  • @renujagasia5031
    @renujagasia5031 Před rokem

    Wonderful

  • @MRInuzaki
    @MRInuzaki Před 3 lety +1

    This is so cool

  • @sandraboose3686
    @sandraboose3686 Před 3 lety +1

    Awesome.