In a world increasingly dominated by concrete and steel, I found myself dreaming of a home made from natural materials—mud, straw, ceramics, wood, and glass. A place where I could live simply, eat vegetarian for my health, and cultivate both my spirit and my connection to the earth. It's not just about living off-grid; it's about creating a lifestyle that honors nature and supports sustainability.
I first heard about this kind of life in Vancouver, through a friend’s family who aspired to live in an Ecovillage. They were passionate about building their own eco-friendly home using locally sourced, sustainable materials. Their vision was not just a dream but a reality they were working toward. The idea of a mud hut, built with straw and clay, surrounded by organic gardens and solar-powered amenities, fascinated me.
Through them, I discovered the OUR EcoVillage on Vancouver Island, a community dedicated to sustainable living. Founded in the early 1990s, it spans 25 acres near a lake and has been operating since 1999. Its mission is to promote social sustainability, environmental stewardship, and education. It offers a space where people of all ages can come together, learn, and live in harmony with nature.
The village includes outdoor kitchens, solar showers, composting toilets, and guest accommodations for campers. There's also a large yurt that serves as a gathering space, internet café, and classroom. During the rainy winters, it becomes a warm and welcoming place for retreats and learning. Inside, there's an art studio where creativity thrives, and a communal kitchen that serves meals from their own garden—vegetarian-based, with fresh bread and pizza as staples.
During a short visit to Vancouver Island, guided by a teacher named Zhang Xiaohuang, I was inspired to explore building with natural materials. My friend Wu Hao even started experimenting with making his own mud walls. Meanwhile, my mind was already imagining how to bring some of this eco-living into my own life.
I took several photos of the healing huts made from mud, straw, ceramic, wood, and glass. These structures are not only beautiful but also functional, blending seamlessly into the landscape while offering comfort and sustainability.
Even if we don’t all live in an Ecovillage, we can still make small changes in our daily lives. Like one of my friends, who lives simply, uses second-hand furniture, grows her own food, and avoids waste. She shows that a green lifestyle doesn't require grand gestures—it starts with mindful choices.
Ecovillages represent a growing movement toward a more balanced way of living. They emphasize resource conservation, self-sufficiency, and community. Whether through shared kitchens, composting systems, or renewable energy, they offer a model for a more sustainable future.
If you're interested in learning more, I recommend visiting the OUR EcoVillage website: [http://ourecovillage.org](http://ourecovillage.org).
Source: Rui Xue's Blog
Image Source: Network
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