Ithaca has a lot of unique opportunities for those who crave a sustainable lifestyle to pursues their ideals. The Eco Village at Ithaca is a sustainable, non-profit organization that offers residents an alternative to a modern neighborhood. Their mission, according to their website, is about “developing an alternative model for suburban living which provides a satisfying, healthy, socially rich lifestyle, while minimizing ecological impacts.”

The eco village currently consists of two co-housing neighborhoods, FROG and SONG, and a CSA Farm (Community Supported Agriculture.) They also have a third neighborhhod, TREE, in the planning stages. 

Village life for the residents consists of plenty of meetings, parties and group events. Many of the Eco Village homes utilize solar power and are built with sustainable or found materials. 

The community hosts common dinners in the two Commons Houses several times a week. Committees and groups focus on specific tasks like maintenance, future projects, finances, and cooking. Members are encouraged to volunteer for at least 2-3 hours a week for the team or committee of their choice.

The Eco Village has recently partnered with Ithaca College, to form the PSE (Partnership in Sustainable Education.) Their goal is to “foster sustainability thinking and practice at IC, EVI, and the surrounding region.”