How Twin Oaks Is an Ecovillage

We strive to fulfill the purpose of Twin Oaks as stated in our bylaws:

*to serve as one example of a cooperative social organization...
*to maintain natural resources through ecologically sound production and consumption...
*to be self-reliant by producing goods and services necessary for the community...

Our Relationship to Each Other
We strive to treat all people in a kind, gentle, honest, and fair manner, without violence or competition. We place a high value on resolving conflict. We work towards eliminating attitudes of sexism, racism, and ageism.

Economic Cooperation
By pooling and sharing resources we are able to reduce our expenses and the subsequent impact on the earth. To the extent we provide a basic net of physical and emotional security, we are able to pursue our individual creativity and contribution to our above stated purposes.

Food production
By growing and producing a large proportion of our own food we reduce our impact on the Earth (including the energy needed for transportation and refrigeration) and provide healthier food for ourselves. By using primarily organic methods of growing we reduce the level of toxic materials released into the environment.

Building Methods and Materials
Each building we build is more environmentally sound than earlier buildings, both by reducing energy requirements and making maximum use of renewable energy sources. We utilize passive solar heating, thermal mass, superinsulation, thermal curtains & shutters, maximum natural lighting, and other proven superefficiency techniques.We incorporate the use of cellulose (recycled) insulation, natural wood siding, and high performance windows.

Energy and Water Conservation
We utilize superinsulation, energy efficient appliances and heating devices, low-flow shower heads, compact fluorescent bulbs, and conscious effort to turn down and turn off lights and other appliances not in use. We strongly discourage the use of electric space heat and do not heat our hot water with electricity.

Renewable Energy Resources
We are pursuing the development and use of renewable energy sources to meet our energy needs. We have solar heated hot water in most of our buildings. We heat our buildings with central woodheat and use some photovoltaic electricity.

Permaculture
We pursue the development of our land and resources with a whole systems approach. Site planning now in place includes clustering of dwellings. We grow gardens and orchards for our own food. We protect local endangered species, and strive to protect our land from any toxic chemicals.