If humans are to survive on Earth we must ultimately live in ecologically sustainable communities that function without causing environmental damage. Energy must originate from sources that are renewable, safe, clean, and non-polluting such as solar, wind, hydro, biofuels, geothermal, and wave.

Ecologically sustainable communities can still be found in the Amazonian rainforests. In November 2005 we visited several communities of Kichwa, Achuar, and Secoya Indians living at or near sustainability in the Oriente of Ecuador. They depend on the surrounding rainforest for their food, medicine, dwellings, transportation, and spirituality. But, of course, these indigenous tribes have lived sustainably for thousands of years. Are there examples of ecologically sustainable communities in the Western world?

Mata de Sesimbra
The Mata de Sesimbra project in Portugal has been envisioned to use the ecologically sustainable One Planet Living (OPL) principles set down by the World Wildlife Fund (WWF) to be implemented by Portuguese developer Pelicano. Mata de Sesimbra will integrate its building program with tourism, nature conservation, and reforestation at a cost of more than one billion dollars. The development will house 30,000 people in 8,000 solar powered units built of sustainable materials. Some 6000 jobs will be created. Only renewable energy will be used. Half of the food will come from local sources. A sustainable transportation network will obviate the need for private autos. Rainwater collection and water recycling systems will reduce water consumption. An 18.5 square mile native pine and oak forest will be restored to protect nesting birds, wetlands, and riverine and coastal habitats.

BedZED
The Beddington Zero Energy Development (BedZED) by the Peabody Trust in Great Britain provided lessons for Mata de Sesimbra. BedZED is a 'carbon neutral' community containing both housing and employment opportunities using only renewable heat and electricity generated at the development. Building materials came from renewable or recycled sources within 35 miles. Water-saving appliances reduce the need for water supplied by rainfall and a water recycling system. A green transportation system reduces the necessity for private autos. BedZED has much green space with private gardens. BedZED with its 100 homes has led to a concept design called Z-Squared by BioRegional Development Group of a zero carbon, zero waste OPL community of 2000 homes with employment for 5000 people.

One Planet Living
We are living beyond our means on Earth by about 20% above carrying capacity causing the deterioration and destruction of ecosystems. Five planets would be required to support the people on Earth if everyone lived as we do in the United States. One Planet Living (OPL) is an effort by the WWF and BioRegional to make sustainable living easy, attractive, and affordable in their projects around the world. The guiding principles of OPL projects are zero carbon, zero waste, sustainable transportation, local and sustainable materials and food, sustainable water, natural habitats and wildlife, culture and heritage, and health and happiness. The worldwide network of OPL communities to be built in China, Australia, South Africa, China, U.S., Canada, U.K. and Portugal will also be centers for education and training for sustainable development in each country.

Will we be able to retrofit existing cities and suburbs to accomplish OPL principles as peak world oil production and the severe effects of global warming appear on the horizon? Can suburbs be restructured into small communities providing much of their own energy, food, and jobs using distributed energy networks, telecommuting, regional mass transit, and locally grown food? Is it possible for retrofitted cities and suburbs to achieve high quality One Planet Living or must they be redesigned and built anew?

Sustainable living cannot be achieved by wise planning alone. The key to success is to instill in all participants a vision of our Earth home in which we can achieve productive and satisfying lives without destroying life on the planet.