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

[@bethanyday3471]

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.

[@bayoubabe6698]

Yes!! Can we get an update??

[@Junior_Jackson]

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

[@AnthonyRizzo2]

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]

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]

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]

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

[@AnthonyRizzo2]

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

[@samella35]

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.

[@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!!

[@tadamsmcadams7141]

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.

[@samella35]

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.

[@theCosmicQueen]

be careful of contaminated soil in cities.

[@kenmurray8476]

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!

[@terrideniseA]

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]

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

[@terrideniseA]

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

[@frand122]

Denise Anderson is

[@janetlevisay1770]

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

[@thesuppliesgirl]

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!

[@lancedaniels]

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.

[@wynnkidsnannylorivance4111]

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

[@justgivemethetruth954]

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]

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.

[@bealtainecottage]

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!

[@rogergarris6678]

Bealtaine Cottage À

[@maureenspaulding7092]

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

[@mildredmartinez8843]

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

[@lcrread]

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.

[@smallfootprint2961]

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....

[@eleanorwu3610]

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.

[@moonchildani]

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.

[@tonibartling3844]

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

[@tiyiendeamyszka6266]

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

[@marzymarrz5172]

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!

[@pattibrown1809]

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

[@bellaangel9425]

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

[@zayvier69]

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

[@xX19Cass89Xx]

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.

[@davidscott5595]

nice

[@samella35]

Agree.

[@dancewomyn1]

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.

[@JacksonSharpening]

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.

[@hfortenberry]

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!

[@TheXanUser]

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

[@paperkawaii]

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 :)

[@xd0rablex]

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

[@JenLavery]

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

[@nameofthepen]

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

[@calijames5393]

sometimes you have to fight fire with fire.

[@juliefaye78]

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

[@wynnkidsnannylorivance4111]

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

[@amarketing8749]

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!!

[@dawnsmith4275]

I'd love to see an update on this community. Such vision! It makes so much sense. We need more of these communities, especially noe.

[@silverhairdemon]

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

[@earthlingbrittany]

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!

[@jasonpowell8335]

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

[@moetrymwm7807]

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

[@anielaszymanska9592]

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

[@sgale79073]

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.

[@paulypizzaful]

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

[@joansmith3492]

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!

[@FunTrails]

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

[@NEMO-NEMO]

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.

[@justgivemethetruth954]

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

[@romyjugroo4542]

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.

[@andreewert1142]

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

[@liverawkstar]

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

[@writingsinthesky]

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?

[@patrickmurphy3]

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.

[@JamesScottGuitar]

Incredibly inspiring !

[@yorkandpomona]

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

[@PatheticHero]

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.

[@marywatkins9438]

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.

[@debcobern312]

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

[@andreisoare6978]

Hello, I'm Andrei from Romania, Europe. I liked very much your youtoube video I liked your inside home, your garden and especialy your yard. I liked it very, very , very , much, much ! Well done ! Maby you are in USA I think ! Have I right ? All the best ! Bye !

[@jzt999]

Yes, this is in Los Angeles, California. One of the most congested cities in the country.

[@lidiabroccolino9433]

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

[@diogenesalejandroxenosdax1723]

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

[@packleader1215]

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

[@PrincessPea1]

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

[@BeccaBoltification]

I feel the exact same way!

[@rfbite]

I would love to see an update of this community

[@yorkandpomona]

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

[@BeccaBoltification]

This is so inspiring! I would love to live there and have a micro-business of selling secondhand clothes and handmade goods and foods.

[@MeezerGurlMakes]

This is EXACTLY what I want to do!!! If I lived in LA I would apply to live at the village but I'm in Canada and don't really know what there is here.

[@BeccaBoltification]

It's only a few hours drive from where I live now. I want to check it out.

[@MeezerGurlMakes]

I would for sure if I was that close! I wonder how much money you need to buy into the village?

[@qristv1912]

they should do something like that in every city

[@DJBSharpMusic]

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

[@donaldblankenship7541]

Bike doesn't cost anything except occasional air for the tires and oil for the chain. A good day means 30 miles. Better is no miles. Gator inner tubes are required. Then you need water proof sleeping bag, even when it doesn't rain.

[@riverofpurple]

I love the way this lady thinks...

[@moccasinlanding]

Amazing people, you o\present them so beautifully

[@dasalekhya]

soooooo loving, caring, sustainable ...in the middle of sunshine nation ... yet *NO Solar power* !!

[@strangelette]

Have to agree. I didn't see or they didn't show any solar energy sources or discuss their energy consumption.

[@kenmurray8476]

For all that, you have to watch the 8 hour video.......

[@mycrazyfamilyid]

Solar is expensive. Maybe they're saving up?

[@TheDtfamu89]

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

[@angelaangell8523]

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]

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!

[@Manda11.11]

ive watched this video like 12 times love it so much

[@teenyweeny4543]

Wonderful . . . I'm curious at how it's grown.

[@solarpanel8195]

THIS is how all humans should be living. I am looking for a spot like this to join. Sucks they have to still rent apartments but its better than most society conditions. I am so sick and tired of everyone placing Monetary gains and material bullshit above Life/Love/Earth! Without the earth we cant survive! We OWE our existence to her. This society is how we should take care of earth and life... Hats off to them!

[@solfeinberg437]

Brava. A thousand times Bravissima! Why is any of this unusual? Owning land seen as just a way to milk as much money out of the system as you can, while not even providing anything pleasant. But people owning the land just naturally create as much beauty as possible? Can someone describe the land ownership situation - was it something they were doing or something that was peculiar to that area - like the land had to be used for the people living there. We're fortunate enough to be able to buy (not outright, though!) some land with lots of room for gardening and I'm working part time to fill it in with fruit and nut trees and berry bushes and vegetables, especially perennial ones, herbs, etc. I really want to grow tons of these things and be able to share them. Like, you can buy a sprig of mint in the grocery store for $2.50 or a plant at home depot for $4.00, but I'm mowing mint in my last house (we just moved) because there was so much. I could dig it up and pot it up and give it to every friend I have or acquaintance I make for free. It doesn't cost me anything. But, I want a nursery and to help people who might also be interested in gardening. My neighbor has horses and a couple large composting manured straw piles, which he's letting me have at, and which I'm using over cardboard as the basis of my garden. I have an a tree company person dropping off wood chips and logs for free. Free to me and free for him to dump and conveniently located for him. So, that's great. There's so much, much more we could do and, hopefully, to come. I was watching videos about people running tubes under ground and circulating air through them (sometimes by convection - hot air rises out of a window in the roof that can be opened and is drawn in through the tubes low down. These could also be used to heat the house sometime. Anyway, it's just more and more obvious that nothing (generally) is designed to provide real ease and comfort for humans, yet we're slaving away at jobs most of us hate, every day, just to deal with debt and ongoing bills. But we could have food growing all around us, and homes that heat and cool themselves, and rely on each other for help with things / companionship. Somehow we've allowed all aspects of our lives to be sold to us, but we're not directing anything, and nobody really cares about anyone except their wallet. But, I don't think that's actually human nature, just the nature of our system. Thankfully we have people like on here who are showing us it doesn't have to be that way - with actual examples. Could you imagine a park like setting for people to walk around that strip mall?! Like, maybe the strip mall has restaurants - you could let them put tables and chairs (at least in their half of the easement) next to mature fruit trees, and under a large trellis with grapes growing on it. People would never leave!

[@ThisisEkkalak]

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

[@AlexMW-1]

Thanks for posting Kirsten. Enjoyable

[@dphotos007]

I was and still live in LA since 1957 and I have seen the changes over the years to the city. Due to the increase of traffic you have to double your time to travel to each location. Just to many people live in my city now.

[@patches_kitty]

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

[@hfortenberry]

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.

[@CrankyBubushka]

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

[@neptronix]

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

[@albertrasch4793]

I get the overall idea. Vision, community cooperation, self-respect, respect for one another, etc. But humans do not seem to function well in that manner, just look at the comments posted. Not only that but in these "communal" groups you have the tendency towards the "third person effect" where an individual assumes that someone else will do the more onerous tasks, if there isn't a strong organization or leadership to maintain order. Having said that, I believe that overall, this is a net positive development for the community.

[@strangelette]

I think a lot of the more vocal ones don't like the idea of sustainable living or alternative living, period. And that's OK because this isn't for them anyway. Additionally, a lot of them seem to *falsely* believe that choosing this or another alternative lifestyle comes equipped with a resentful attitude toward those who choose not to live that way too. That is _not_ the case, but you'll never convince them otherwise. Owing my life to a bank isn't for me either, but I sincerely, deeply, with every bit of my soul do not give even the tiniest crap if anyone else chooses to sign their life over to one.

[@Xplorer228]

At least they are trying.

[@rodt.shelton]

I agree.

[@Xplorer228]

***** Huh? lol Why shouldn't they have both? They are doing it! Good for them.

[@BarryJPage]

I am sure that a follow up video would be great about now.. thanks.

[@Ursaminor31]

She is amazing.

[@TheSancho323]

When I lived in the projects in Boyle heights. My dad use too grow corn. All types of chili peppers. He had a papaya tree. All of our neighbors use too come and pick. My dad never had an issue with it.

[@DarklightAmy]

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

[@ragemodels]

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

[@naturallaw1733]

all Humans should live similarly like this I believe... it's called Healthy Community Living.🌏

[@The72Nana]

So amazing!

[@drewmo367]

Only my personal opinion- but the exposed foodwaste in the compost at around 9.20 is something I wouldn't do- I would cover it with some older compost or mulch to keep the flys/rats away. Maybe the pile was being constructed at the time, I can't be sure.

[@kenmurray8476]

Not a problem if meat waste is excluded.

[@drewmo367]

I think it still needs to be covered. Otherwise, flies and vermin will congregate. I have seen this on my own compost piles.

[@DanielLoveReel]

I love it when hippies make sense.

[@chriscroz]

I love the concept, and would probably have loved it in my 20s. However, it seems to emphasize the huge chasm between low-end unskilled exuberance and high-end cutting-edge eco-design (albeit sometimes sterile).

[@sirenamber]

What a visionary she is! I wonder what this community looks like today?

[@yorkandpomona]

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