We are an EcoSpiritual community dedicated to caring for People and the Earth by living and demonstrating a sustainable culture appropriate to our southwest Michigan bioregion.

As a reminder to ourselves, we call the way we plan to live in MAEV "One Earth" living--in other words, we've got this one and only Earth to live on.

If all Earth's people were to live a lifestyle comparable to ours in the USA, it would take the resources of three and a half earths to do so! What is the example we provide to the rest of the world and our children by the standard of living that most of us currently embrace? In MAEV, we want to demonstrate a better--and viable--way of life.

Energy
Energy is the basis of all physical systems, so Energy, its conservation and renewable generation is given first priority.

We would like to live in, as near as is reasonable, homes free of fossil fuel energy. European "Passif Haus" standards for zero energy housing, LEED Standards (Leadership in
Environmental and Efficiency Design by the National Association of Home Buidlers), and Energy Star ratings of the federal government will guide all construction. Although very different in impact on the Earth, the buildings rising from these standards look like any other housing.

Water
Water for household consumption will come from the city of Kalamazoo. Rain water catchment will play heavily in other water uses.

Naturally, biologically-based waste water treatment and run off water passing through rain gardens will enhance the quality of the ground water of the land. The burden of the waste water system will be reduced to a minimum by the use of composting toilets.

Sharing, the Three "R's, " and a "C"
We will share much, with community-available large tools and similar items. Each person will not, if they do not wish to, personally own their own one of every possible thing.

We will Reduce. We will Reuse. We will Recycle and Compost.
We will make it as easy on the Earth and ourselves as we can.
We might even have fun!

Food Production
Food production from hands-on organic gardening on the abundant land will help lead us to One Earth living, and yield a healthier and more dependable food supply.