The Ecovillage at Torri
Torri Superiore and the ecovillage here are one and the same thing: the ecovillage includes all the resident and non resident members, and we invite all our guests to join in following our aims as well. From the start, the idea of restoring the village was based on using eco friendly principles, and being involved in the GEN Global Ecovillage Network of and the permaculture movement has helped us to develop and realise many of our practical goals.
Building
For restoration work we use local stone, natural lime and natural insulation. All our doors and windows are wood, and we use only eco-friendly paints. Our hot water is produced with solar panels, and we have low-temperature heating systems throughout the village and in the private houses (max 18°C). Our electricity is supplied by a green company. We have a couple of examples of different compost toilet designs (one indoors, one outdoors).
Food
We have a number of organic permaculture gardens and fruit orchards providing fresh produce, with more on the way. We also have some free range animals (goats and chickens) that provide us with quality food. Home-made products include bread, pasta fresca, olive oil, goat’s cheese, honey, jams, yogurt and ice cream, and if we have to buy food we buy organic and local, or at least national, as much as possible. We use no frozen foods, genetically modified or prepared products (additives, sauces or dressings), and in winter we cook using wood-burning stoves.
Recycling
All our food waste is either used to feed the animals or is composted. We have a separate collection for all our other waste materials and compost and reuse or recycle as much as possible.
Transport
Only 4 cars are owned by the 20 residents and we encourage the use of public transport (train and bus) for our guests. We also have two lovely donkeys which we use as working animals around the village.
We still have many big plans for the ecovillage here: with the continuing restoration of the cultural centre and private houses we hope to add more solar panels, including photovoltaic ones for electricity. We are actively looking to increase the amount of food we produce through permaculture methods, and to generate less waste by closing more of our ‘cycles’. And we hope to run more courses and workshops on sustainability and eco friendly living, to pass on some of the skills we’ve learnt.
