Benefits of eco-units

Lifeboats One of the reasons for developing eco-units is to provide a ”lifeboat” in an increasingly difficult future, where the availability of cheap fossil fuel has very serious consequences for society as it is built up today. The first eco-units will work as knowledge/experience building for the changes needed in a society where cheap fossil fuel is not available.

Geographical boundaries coincide with organization and membership. The benefit of having in the same place your investment, work, maintenance and operation of your energy, food and accommodation gives a strong feeling of control over your future and living ”close to nature”.

A manageable area (on a human scale) As an eco-unit member the area you see around you is where your food comes from, your investment and that you pass on to future generations. In addition it is a piece of the earth which contributes to a balanced global eco-system. Your living is simplified and given more depth at the same time.

Integrated farming Locally grown food has many benefits: it is cheaper, is fresher and means less waste, higher quality at a lower price. Delivery security is higher than if you have to rely on a large number of people and processes to provide food on the table.

Different forms of accommodation In an eco-unit it is important that all life’s phases are catered for, examples, single, family, pension, temporary.

Other activities That there are possibilities for entrepreneurship in an eco-unit increase self development and pleasure. If the activities are profitable the value of your initial investment also increases.

Off-grid Water nor energy comes totally from the national network which increases the future security of supply and limits the effect of future price rises. Investment in renewable energy gives cheap energy once the original investment is paid back.

Mature eco-system The benefits of an eco-unit are very similar to the attributes of a typical mature eco-system. An area that retains nutrients elements and produces a large number of ecological services that we use industrial processes for today benefits both the global eco-system and survival for future generations. The nutritional flow in this type of community has many similarities with a mature ecosystem. With this type of process for example, the ”overfeeding” of the Baltic can be tackled – on land!