Last weekend, we paid a visit to ecological education facility, Casita Verde, and learnt how a more sustainable way of life is the way forward.
Sundays in Ibiza aren’t like the typical Sundays you experience back at home. Sunday roasts are a privilege and extended lie-ins don’t exist… after all, Ibiza is “the island that never sleeps”.
Instead, islanders are more familiar with days out at the beach, scintillating sunsets and a dose of Solomun down at Pacha. However, elsewhere on the White Isle, the experimental centre of Casita Verde is setting the tone for a more sustainable way of life.
The flagship project of non-profit association, Ibiza Ecologic, Casita Verde is situated in a beautiful valley close to the village of San Jose and is considered an eco-education centre showcasing methods of sustainable living and alternative energies.
Headed up by centre director, Chris Dews, the main venue originally started out as an old, traditional Ibicencan farm. However, since working with countless volunteers since it first opened way back in 1993, has transformed into a fully-functional and modern ecological education facility garnering support from across the globe.
Open to all walks of life every Sunday, Casita Verde hosts a weekly fundraising and showcase event entitled ‘Sundays @ Casita Verde’. Such a demonstration illustrates to visitors how a more sustainable way of life is achievable within every single one of us.
Here’s just a few ways this empirical crew are ecologically leading by example.
Resource conservation in abundance
Island role models in relation to the ethical use and protection of natural resources, the world of Casita Verde is unlike anything else Ibiza has to offer. Regular contributors to the beach cleans around the White Isle, they have produced some incredibly unique creations throughout the years with resources they’ve found.
These include such natural wonders as an ecological vegetable garden, a recycled shower area and eco-toilets which are flushed by visitors pouring sawdust on their finished deed. There’s also a cave which acts as a mini dance club or chill out space dependent on the mood.
Buildings made from recycled materials
Their exemplary utilisation of recycled materials continues with the development of their own sustainable living community. A green living hub of like-minded individuals, a number of wonderful eco-renovations have been formed through such recycled materials as bottles, aluminium cans and wood.
Alternative living spaces
Open to all volunteers who come down and help out in Greenheart Ibiza’s primary project, those aren’t the only buildings existent on the 5.5-hectare farm. Furnished with a wealth of alternative living spaces, Casita Verde is also home to a tree house, a bottle house and a cal oven house.
Everyday utilisation of alternative energy
Speaking of the word alternative, this also applies to the energy utilised by this ecological centre. Equipped with several solar panels and wind turbines, this once small farm house uses both solar and wind power for everyday purposes such as charging up their electric car.
Cultivation of medical plants and herbs
Described as a practise of dedication and patience, the cultivation of medical plants and herbs is something Casita Verde bases on both care and respect. Utilising a water supply which originates from an 80-tonne storage tank sitting on the highest point of the farm, Casita Verde have managed to grow more than 1000 Aloe Vera plants, 120 olive trees, 30 almond trees and more. They then use these to produce fresh juices and natural infusions.
Healthy food preparation and consumption
Their impressive 80-tonne storage tank of water is also used to help nourish the trees that they have for purposes of food preparation and consumption. Such application of sustainable living techniques can be enjoyed within the ambrosial buffet vegetarian lunch they present every Sunday.
Further activities occurring every week include a detailed tour of the centre by Chris, chill-out time with massages and natural therapy offerings, music sessions and juice-making classes.
In order to enjoy such a range of fun and activities every Sunday (between 2 and 7pm), visitors must first donate a one-off fee of £10 to become a member of Greenheart Ibiza’s Association, Ibiza Ecologic.
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