Sustainability In Auroville - Academic

On October 15^th we visited Auroville, an experimental community that works towards human unity. The autonomous community of around 2,000 residents is an ongoing experiment that strives to develop a community that is socially and environmentally sustainable. During out visit we saw many sustainable initiatives and spoke with different community leaders about these efforts.

Our first visit of the day was to Upasana (http://www.upasana.in/), which promotes business while maintaining social responsibility. The small business employs local community to produce handicrafts. All the products were produced using local materials and required minimal waste.  The products range from soaps, to pottery and jewelry. One of the company’s initiatives is to reduce the number of plastic shopping bags that are used. From this initiative, the “Small Steps” concept was formed. Many students in our group supported this cause and purchased reusable shopping bags. Upasana also produce cotton projects that are mindful of the local cotton farmers. In response to the hardships of local farmers (and subisquent spike in suicides), Upasana only engages business with farmers that grow local, organic cotton. They compensate farmers fairly for their crop. It was refreshing to visit a business that not only promoted the wellbeing of the environment, but the wellbeing their employees as well. This venture is aligns well with the values of Auroville and will surely be a model for sustainable living/economics in the future.

That afternoon we ate lunch at the Solar Kitchen, a sustainable cafeteria and popular gathering spot for both residents and visitors of Auroville. Community volunteers prepare organic meals using solar powered stoves. Everyone who eats here pays the same price, no matter how much one eats. While I did not find the food especially appetizing, I was impressed by the efficiency of the system (ability to produce organic food and the dishwashing system that includes the patrons of the cafeteria) and the dedication of those volunteering at the cafeteria. Locally oriented establishments are pivotal for the foundation a sustainable lifestyle. This lively and engaging atmosphere evidenced a genuine commitment to sustainable living and organic eating.

Later in the afternoon we visited the Auroville Earth Institute. The center is funded by UNESCO and focuses on “…researching, developing, promoting, and transferring earth-based technologies that are cost and energy effective.” (www.earth-auroville.com). The Earth Institute primarily focuses on producing bricks made of local soil that are in turn used to build quality and affordable housing. This has broad implications for meeting the wide demand for quality housing. The technology being developed there is mindful of local resources and needs. Thus, local soil can be utilized to build local homes using minimal concrete and rebar. The focus on local resources allows the technology to be easily transferred to communities around the world. In addition to designing the bricks and homes, the Earth Institute trains community leaders from around the world how to use the machines. These leaders then return to their respective homes and pass the knowledge along. The Earth Institute’s basic and straightforward approach will allow local community members to easily maintain and repair the homes they build. 

The Earth Institute is a paradigm of a research institution contributing to the alleviation of poverty. There is a clear need for additional similar institutions. It would be interesting to visit an institution that takes a similar approach to address ground water issues we discussed in class. Groundwater pumps that can remove the arsenic from the water in West Bengal exist but the technology is not transferable. Pumps must be created using the same concern for natural resources and simplistic solutions as we saw at the Earth Institute.