Eco Warriors

The modern technology they were trying to avoid was what nearly brought down an eco-community in rural Wales. It sounds like the premise for a new reality show on Planet Green, but this is real life!

Architectural historian Julian Orbach and his wife Emma bought 180 acres of hillside farmland in 1983 and invited several like-minded friends to build green homes upon it. They created an eco-friendly commune by building houses out of natural materials and using only solar power for energy. They lived under the radar from the rest of society until 1998 when a pilot spotted the glint of the solar panel from above.

Since that day, the community of eight adults and four children have been fighting the local government and planning commission for the right to exist.


The group finally won their decade-long battle thanks in part to the recent enthusiasm for sustainable living. They were given official permission for their homes, outhouses and architectural workshops. It's hard to believe that their actions seemed so radical 15 years ago, but now these prescient villagers have green homes that can be used as examples in sustainability. Your road to having a green home may also be paved with opposition, but keep your head up and remember what you're fighting for. It will pay off in the end!

If you've encountered obstacles to creating a green home, share how you are overcoming them in our community! [The Daily Mail]