Description

Once upon a time, the idea of restoring ghost towns seemed like a pipe dream. The abandoned buildings and dusty streets were an eyesore to the once-vibrant communities that called these places home. But that's where the Eco Village Engine came in.  With a team of passionate and innovative thinkers, the Eco Village Engine set out to breathe new life into these forgotten places. Their approach was two-fold: creating co-op artisan shops for low income business start-ups, and using recycled waste and natural materials from the land for raw materials.  The co-op artisan shops were the heartbeat of the Eco Village Engine's plan. These shops gave low-income entrepreneurs a chance to start their own businesses and contribute to the revitalization of the town. Each shop would be owned and operated by the people who worked there, creating a strong sense of community ownership and investment.  But the Eco Village Engine knew that simply creating businesses wasn't enough. They needed to do it in a way that was environmentally conscious and sustainable. That's where the use of recycled waste and natural materials came in.  The team scoured the abandoned buildings and the surrounding land for anything that could be repurposed. Old wood beams became shelves and display cases. Discarded metal became light fixtures and jewelry stands. Even the soil and clay from the land were used to create pottery and other handmade goods.  Not only did this approach reduce waste and minimize environmental impact, but it also created a unique and authentic aesthetic for the artisan shops. The products sold within these shops were one-of-a-kind, reflecting the history and character of the town.  And so, the Eco Village Engine's plan was put into motion. Co-op artisan shops opened up throughout the ghost towns, offering everything from handcrafted jewelry to locally-sourced produce. The towns were given a new lease on life, with bustling streets and a renewed sense of pride in their community.  The Eco Village Engine's success proved that it is possible to create a sustainable economy while simultaneously preserving history and supporting local entrepreneurs. They showed that with a little innovation and a lot of heart, anything is possible. https://www.wanderersend.org/