Eco-Village Kramim: A Green Ray of Light in the Negev

With so much negativity in the southern part of the country and the Negev right now, it is refreshing to learn about positive things going on in the region, such as the blossoming eco-village Kramim.

Founded recently by a group of visionary young Israelis and immigrant families, Kramim hopes to serve as a multicultural model of environmental sustainability in Israel.  As the writers of the Eco-Village Kramim website describe themselves:

“Using sustainable design and ‘green’ architecture, combined with environmental technologies and services, Ecovillage Kramim is set to become a thriving hub of social and business entrepreneurship, multicultural partnerships, fair-trade, environmental initiatives, and a source for the protection of the environment and wildlife in the Negev.”

Behind all of these lofty ideals are some serious expert planners.  The Kramim planning team includes an environmental strategy consultant, an environmental implementation consultant, and expert engineers in soil, water, air and structural engineering, as well as in electromechanical, and passive and active heating/cooling.

The residents of Kramim also hope that their green idealism will become infectious.  They now host bi-weekly ‘Sihot Yerukot’ (or, ‘Green Talks’) about ecology, recycling, energy, and green architecture.  The meetings (which are free and open to the public) include various activities such as discussions, the screening of short films and documentaries, and presentations.  The next meeting will be held on Wedensday, January 14th.

Read more about other eco villages in Israel:
Israeli Eco-Conscious Town Nurit is in the Works in Gilboa
Study Abroad at Kibbutz Lotan, an Israeli Eco Village
Neot Semadar: An Eco Village in the Southern Negev
Kfar Kalil: Great Eco-Tourism Option “Off the Grid” in the Galilee

Author: Karen Chernick

Much to the disappointment of her Moroccan grandmother, Karen became a vegetarian at the age of seven because of a heartfelt respect for other forms of life. She also began her journey to understand her surroundings and her impact on the environment. She even starting an elementary school Ecology Club and an environmental newsletter in the 3rd grade. (The proceeds of the newsletter went to non-profit environmental organizations, of course.) She now studies in New York. Karen can be reached at karen (at) greenprophet (dot) com.

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