Mr. Patel: 
Welcome to our straw bale house. These walls are made of straw bales covered with clay plaster. They’re not just strong. They breathe, keeping us cool in the summer and warm in the winter.

Our living room gets lots of sunlight during the day, so we don’t need to use much electricity. And right outside is our vegetable garden. We grow everything from spinach to tomatoes and even a few herbs. The kids love helping out, and it’s wonderful knowing our meals come straight from our backyard.

Oh, and see that big tank? That’s where we collect rainwater. It’s filtered and used for everything from cooking to watering the plants. Nothing goes to waste here.

And let me tell you about my work. When we moved here, I wasn’t sure how I would earn a living. But it turns out there’s so much to build in the ecovillage. Homes, greenhouses, even community spaces. I work as a builder now, using natural materials like straw, mud, and bamboo. It’s satisfying to know I’m helping this community grow while earning for my family.

Mrs. Patel:
When we lived in Mumbai, life was exhausting. We were cramped in a noisy high-rise apartment, surrounded by smog and traffic. Our kids couldn’t play outside, and the air quality was so bad my youngest was always coughing. But every time my husband suggested moving to an ecovillage, I hesitated. What if it didn’t work out? Would we miss city life? What about schooling for the kids?

Daughter:
At first, I missed my old friends from the city. But the other kids in the ecovillage welcomed me like family. We play together, work in the garden, and even help in community projects. It’s like having a big family.

• What would it take for you to live closer to nature? Could you grow your own food or reduce air pollution where you live?