Quiet Mountain Essays
Copyright©, 2005
The Earth's Utopia: Ecofemtopia 101
by
Shifra E. Nerenberg
Introduction
The following essay is a summary of my undergraduate research project, in which I identified a feasible
alternative to the currently destructive society of America. I propose that a society based upon an ecological
feminist way of life is preferable to one devoted to patriarchal capitalism. As such, my ongoing research
focuses on defining the composition of what I have termed as an ecofemtopian culture. This is an
introduction to ecofemtopia and of the work I continue.
What is an Ecofemtopia?
Ecofeminism is the intellectual synthesis of feminist analysis with the ideologies of the environmental
and animal rights movements. It is thereby a holistic philosophy that recognizes and acknowledges
the interconnections between oppressions as well as that of all life. A utopia opposes that which is
considered wrong with one's present society. "Ecofemtopia" is therefore the linguistic and theoretical
combination of ecological feminism and utopia. In its utopianism, an ecofemtopian society exhibits
the following five fundamental doctrines: egalitarianism, environmental sustainability, an alternative
political system, a non-discriminatory economic system, and diversity in culture and spirituality.
As part of the research challenging patriarchal capitalism, six societies were examined in order to
analyze the alternatives to western tyranny. Both fictional novels and modern-day communes (also
known as intentional communities) were included. The majority of so-called utopian novels fall
beneath the fantasy and science fiction genre umbrella. All three fictions are fantastical writings:
Marge Piercy's Women on the Edge of Time, Starhawk's The Fifth Sacred Thing, and Sherri S. Tepper's
A Plague of Angels. The three intentional communities included were: Twin Oaks in Virginia,
Earthaven in North Carolina, and Dancing Rabbit in Missouri.
Equality
The primary building block of an ecofemtopia is egalitarianism. Expanding on the general feminist
definition of gender equality, ecofemtopia rejects discrimination of any kind. Thus, all peoples and
living beings are welcome in the earth's utopia. Women and men are equally encouraged and
supported in their endeavors, regardless of stereotypes. As such, anyone who wants to (and is
qualified) can do construction, operate machinery, care for children, cook, etc. Furthermore, some
ecofemtopias have already eliminated gender bias in language. For example, one step in the right
direction is using "per" or "person" as substitutes for "he" or "she."
Sustainability
A complimentary and necessary component to a balanced culture is fierce dedication to
environmental sustainability. Ecofemtopias conserve natural resources and utilize energy wisely,
often employing alternative sources such as solar power. Honoring the importance of the earth (in
terms of human survival in addition to the environment's inherent value) also includes extensive
recycling and sustainable organic farming. These societies recognize the damage of such current
practices as clear-cutting forests and fossil-fuel dependency, and they seek to rectify the situation.
One of the main tenets of ecofeminism is the belief that patriarchal capitalism not only oppresses
minority peoples but dominates the earth, too. Thus, ecofemtopias strive to live as part of the
environment rather than its master or mistress. However, one of the leading concerns with
environmental sustainability involves non-human animals. Meat eating is a dreadfully controversial
issue within ecofeminism because of its animal rights factor. Unfortunately, no conclusion is readily
evident or accepted, and all six of the researched ecofemtopias consume some quantity of animal
product, but the debate continues.
Government
The third aspect of an ecofemtopia regards the political structure. In contemporary times, the
government usually disregards environmental and humanitarian concerns, especially when it is
politically unpopular (which is often). Any anti-patriarchal society must create and implement a
political system that is egalitarian and environmentally friendly. Indeed, most of the selected societies
use regular community meetings in order to avoid the slippery slope of an antagonist hierarchy.
Consensus is a popular tool in governing because it allows for everyone to have a voice, and they have
a forum in which to speak. Furthermore, no decision is finalized until all participants agree or at least
support the premise. Consensus proceedings may be arduous, but they can be very effective.
Economy
Politics and money may have become synonymous, but this is not necessary or beneficial for an
ecofemtopia. The current global capitalist system, not to mention neocolonialism, is so destructive
that opposition is vital for long-term survival. The modern economic market is equal to or worse than
the political system in its degradation and corruption. An ecofemtopian economy does not value
money more than life. Rather, it ensures that all peoples have equal access to similar resources. Of the
societies examined with independent currency, the Hour is the standard unit instead of the dollar.
This allows for people to get paid for jobs that mainstream society does not count as work. Such
activities may include caring for a child, massaging a friend's back, and/or recovering from illness.
An ecofemtopian economy might also be an income-sharing structure in which the community bank
provides the necessities while residents have a monthly allowance for leisure. In this type of society,
people work a certain, reasonable number of hours that are designated by the population. Shelter,
food, healthcare, education, etc. are covered by the community, while luxuries such as tobacco
products and/or specialty ice creams are purchased individually.
Spirituality
Underlying the preceding four principles is the final component of an ecofemtopia. Cultural and
spiritual diversity is vital for any healthy, stable, and long-term society. Ecofeminism facilitates a
balanced society in part due to its pacifist, non-militaristic ideology and commitment to improving
race relations. While ecofeminism also often includes a spiritual aspect involving goddess
worshipping, an ecofemtopia by definition must welcome a variety of people with multiple
(spiritual, political, etc) beliefs and practices. This inclusiveness challenges mainstream acceptance of
the supremacy of Judeo-Christian theology, by encouraging citizens to feel and think for themselves
rather than accept the forced ingestion of an arbitrary authority figure's emotions and thoughts.
One of the most evocative examples of harmonious diversity appears in The Fifth Sacred Thing. It
describes a sacred hill full of shrines to various deities, spirits, and ancestors. Every religious belief
and spiritual practice is represented and celebrated. At the top of the hill, many holidays are
celebrated: "The sun is welcomed at dawn on the Winter Solstice." The shofar is blown in
announcement of the Jewish New Year; on Easter morning, gospel music is sung; and the Muslim call
to prayer is chanted five times a day. Furthermore, "at almost any time of day or night someone
[sits] in silent meditation, counting breaths." Indeed, spirituality can transcend all borders of gender,
race, age, culture, sexuality, etc. Honoring all faiths, rather than dictating one as better than another
(or truer), is important in promoting and eventually maintaining the non-hierarchal nature of the
earth's utopia.
Conclusion
The ideal of an ecofemtopian society incorporates the interdependent and connected values of
equality, sustainability, politics, economics, and spirituality. There are real communities existing close
to this, yet mainstream society still struggles against its much-needed evolution. If the journey is more
important than the destination, I hope that the possibilities of ecofemtopia inspire intellectual and
holistic discussions. There are alternatives to apathy and compliance to the status quo, and these new
ways of being, thinking, and doing are necessary to creating fundamental changes throughout
Western civilization.
My thesis is only the beginning, because there remains a great deal of research that needs to be
conducted. Although each intentional community employs an outreach program dedicated to
educating people about the alternative possibilities and raising consciousness, taking the qualities of
these microcosms to the macrocosmic level involves many laborious steps. In future studies, I envision
the creation of a method in which the process of incorporating aspects of ecofemtopias into the
mainstream society is presented in detail. This 'blueprint' might thereby become and serve as a guide
for instituting a full-scale revolution. Peacefully, of course.
Contributor's Notes...
Shifra Nerenberg, 25, has a BA from UNCA and is preparing for graduate work in Women’s Studies. She has
volunteered with several non-profit organizations on ecofeminist issues, and this ecofemtopia research has
attracted attention in both academic and activist circles. In addition to nonfiction writing, Ms. Nerenberg is also a
prolific poet, sci-fi/fantasy reader, and intuitive consultant. Please feel free to contact her with any questions,
comments, or inquiries by sending an email to: crondias@yahoo.com. Shalom.
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