This is an initiative that has successfully solved environmental problems including poverty, poor environmental management and wasteful production and consumption methods. The initiative tackles poverty by promoting green ways of making and saving money (through growing organic food, recycling, repairing bicycles, selling green energy aids and appliances, building ecological homes and starting Eco tourism enterprises). Eco City work is also breaking new ground in terms of promoting ‘eco banking’ which gives poor people access to money in novel ways; for example by trading in ‘sweat equity’, and by encouraging loans for ‘geological home improvements’. These initiatives represent greener, cleaner production and consumption patterns in the community.

The initiative is at the forefront of innovative home designs that are cost effective and environmentally friendly and has made demonstrations on rainwater harvesting and recycling of grey water. It uses solar energy or low-smoke biomass for energy and recycles materials to support a recycling enterprise. Ceilings and other insulation, and correct orientation of homes, contribute to energy efficiency, while bicycles are promoted for transport. Organic produce is grown by community members and sold to non-growers. The proceeds are divided fairly among members of the growers’ co-operatives.

Eco City tackles poor environmental management by forming a public-private partnership with the City of Johannesburg. In this way, it has mobilized the Johannesburg Council to adopt ecological principles in urban design and renewal. In partnership with the local council (Johannesburg), Eco City has helped produce a state of the environment report, carry out studies on water demand management, encourage carpooling and rehabilitation of river courses. Eco City is active in lobbying for green laws and policies.