How The Eco Village Co-op Started

From Environmental Science to Eco Village: My Journey of Purpose

A Life of Environmental Advocacy and Sustainable Design

My name is CJ Rapp, and this is my story of how a lifetime of experiences in environmental science, sustainable design, and green building led me to my current mission: facilitating the Eco Village Co-op in Michigan.

Early Beginnings and Environmental Education

In 1980, I graduated from the University of Northern Colorado with degrees in Earth and Environmental Sciences. Despite the challenging political climate for environmental initiatives during the Reagan administration, I remained committed to finding ways to make a positive impact.

Pioneering Sustainable Design

Throughout the 1980s and 1990s, I made significant contributions to sustainable design and green building:

• Contributed to the First Sustainable Design Resources Guide published by the American Institute of Architects

• Founding sponsor and contributor to the world's first Built Green Program with the Home Builders Association of Metro Denver

• Worked on improving home energy efficiency, indoor air quality, and sustainable building materials

Overcoming Setbacks and Finding New Purpose

The 2008 housing market crash led to significant personal and professional challenges. However, this setback ultimately led me to new opportunities in sustainable home building:

• Worked with Colorado Housing on the USDA Rural Development Self-Help Build Program

• Supervised the construction of energy-efficient, affordable homes in multiple Colorado communities

• Implemented innovative design features like passive solar and geothermal cooling

The Eco Village Co-op: A Culmination of Experience

Now, at 69 years young and with my rescue cat Lily by my side, I've realized that all of my life's experiences have led me to this moment. I'm excited to bring my decades of knowledge in environmental science, sustainable design, and green building to the Eco Village Co-op project in Michigan.

This new chapter represents the culmination of a lifelong commitment to environmental stewardship and sustainable living. I look forward to creating a community that embodies the principles I've championed throughout my career.