COMMUNITY AND GREEN PRACTICES IN CHILDHOOD

Living sustainably isn’t that complicated. This was made clear by the people we interviewed in our Green is Easy podcast. In our third episode, we spoke with Irene, president of the Hijas de la Vega association, a shared parenting project located in the Vega de Granada. For those unfamiliar with it, this is an area of farmland next to the city that has managed to resist urban expansion over the years.

Hijas de la Vega is a collective made up of eleven families who have chosen an active, free, and respectful educational model—one that is deeply connected with nature. Their space, a bio-constructed cabin surrounded by orchards, chickens, and free play areas, allows children to learn through observation and respect for nature. Sustainability and
environmental care are seamlessly integrated into their daily activities. A perfect example of this? Riding bikes to school, eating seasonal, local, and organic food, swapping clothes and toys, composting, recycling. Learning without artificial light, letting the sun dictate the rhythm of the day, using irrigation water mindfully, experiencing firsthand that it is a resource not to be wasted. Playing with natural materials—mud, stones, leaves. Creating their own pigments, building an insect hotel…

Understanding nature’s cycles. Living them. Growing up doing things differently. As Irene explained to us, these practices are part of daily life for both the families and, most importantly, the children. Through them, they don’t just learn science, math, or language; they also learn about the cycles of life, respect, and coexistence. It is also worth noting that the association is part of the Jardín del Decrecimiento (Garden of Degrowth), a network of collectives and spaces promoting a simpler lifestyle, one less dependent on economic growth. Halting irrational consumption,
adopting habits that respect our environment, understanding that our resources are not unlimited—nature, simplicity, and community. As Irene says, perhaps we should talk about a different kind of growth…

For Irene, green practices are not just a trend but an urgent necessity. As society faces the challenges of climate change and biodiversity loss, projects like Hijas de la Vega show that living in harmony with the environment is possible. As she explains, transitioning to a more sustainable life requires dedication, imagination, and, above all,
a shift in our daily habits.

Through its work, Hijas de la Vega not only helps preserve a unique natural space but also serves as a model for other organizations and small businesses looking to adopt ecological practices.

The message is clear:

“Stop the inertia and look around you.”

Reflect on your daily choices and seek more mindful alternatives.