Patrick and Alix had asked me earlier if I might like to do some blogging here at DA. I said yes, but was so overwhelmed with learning my new career that I just didn't get to it. Now, since things have changed, I can take some time for this.
I have two major paths that I can consider writing about and I'd like all your opinions on which road you'd prefer me to take. I'm not saying that it's mututally exclusive, but just that I'd lean more one way than the other in the information I pass on to you all.
First, I have spent a good deal of time over the last 3 or so years learning about what sustainability really is and what is just 'greenwashing'. Sustainability is a broad spectrum not an endpoint and there are lots of starting and stopping points along the way. I could blog for hours on what kinds of things make sense and how to begin truly incorporating more planet-friendly products and lifestyle choices into your lives. All while quite easily holding on to a modernist aesthetic.
The second path is for me to chronical the process of finding a new home in New Mexico. This home will absolutely be sustainably built and will incorporate as many truly green things as I can possibly afford. I have been searching architects, prefab builfders, solar heating methods, grey water reclaimation... you name it and it's going to be a two-year plus journey, I'd estimate, before my new 'happy place' is built.
So which way interests you all more, smaller simpler things to add to your existing homes or the story of a ground up quest to build a modernist 'green' home?
You guys tell me and I'll start typing!
I think it can be both, and...
I think it can be both, and my preference, is the emphasis being on your search. But you could blog about the sustainable features you acquire along the way - the challenges in deciding which features are doable on your budget etc. Looking forward to it!
Ditto both
but would concur with Jesogard.
And don't forget the political/governmental/regulatory ramifications you might encounter and how individual communities encourage or are indifferent to these issues.
The US as a government entity may not embrace Kyoto protocols and the like, but a lot of communities, including some states are striking out on their own and making sustainability and environmental issues and concerns a cornerstone of their official policies.
Places like the state of California and San Francisco are leading the way in some of these areas. Ultimately it is an enlightened citizenry that will lead the way on these issues, the question remains however, whether a government entity will encourage such actions on your part or discourage them. I know that you are more then aware of this, my curiosity lies in what you in encounter.
All of the above and more
Congratulations, Olive! Can't wait for you to begin. I'm sure your blog will contain everything you've considered above and some curve balls that you've not anticipated yet. Isn't there an adage about how life keeps getting in the way when you're busy making other plans? I would imagine your blog will take on a life of its' own and be that much more interesting.
Hi Olive,
Considering that there are no universal truths (yet) in truly environmental design. I would choose for your journey to find that local solution in New Mexico. Those who do serious research in what that new sustainable culture that we have to invent, looks like, know that the environmental footprint is not and can not be a universal standard. To stay close to home, here in this part of Canada, almost all our electricity is hydro generated. Although it is not completely pollution free it certainly is far lower on the scale that a coal burning electricity plant. I suspect that a blog on sustainable design will mostly highlight these differences whereas a blog on the particulars of the New Mexico situation might be enlightening. I understand that it might shed more light on New Mexico, but I think we are all smart enough to translate it in our local situations.
The alternative would be to read generalities and we all know that those are mostly known. I for one would be delighted to read you on any of the two subjects.
While
your insight into the "new" world (that we are all headed for) of sustainable and responsible living, would be very valuable, perhaps something only you can do -- chronicle one unique journey towards that green home, in a unique part of the country -- would be even more interesting. Besides, I'll learn enough to perhaps be able to decide if the Southwest is in my future, too !
But, I don't feel capable of giving you advice, really. I just look forward to reading whatever you decide to write.
Olive, have you read "The...
Olive, have you read "The Perfect 100K House?" I think the author's name is Carrie Jacobs .... who was Dwell's first editor.
It's pretty good, even if your budget is drastically different. It's part narrative of a journey, and part good practical information.
She explained a few things I hadn't thought of before about construction and prices etc ... One that I found interesting is that an A frame is the cheapest way to build. Not just an A roofline, but where the roof extends to the ground.
I love to hear about options, whether you use them or not ... just various price point options found along the way. One I read about not too long ago was the use of a glass garage door instead of a large window .... I think they saved nearly 10K if I remember correctly ... and had the added bonus of opening the room completely to the landscape.
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