Summer is fast approaching and as the heat rises so does your electric bill, am I right?!. Although we as a planet are forging together and greening up our living this fifteen million dollar, twenty five THOUSAND foot square foot home in Mclean Virginia makes me think about a few things….one: “I wonder what their electric bill is?” and two: What does one do with ALL OF that space? (and who cleans it?!)
This totally isn’t a banging on my self righteous drum type of article, but more of a fun attempt to get everyone to re-think the super-size it mentality that goes beyond food and runs rampant in our material driven society. Small can be not only completely practical it can do so much your planet and really impact your family dynamic.
The average American home is about 2,094 square feet, this being triple the square footage needed in the 1950′s. According to the UC Berkeley News Center, the typical U.S. household dumps an average of 48 tons of carbon dioxide into the atmosphere each year. Out of those 48 tons, it’s interesting to find that households with children more than triple their carbon output in electricity usage alone. This could mean a few things: hot babies=grumpy babies, more babies=more stuff and more space.
As a mother, I can relate to the small tinge of panic that suddenly comes over you as soon as you see the plus sign on that little plastic stick…”OH NO-where are we going to put everything…we need more space-WE NEED TO MOVE!”
But, let’s imagine just for a second that we could live in an IKEA catalog where a home can exist stylishly in 460 square feet. Imagine reducing your carbon emission even if by half by living simply, needing less, wanting less and being outdoors more(space is limitless outdoors)!
Imagine picking up less and washing less if we only would change our mentality and this whole American stigma that size does matter.
This shipping container turned home by ECOPOD is absolutely stylish and perfect. I know, I know you’re thinking, “how would I fit three kids in there?” well true, doubtfully for a family of five but an example all around. Open to the elements meaning less electricity, full sun for winter and open an airy through the summer. Green living means way more than just recycling, downsizing or turning off the faucet when you brush. It’s a frame of mind.
Most of us can’t just pick up and move to a yurt in the middle of a meadow but we can begin to change the way we think.
During the summer months take advantage of the weather and get outdoors! Plant a garden! By growing your own food a’la humble abode means you are offsetting emissions and providing a family activity sure to bring even the most electrically inclined clan together.
There is something about the earth, once you actually smell it in between your fingers and begin to watch the way it works (in your own backyard!) that makes you respect our planet for all that it is and can be that much more! You begin to eat with the seasons as you sow your lovely treasures and join the rhythm of the earth. You depend less on your Organic Market and help offset carbon emissions caused by the delivery of your produce from all over the globe.
The more time you spend outdoors you become grateful for the treasures that are air conditioning and cool water to clean your face and become more conscious of the way you use them. This rhythm soon will begin to enter your home and you will realize that you don’t need much-just the ones you love all around you and a small space in the world.
For tips on starting your own summer garden, Weekend Gardner.net has a thorough and informative article that will be sure to get you in your overalls and bandana in no time! This article by home-and-garden.info provides a simple approach to organic gardening, enjoy yourself and your summer!
Amanda
Amanda Buffington is a Mommy, Wife and an evolving Urban Eco-CHIc-sta. After the births of her two daughters she became massively aware of the power of a Woman and the innate ability to create life and a home in harmony with the Earth. She took this awareness and calling to the next level and created The Magic Cocoon a fresh concept of living magically and creating a home and spaces with intention. You can visit The Magic Cocoon at www.themagiccocoon.com and connect with her on facebook and on Twitter.
I loved the shipping container turned home! Actually, the examples in here made me so excited that a lot of ideas pop out of my head for greening my summer. I can’t wait for summer to come!