HOUSING OPTIONS

Ecological and sustainable housing come in many shapes and forms; so long as it is energy efficient, environmentally clean and healthy, it can be called sustainable housing.

Some cities are now looking into programs that build both small houses, and housing complexes, for homeless or low income residents, and, yes, these will be ecological homes… they will be very affordable, with many sustainable features like solar panels, and they will be able to put these small homes and developments up anywhere. Hopefully this is something that moves forward and grows quickly… as it is not only environmentally friendly, but will provide homes for many who would otherwise not have one. Ecological housing is already being done without technology in third world countries, and has been for ages; many of the people build their homes out of earth, mud and straw, or other natural materials that they may find close at hand… how much more ecological can you get? These home are built 100% natural.

Another still-growing idea is to make corporate housing and other forms of temporary housing into more ecologically-friendly housing, either by simply renovating or even rebuilding completely. A sector where this has begun strongly is in elderly housing; many retirement homes have been renovated to become both more environmentally friendly and also healthier living places for the elderly. We will start to see more ecological changes made to rental housing and larger housing developments as well.

However we chose to contribute, large or small, the plethora of environmental issues have made it clear that sustainable living is now the way to go; it is now time for us to steer the focus away from ourselves and towards our planet, which action should, in turn, protect our health and longevity as well.