Page 4 - Green Builder Homeowner's Handbook 2016

EDITOR’S NOTE By Matt Power
Editor-in-Chief
The Inside Scoop

Peace Is in the Details

By designing our homes as sustainable “havens,” we can create a ripple effect.
FEW PEOPLE OF ANY POLITICAL
disposition would disagree with Perhaps that’s why this annual issue,
the idea that self-sufficiency, specifically for homeowners who are looking
moderation and reduced waste are to change their lifestyle for the better, both
desirable benchmarks. Fortunately, physically and morally, is so popular. Why not
when we talk about home design live smaller, use less energy, breathe cleaner
air and harness the power of the sun? The

and construction, we can lean alternative is to continue to defend archaic

heavily on the facts of building science—not fossil fuel industries, hack pipelines through

emotion—to achieve those goals. tribal lands, wander late at night through the

It’s no secret that we’re living through some hollow halls of our oversized empty nests, and

chaotic, rancorous times. More than ever, we wonder why our kid moved into a tiny house

need places of stability and safety where we a thousand miles away.

can shut the door, and push from our minds We don’t have to fuel our own destruction.

the anger, name calling and bad news we hear Even if we do feel powerless to change world

on television and in the streets. Our homes, events, we can start at home, living more

more than ever, have become our sanctuaries responsibly and sustainably. The technology

from the unhinged, reality-TV world we are of green living has never been more accessible

presented with “out there.” or affordable.

This issue is designed as a free source for homeowners, or would-

Dreaming green. be owners, interested in becoming more independent. By applying

Homes that ask the tips, products and principles here to your shelter, you can shrink
little in the way of your ecological “footprint” and divest yourself from the most harmful
natural resources aspects of modern life. At the same time, you’ll create a home that’s
make good healthier for your lungs, more durable, and more resilient in the face
neighbors.

of weather extremes such as high heat or drought.

If you’re daunted by the prospect of where to start in “going green,”

you might take a page from the formulaic TV show, “Tiny House

Nation.” One of the hardest exercises the would-be owners must

complete is separating actual needs from expectations. Look at your

current living situation. Which aspects of your dwelling do you like

and dislike the most? What comforts are the absolute “must haves,”

and which are simply outdated traditions? For example, most people

almost never use a formal dining room.

Maybe what you really want in your home is super simple: a

hot shower, a dishwasher and a comfortable bed. The shorter your

CREDIT: RUBYGOES/FLICKR list, the greater your freedom—both in terms of design and literally.

It’s easier to build, maintain and power a smaller, greener home.

We hope you will use The Homeowner’s Handbook as a guidebook

and inspiration. Let’s start a quiet revolution that puts the power

back in the hands (and the homes) of homesteaders—and gives

peace a chance. GB

2 GREEN BUILDER The Homeowner’s Handbook 2016 www.greenbuildermedia.com