Last month's well attended climate march in New York City showed that we are finally recognizing the harmful effects of our fossil-fuel driven economy on the planet. Some Americans looking to shrink their carbon footprint are doing so by shrinking their homes, opting to live in ultra-compact houses, often referred to as "tiny houses."
Increasingly, these small homes are also being considered as models for affordable housing that could serve as a place for the homeless to find some stability and, perhaps, live permanently. In such varied locations as Portland, Oregon, upstate New York, Austin, Texas and Madison, Wisconsin, local advocates for the homeless have constructed communities of tiny houses.
One of the chief benefits of living in a small space (referred to by some who practice it as "micro-living") is that it's cheap. An added bonus — and the reason for its initial appeal — is that it's environmentally sustainable.
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DelMarVa's Premier Source for News, Opinion, Analysis, and Human Interest Contact Publisher Joe Albero at alberobutzo@wmconnect.com or 410-430-5349
5 comments:
It is called a "shanty town" in Jamaica. A "barrio joven" in Peru, A "favela" in Brazil
Yes, and last year eggs were bad for you. This is called social engineering. It's not like they are any less expensive to build.
"If you build it they will come"...NOT!
Make rentals affordable.
When I first came to the Virginia Shore in 1988, there were farms that had several identical "tiny Houses" on a lot by the barns. They may have only measured 8 x 10 or less, and maybe 4 foot high sidewalls. I was told that they used to be housing for the migrant workers as sleeping quarters and to keep their belongings in when they were out in the field. I'd also heard that it was illegal to use them for that any more. Is this true?
If so, I think I'll opt out on this one!
You should watch an episode of "Tiny House Nation". They can put a lot in a small space. But, you can't be a hoarder and live in one.
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