Environmental Wonders: The Tiny Home Movement

So can one person make a big improvement to the environment? With all the big interests, a lot of us are overwhelmed. But there is a simple way to reduce our carbon footprint. The Tiny Home Movement is an amazing opportunity for each of us to make a big difference on our world.

Tiny Home Village. Credit: alfredtwu CC 2.0.

Tiny House Talks comments:

People from all sorts of backgrounds are editing their lives to make it easier for themselves to live simpler, happier lives.

The best part is that there are so many benefits you can experience when simplifying. Like more money, less waste, a healthier environment, better relationships, and an overall happier and more meaningful life.

Tiny Home Interior. Credit: http://www.tuscanyolivewood.com/2013/06/19/tuscany-olive-wood-adds-wall-paneling-and-accent-options/

There are attractive living quarters that have just taken the wasted space from existing homes. What is left is a stunning space for living. The little living quarters range in size from 100 to 400 square feet. In 1973 the average size of a new house was 1525 square feet. Now the average size is 2598 square feet – with one less person per household.

The reasons for going small are many. The obvious ones are as the mother-in-law quarters, a room for guests, unique vacation escapes and an office in the home. But as more young people are returning home in this economy, the popularity of tiny homes is going through the roof. The economy has also created another large group – retirees. A surprising 40 percent of little home owners are over 50 years old.

The average cost of a tiny home is $23,000, and 68 percent of the owners are free of a monthly payment.

Here are some of the environmental advantages:

• Less space to heat and heat
• Smaller and fewer stoves, dishwashers, etc.
• Fewer lumber and other building materials
• Reduced emissions
• Use of recycled materials

Other advantages are:

Reduced footprint

• Reduction of expenses
• Freedom
• Self sufficiency
• Less maintenance
• Reduced utilities
• Lower taxes

For more on the Tiny Home Movement, see this related article.

Tip of the hat to tinyhousetalk.com