Living in sustainable housing made easy

Last weekend I found myself attending a really interesting presentation of two eco projects that will happen in my area (het oererf and EcoBoz).
Firstly, it was in a stunning location in a renewed barn , hoeve hildernisse, and it was great of them to let this happen.
Now, I have to admit that this was one of the times in which I wished my Dutch was better. I understood around 70% of what was being said so I am satisfied enough, but still, missed some meanings of some question.
Nonetheless.. let’s get to the point of this post!


When we think about eco living we often associate that with a hippy lifestyle disconnected fully from the world. Living off grid, from your land, homeschooling children, sharing everything. And most of us may be scared of the big lifestyle change and might just diss it as something that belongs back to the 60s..
but most of us know, or hope soon will realise, the way we are living right now is not sustainable. Each in our own bubble. In our little apartment where we have our own of everything and yet we need to get food which is mass produced for us. This is not only unhealthy for us and the planet, wasting so much material and energy, but also leading to the increase in mental health and solitude.


so, what comes out of this very informative day is that you can indeed live a bit more sustainably and ethically taking all of the benefits for you and your family without having to turn your whole life upside down


How?


Share more. Whatever it is, meals, books, the washer (and drier if you must use one). Why not create a shared space in your apartment block, where you can for example share tools? Nobody needs that drill everyday, right?
Have dinner with your neighbours sometimes, and if you have some common open space think of growing some of your own. You could grow your own on your windowsill too but make good use of everything your existing apartment block or neighbourhood offers you. Let’s take our spaces back and create a community.


If you have renovations to do think of using sustainable materials- did you know they inventended some hard material made out of aubergine plant?  Pretty cool uh! Or what about this project upcycling old material from demolitions? Check van vorden architecture for some examples of beautiful sustainable new builds or why not make your sustainable architecture Pinterest board? Whether you are looking to buy, rent, renovate or just dream...So do your research and try use what best for the environment - stop the plastic and think durability rather than short term price!

​Just generally try reconnecting with your surroundings, whether that’s people, or nature. Little steps will take us a long way!