A New Kind of Conservation
Author: Betsy Dell
Word Count: 868
Date: 7/28/09
The 2006 release of Al Gore's An Inconvenient Truth is often credited with moving environmental protection from the political to the ethical arena. Years from now, the Great Recession will be credited with moving environmental protection from the ethical to the practical arena. Excessive consumerism, which is always wasteful, has given way to responsible consumption. As we trim our budgets, we are consciously eliminating waste, making better use of our personal and the world's resources, and planning for tomorrow. A new, more holistic kind of conservation is emerging:
Reduce, Repair and Upcycle
We've adjusted our thermostats and clothes lines are making a comeback. We're buying less of everything, including prepared and heavily packaged foods. Cobblers are busier than they've been in years as we repair instead of replace our shoes and handbags. Landfill volumes have dropped almost 14%.
In home fashion, upcycling is all the rage. Whether we're creating mosaics out of broken dishes or turning an old door into a table, we're making the old new. Expect to see more upcycling projects on DIY programs and the emergence of funky new boutiques selling upcycled furniture and home accessories. Upcycling has already found its way into our kitchens and baths through fabulous surfaces crafted from recycled granite, bottles and even paper. Our new taste for thrift and consignment shopping is extending to flea markets. Don't be surprised to see more people dumpster diving as they hunt for potential treasures.
Energy Efficiency
A 2007 survey that appeared in the New York Times showed that 57% of Prius owners bought the car because it "makes a statement about me" rather than for better mileage or lower emissions. Two years later, we've stopped our posturing. We've recognized that fuel efficiency benefits us as much as the planet. We are replacing our gas guzzling cars and home energy vampires, including our heating and air conditioning systems (HVAC) and pool pumps. We are also addressing energy loss by sealing ducts and vents, increasing insulation and replacing windows.
Air Quality
We are taking control of the quality of the air in our homes. Air purification systems are being used to remove everything from dust mites and mold spores to bacteria and viruses. Duct cleaning and filter replacement is higher on our list of priorities. Low VOC (volatile organic compounds) paints are preferred over traditional latex. And we're starting to ask about VOC in other products and building materials.
Water Wise
Interest in California natives for the garden continues to rise, as does interest in recapturing rain and gray water. Many homeowners are reducing the size of their water-hungry lawns. And synthetic grass, which requires no watering and eliminates the need for chemicals, is being viewed as an environmentally sound solution.
Tankless and solar hot water are being used to reduce water waste and the cost of heating. Improvements in low-flush and low-flow technology have made water efficient toilets and bathroom fixtures more attractive. But we still want large tubs and multiple shower heads—our one water extravagance.
Alternative Energy
Solar is big. Homeowners view an investment in solar as protection from rising energy costs and fossil fuel dependence. New federal and state incentives have made this a very good time to take the plunge.
Personal Health
Organic foods and natural care products have proven to be recession-proof. Organic food sales are up 5.6%, despite an 8% fall away of previous customers who have been hard hit. Sales at natural food stores are up 10.9% as health becomes an economic issue. Simply stated, an apple a day is cheaper than the doctor. Exercise is also on the rise and getting to be more fun. Pole dancing is in.
Reconnecting with Nature
This year, more than 43 million households planted vegetable gardens. Planting, tending and picking has become a family activity. Children are interested to taste vegetables they've grown.
As we cut back on expensive extra-curriculars for our kids, they have more time for outdoor play. Parents who had become overprotective are now encouraging tree climbing and other forms of outdoor exploration. Outdoor rooms, which bring the joys of nature and the comforts of home together, continue to be our favorite space.
Reconnecting with Our Neighbors and Community
Tool banks, potlucks and neighborhood barn raisings are bringing neighbors closer together. Cyber socializing is reconnecting us with old friends and helping us find new ones. Sites like LinkedIn have become valuable networking tools.
Although charitable giving is down, volunteerism is way up. The recession has acted as a kind of social equalizer as we realize "Hey, that could be me".
We have an increased desire to do business with companies who have a face. And we are supporting companies that show corporate social responsibility, including Green practices.
While earlier recessions have stopped the environmental movement in its tracks, this recession has not. We are embracing a new, more holistic kind of conservation. Conservation isn't just about the planet anymore. It's about building better, healthier, more sustainable lives.
That's why we at House2Home Showcase are so pleased to bring you this, our first Green issue. We believe that every step towards sustainability-even very small ones-make a difference in our lives today and build a better tomorrow.
Good Morning on Friday July 30, 2010
