A Castle of Calm- Going Green Affordably

I chose SustainableFootprints, because I believe we benefit from observing and improving on our understanding of our lives' literal and figurative "footprints in the sand."

For many people, their home represents their biggest social and economic investment. In these times of resource challenges and economic distress, we all seek relevant, common sense sustainable living solutions that can be introduced singly, over time, or in multiples.

We want a home that shelters us from uncertainties arising outside our domain, providing:

1. An affordable respite from the twin extremes of heat and cold, as well as undue influences of other forces of nature.
2. A reliable source of safe water to drink, clean ourselves, and provide for our gardens and landscaping
3. A beneficial, nourishing adequate food supply for ourselves and our loved ones, babies, pets- with competent, efficient storage and preparation systems
4. Security and privacy from hostile, unwanted intrusion- virus/bacteria- bugs- animal or human predators- for ourselves and our prized possessions
5. An individualized aesthetic best representing ourselves to those who surround us

Recently there has been a spate of news bytes implying that unless Americans consume more now (i.e. go into heavier debt) - buy a hybrid auto, put up solar paneling for whole house electricity, and buy new furniture made from recyclable materials this year or next- they are not walking their talk by making ethical choices.

"Research firm Mintel, in a January report, said it was unlikely that customers will develop new, ethical shopping patterns in a period of economic crisis ...."

Americans are changing their habits and the way they think about things. For the most part, they choose green, eco friendly home and garden improvements as they believe they can afford them.

As I walked around my neighborhood over the past couple months, knocking on all the doors and talking with folks- they readily volunteered what they had done, what was next on their “going green” list. It included water and energy conservation practices, including recycling, installing CFL bulbs and purchasing energy efficient appliances as replacements for failed ones, adding dual pane windows, roof and wall insulation, changes in diet, changed modes of transport and conveyances, carrying canvas totes and reusable bags when grocery shopping. A big "want"- particularly for seniors and families with children- was a flourishing, maintainable organic herb and vegetable garden. Successful composting was a topic of interest.

This blog is going to focus on real world investigations; natural, practical approaches and systems for creating eco-friendly ways to go for the highest ethical experiences we can have- being in harmony with our lives.