6 Things More Difficult than Building Yourself a Green Home

Reader Contribution by Atulya K Bingham
Published on April 5, 2016
1 / 2
2 / 2

Back in 2011, I found myself carrying a tent and a few gardening tools down to a field in the hills of southern Turkey. At the time, I had no idea about building. I’d never so much as put a shelf up in my life. Eight months later, I was perched on an earthbag wall hammering in wooden anchors for rafters. I had learned what a joist was, and a stem wall.

The experience of building my own home was one of the most transformative I’ve ever had. I now live in that beautiful circle of mud. From being utterly novice, I have become a reasonable sustainable builder.

I mention this because who doesn’t want a beautiful green home? Who wouldn’t love to create their own healthy and sustainable space, a space that inspires them every day? I remember years earlier, a friend showing me Simon Dale’s strawbale hobbit house. I had adored it. It was a dream home. I never imagined I’d be living in one, never mind constructing my own. But the truth is this is something anyone, yes anyone, can do.

So if we all dream of it, why aren’t more of us doing it?

Comments (0) Join others in the discussion!
    Online Store Logo
    Need Help? Call 1-800-234-3368