Eco-Friendly and Off-Grid Living

In an increasingly environmentally aware society, people are turning more and more towards alternative forms of housing. The range of options is extensive from miniature dome-style houses to full blown mansions equipped with solar panels and wind turbines. As the technology for eco-friendly sources of energy improve, more and more people opt out of traditional homes and seek housing that provides monetary relief while also helping preserve the earth.

A recent article in CNN Money highlights just how available off-grid housing is becoming. The article features the House Arc, a modular 150-square foot home that can be shipped in a crate and assembled by anyone with basic carpentry skills. Architect Joseph Bellamo, who helped design the House Arc, was focused on creating a quick housing option for displaced communities after natural disasters. Though this home option is still relatively pricey at $55,000, it's helping to pave the way for more innovative forms of housing.

Many people choose to build their own off-grid homes rather than attempt to modify an already existing structure to meet their needs. There are a variety of companies that specialize in such homes including the International Dome House Company, Hybrid Homes and many others. Off-grid living often includes homesteading practices, which is why many people choose to purchase acreage so that they have space for a farm or garden. In Michigan, we have a growing community of small family farms making the popularity of vacant land on the rise.

If you are considering an eco-friendly home or simply some environmentally conscious updates, you have a lot of options. Simple changes might include efficient light bulbs, energy star appliances and non-toxic furniture. If you want more advanced updates, you can purchase solar panels, create a rainwater collection and distribution system, or add passive heating and cooling options such as skylights, ceiling fans and adequate insulation.

The type of home that you need when living off the grid varies by your location since these homes are created to consider the environment, the weather and the natural terrain. For instance, Michigan sees rather cold winters so homes must be well insulated and equipped with some form of heating option for those snowy months. A 2010 article in the Michigan Daily spotlights one such Michigan homeowner. Joe Trumpy of Grass Lake, Michigan resides in a two-story adobe house that he built himself, which features solar panels, straw insulation and stone flooring to retain heat.

If you're searching for an eco-friendly home in the Lansing or East Lansing areas or are thinking about purchasing vacant land to build your own, feel free to contact me at MyRealtorRob. As an East Lansing realtor, I can also assist you in the sale or purchase of a new home.