We All Have It
It’s not easy being green, even when it seems like every day a new innovative idea to make our lives more sustainable comes out. The solution, surprisingly has not a lot to do with buying new things, buying less and being resourceful with what you have can go much further. American society supports buying new things, we expect to solve problems instantly and whether we admit it or not we try to solve problems with money more often than we do with pure will and intelligence. Today I witnessed the creation of two wonderful individuals, their humble home is inspiring and an ideal example of sustainable living.
We were welcomed with one of the greatest meals I’ve ever had. I filled two large plates with salad, rice, and a stew loaded with vegetables and chicken. It outshined the pancakes we had for breakfast, it was authentic and made by a professional chef.
After lunch we listened to a lecture about the house, first off it was off the grid! The house was completely powered by renewable sources, 75% photovoltaic and 25% wind. Being off the grid is a great accomplishment in my opinion, it not only represents the use of sustainable energy but is also a great statement.
Today we depend on the grid, it is one thing that most Americans have in common. Take a moment to think about it, we work in offices, type on computers, traffic lights direct our way home, we make a call, take showers etc. We are all connected and dependent on centralized energy and without it our lives would be much different and less excessive. There is a lot of comfort in being able to trust that the lights will turn on and that the tv will be playing a favorite show, but in my experience it seems too comforting. If the source is always available I feel that it is easier to take advantage of it and much would be wasted.
This house was built from scratch five years ago to use little and be self sufficient, nothing was to be wasted. In such as short period of time a cabin and a house were built on what was once a cattle pasture and prior to that a coffee farm. The view was spectacular, we could see the Pacific Ocean, the wind farm and all of Lake Arenal. Certain sides were built to withstand harsh winds and other sides were kept open to provide for healthy air circulation. Plants were growing everywhere where there wasn’t a fine piece of art and I could tell the kitchen was professional grade. He even explained how he designed the foundation to be earthquake proof and able to withstand 6.6 magnitude quakes. I loved it!
Every aspect of the house was built by this guy and his wife and I am no less than greatly inspired. Many people including myself want to be able to to do great things, many people fail to try as hard as they can because they may lack will. I know many who are less than they can be and all they need is willpower, in some ways I consider myself among them. There is great potential within us, the most important thing we need to do is believe in ourselves and be passionate about every moment.
