Cohousing-L Mailing List: Re: Coho to the left and right...

[Robyn Williams (zen]

> For example, environmental ideals are often quite expensive (eg active
> solar, grey water systems)

My nerdy bloke is collating some pretty impressive temperature graphs
(available to anyone who wants 'em) from our very low budget, passive solar
home.  And we still don't have curtains, pergolas or significant plants yet.
We don't use any artificial heating - simply soak up the sun.  Certainly we
have the advantage of a winter climate with little cloud during the day but
that's what it's about, using what you've got. Grey water can start by
hooking the bath and laundry water up to the garden - no big deal.  Just be
clear how you design the basic plumbing in the first place.  To my chagrin,
the bath plumbing was connected directly to the toilet waste despite my
request to incorporate grey water access - another job on the list. (sigh)

 It's not my fantasy, environmentally sound house but every day, literally,
we acknowledge - in disbelief - that our simple home, simply works.  I
rarely see another, despite better quality materials and more extravagant
design, that compares.  A few months ago Pinakarri was a highly commended
finalist in the WA Energy Efficiency Awards - Innovation.

Am I gloating?  ;0)

WARMEST regards
Robyn Williams
Pinakarri Community
Fremantle, Western Australia