5 Green Consumer Trends That Probably Won't Take Off

Yurts

Hi Maura,

Thanks for linking to my book in your article.

I have to say that living in a yurt has never felt like camping to me. I've lived in four yurts in three states and they have always been filled with beautiful furnishings and all the amenities that I find meaningful (electricity from solar panels, a wood stove for heat and "cozy factor", a propane stove/oven, laptop, CD player, phone and internet access). The fact that I use a simple form of composting toilet comes from my choice not to pollute available drinking water sources and to use humanure as a resource rather than disposing of it as waste. But other people certainly can (and do) use flush toilets in yurts.

I'm frankly not a fan of "camping out" and don't feel a camping lifestyle is sustainable in the long term. One reason that my book is full of photographs is to convey to people that yurts can provide a truly beautiful, aesthetically nourishing option while at the same time being light on the land and enabling the yurt dweller to dedicate life energy to something besides a 30 year mortgage.

I believe that "home" can be a sacred space that holds us in a nurturing environment while still being light on personal (financial) and shared (environmental) resources. But how do we communicate this in our crazy consumer culture that has locked us into viewing "home" as our single major lifetime investment--i.e., a huge commodity to be bought and sold for profit?

Yurts may never become mainstream but they are, fortunately, slowly catching on as vacation homes, studios, guest rooms and even primary residences.

Thanks again for your blog and all the great information and ideas you are sharing.

becky kemery

Author of "YURTS: Living in the Round"

www.yurtinfo.org

www.livingintheround.net

becky kemery of ID @ Sep 29, 2008 17:00:24 PM

City Chickens

City Chickens are taking off. The City of Sonoma California just approved an ammended ordinance allowing chickens and rabbits on residential lots of 6,000 square feet or more.

The County of Sonoma is writing an ammendement approving 6 hens in Residential zoned lots. R-1 zoning.

With a little research you will find this trend is well on its way. San Francisco City allows hens, as does San Jose, Portland Oregon, and of course New York City and Chicago.

Salt Lake City and County allows chickens in residential areas. West County of Salt Lake City is in the planning stages due to the numerous requests.

Sustainable living is the way to go if you are willing and able. My six hens are a joy to have around as pets and egg layers.

Doreen Proctor of CA @ Sep 27, 2008 11:33:58 AM

Breast Milk Ice Cream

LMAO...PETA is what it is: ridiculous and outlandish. But I could see a few entrepreneurial sorts at Ben 'n Jerry's, giving some thought to the unique pluses of the collection process. Perhaps some smaller ice creameries will give this a shot.

Skunkfeathers of CO @ Sep 26, 2008 12:21:49 PM

DUMPSTERS LOADED WITH GOODIES?

I don't know where these Freegans live, but around here every grocery dumpster is padlocked. I've checked. They even crush and recycle the cardboard.

I wouldn't be above a little "dumpster diving" for goodies given the price of vittles these days. Maybe you publish an article listing, The Top Ten Dumpster Diving Towns. Finally, an enviro-idea I can get into.

R.L.Schaefer of CA @ Sep 26, 2008 11:20:25 AM

Grossed out by breast milk?

I'm sorry, I find it odd that someone would get grossed out by consuming human milk over another species' milk. Aren't people concerned over the abundance of cow's milk allergies and infant formula recalls while breast milk has consistently held as safe and healthy for people of all ages? What is so gross about it, anyway? The fact that it has come from a woman's breast? Are women's breasts gross, then? Oh, I forgot, they are strictly sexual objects and the very thought that they could be used to nourish a human being is revolting.

Chamelyan of KS @ Sep 26, 2008 10:56:44 AM