Tiny houses: How the movement to create micro houses reflects social reform
After years of houses getting progressively bigger, the pendulum seems to have begun swinging in the opposite direction. People have become more environmentally conscious and aware of their effects on the planet. From recycling and composting to simply buying less, they are foregoing conspicuous consumption in favor of downsizing and reducing waste.
Whether it’s the recession, consumer fatigue, social consciousness or a combination of factors driving this movement, one thing is clear: Many people are opting for a simpler life and fewer possessions. A tiny house with room only for the basics is the perfect symbol of this simplicity.
The tiniest of these tiny houses is only about 65 square feet. Most people don’t take their downsizing quite to this extreme, though. The Tumbleweed Tiny House Company offers small houses up to 837 square feet. That is plenty of room for two people and even a pet.
These cute little dwellings offer many advantages over the "McMansions" that sprouted in nearly every neighborhood during the housing boom.
Tiny homes are inexpensive to build: The recent recession has made consumers more aware of how they spend their money, and the accompanying housing collapse made investing in a large house a decidedly risky option. Tumbleweed generally charges between $20,000 and $40,000 for the homes they build, and owners who build themselves can cut the price nearly in half. Some owners even use only reclaimed lumber, a move that both reduces costs and helps the environment.
Tiny homes are good to the environment: These houses reduce their owner’s carbon footprint right from day one. According to The Union of Concerned Scientists, some of the most environmentally destructive activities humans engage in are related to maintaining our homes. But tiny homes are less destructive to both build and maintain than large homes.
First, there’s almost no construction waste when building one of these structures. Even better, maintaining one produces very little greenhouses gases. The energy demand for heating and cooling such a small space is negligible, and owners who add solar panels and a composting toilet can make their homes almost completely green.
Tiny homes are good for the soul: Instead of working long hours to pay for a big home, and then working more hours cleaning it, people with tiny houses can spend that time doing things that make them happy. Whether that’s volunteering, spending time with family and friends, or just enjoying a more laid-back lifestyle, they have the freedom to make that choice.
Tiny homes can also provide flexible housing options for grandparents or adult children, when built on an existing home’s lot. This can allow family members who don’t want to live together to still remain close. And of course, they provide a popular and attractive option for singles who don’t need much space but don’t like apartment living.
Critics deride these tiny homes as nothing more than glorified trailers. Many are admittedly built on wheels, and they’re not for everyone, but they’re becoming an attractive option for anyone who believes that bigger isn’t always better and that “leaving your mark on this world” shouldn’t be taken literally.
