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Dual Flush Toilets

One simple way to save water is with a dual flush toilet. This one, the “Persuade” by Kohler, has a standard flush of 1.6 gallons plus an optional flush of 0.8 gallons — cutting water use in half.

To word this delicately, for most of our flushes, the 0.8 gallon option will be adequate. This will save a large amount of water annually. List price for the white one is about $360. Not too bad.
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theJADE — coming soon!

I’m making progress on theJADE, our second plan series. This plan will be slightly larger at 1,392 sq ft and have 3 bedrooms and 2 baths. It will be oriented with preferred south to the side, rather than the rear. It will have all of the same sustainability features and options with a few new ones (we’re learning all the time).

Still simple, still trying to change our way of thinking.
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sustainability goes beyond houses

Sustainability involves every aspect of our lives. So while our houses are important, we should also realize that saving a sheet of paper here, saves a tree somewhere and reduces how much rainforest gets cut down and that affects the livelihood of the family in South America and on and on. 

The Earth is a closed system — nothing ever truly “goes away” (like garbage and waste). 
One big item is water. Many people in the world don’t have access to clean drinking water. Not only do our houses affect this (through using dual flush toilets or water-saving faucets), but water saved here can mean clean water somewhere else. 
As Americans, we are blessed with abundance. I came across a website recently that had a powerful message. As we are in this Advent Season, check out the Advent Conspiracy at www.adventconspiracy.org

Merry Christmas!
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Feedback and Questions

I’m curious — what are YOUR thoughts on sustainability? What do you think of our blog and our website? What else would you like to see and what would you like to discuss? I’m open to suggestions for topics.

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theFERN – view from the back

Many of you asked “so what does the fern look like from the OTHER side?” So here it is. 

You can see the covered patio with optional photovoltaic panels, large south glass for passive solar gain and just a nice patio to sit on and sip iced tea.
Click on the image to enlarge.
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additional views of theFERN

I’ve had several requests over the past couple of days saying “I like the front elevation, but what does it look like from the back?”

So, in response to those requests, I’m working on some additional views of theFERN, so you can have a better idea of what it will look like.
Thanks for your input!
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simple design

I guess maybe I should have started with the obvious. These plans are simple. There are a few, understated design elements and themes that carry through; just enough “umph” to give them some pizzaz, but not overdone. 

For so many years we’ve overdone. With the global climate and fossil fuel issues, we can no longer live lives of excess. That doesn’t mean we can’t be comfortable or have style, but within the context of simple, sustainable, responsible housing.