Tiny House Big Opportunity
By Austin Jewell
In 1973 the average house size was 1660 square feet. In 2015 the average house size was 2687 square feet. This was larger than a 1000 square foot increase in less than 50 years (Kamal). This increase in space and size need for the average American household is creating a large demand for more materials and land needed. This amount of natural distortion can lead to harsh effects on the environment (Tang, Dong). In fact, the average American household produces more than 7 tons of carbon dioxide every year, this added on top of the tons needed to clear the land, get the materials, and build the structure itself (Roaf, Crichton). All these factors put together are the reason for change in the idea when it comes to housing. Changes and innovations are being made to help lower the impact that regular housing has on the earth. For example, a lot of builders are switching from hardwood floors of oak, pine, maple, etc., and going towards bamboo. Due to its fast growing nature and low impact on its natural environment, it is becoming an easy and quick sell (Yudelson). The fact still is, though, normal housing still takes up a large amount of space and with its impact on the environment and a growing population, it should be time we look into alternatives.
In Hong Kong, China, the average size of a house is under 500 square feet big; it is only 484 (Carswell). In one of the richest cities in the world the average home is smaller than the average American classroom (Carswell). This is an excellent example of how even those of vast wealth can still live in a smaller space. In 2013 a study done by Zillow, the internet Realtor, states that a person needs only 300 square feet of living space to be happy. This study would help to justify the ever growing tiny house movement and suggest that large homes that take up more space and leave a bigger impact on the environment do not necessarily make you happy (Kamal). That being said, it goes with the idea that happiness can’t be bought and it is not something physical, since most people associate a larger home with being successful and you have quote unquote, "made it." The psychology of that is the larger the home the more stuff you have and the better you can provide (Snell, Callcan). This may have been important in the past with the need to house your larger families and 5+ children, but the fact of the matter is as families get smaller and more and more people are living alone and using the extra space for stuff it just means now that the larger the home the larger the impact it is going to have on our planet (Burlinghouse).
How can we get people on board? It is actually very easy. What is the one thing that everyone wants to save and wants to have more of? That's right, money. This may sound like a very consumerist thing to say, but most people believe that climate change is not a big issue since carbon dioxide is not something you can see, but money is an issue most people will face in their lifetime (Shaw, Pulhin, Pereina). In 2016 the average American house was going for $199,200, this is a large amount of money needed so that you can live (Zillow). Now guess how much a tiny house is going for. I will give you a hint: it is less than a new car. Yes, on average a tiny house is going for under $30,000 (Kamal). These small houses cost less since they are smaller and less of a hassle to maintain. This can help make it go mainstream,
Check out this video/YouTube channel for some more examples of tiny living!
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Check out this video!