What is the OHIO Ecohouse?
The purpose of the OHIO Ecohouse is to demonstrate affordable, green technology and sustainable living. It provides education and serves as an outreach platform for Ohio University, the local community and the Appalachian region.
How did it all happen?
In the summer of 2004 faculty members, students of Ohio University, and concerned citizens of Athens County began meeting to discuss the possibility of transforming a university-owned house into a learning center about ecologically sustainable lifestyles. Support for the idea was provided by the university's Ecology and Energy Conservation Committee. This discussion soon led to a formal request to the university, and in January of 2005 this request was granted. A brick house on Dairy Lane was made available for this purpose.
Since that time, we have been amazed at how quickly further support for the Ecohouse has materialized. In five short months, more than $60,000 had been obtained in grants to support this project. Three students moved into the house in June 2005, a vegetable garden was established, and a solar electric array was installed in August 2005. A solar hot water system was installed soon after. The Ecohouse is truly an "idea whose time had come."
What makes the Ecohouse a community space?
The Ecohouse hosts potluck dinners where the public is welcome to join the residents for dinner. Guests are encouraged to bring a dish to share, and a musical instrument if so inclined. The potlucks have been very successful and everyone thoroughly enjoys themselves. For the 2007-2008 academic year, the Ecohouse has three planned potlucks: Friday, November 2, 2007; Friday, March 7, 2008; and Saturday, May 31, 2008. All potlucks are 6-8 PM.
The Ecohouse hosts Open Houses periodically to allow the public to see and learn about the green technologies the house has, and how they might be copied. Typically, two Open Houses are held each quarter. Open Houses during Winter Quarter 2008 will be Saturday, January 26 from 11 AM to 1 PM and Saturday, February 23 from 11 AM to 1 PM. During Spring Quarter 2008, there will be Open Houses Saturday, April 5 from 11 AM to 1 PM and Saturday, May 3 from 11 AM to 1 PM.
Workshops teach green home skills, techniques and recipes to participants from the University, schools and community.
Why an Ecohouse at Ohio University?
The state of Ohio faces many ecological challenges. Unfortunately, it is often ranked in the top three states of the country for releasing the highest amount of environmental toxins into the air and water. It is important that the publicly funded university system in Ohio address this challenge and utilize its educational resources to provide leadership toward solutions.
