Who lives in the Ecohouse?
Kate Hammond  Smithville, OH Masters in Environmental Studies My interest in the natural environment began as a child. I was born and raised in the heart of farmland in Smithville, Ohio. My childhood was spent outdoors: exploring the fields and woods, swimming in neighborhood ponds, helping in my family’s garden. I learned to love nature. To my dismay I have watched the encroachment of suburbia into the fertile farmlands of Wayne County as the small farms are bought out by developers. The “down towns” have become ghost towns as more popular suburban superstores are built requiring increased transportation energies and encouraging increased consumption. I have witnessed the increasing pollution in the cities and have seen firsthand the horrors of non-decomposing plastics in refuse. These personal observations have increased my awareness of the impact that our actions have on our natural resources. This has channeled my interest into preserving our environment. I have had opportunities to travel around the US and abroad. In my visits I realized that environmental degradation stretches beyond my little hometown of Smithville. Shrinking streams, increased energy consumption and gorgeous landscapes littered with plastic shopping bags are common sights stretching the globe. With increasing population density, the pressure on our natural resources will only be greater. We cannot halt progress, but what we can do is strive to progress in a sustainable manner. The Ohio University Ecohouse presents many examples of how we can continue to progress with less stress on our environment. Most of the projects and improvements in the eco-house are done at a grass roots level, providing small and cost-effective ideas for students and local residents. The Ecohouse may not stop global climate change, put a stop to air pollution or an end all to those boundless plastic bags on its own, however I hope it will provide a ripple effect, that will reach out to folks a few (or many) at a time and encourage them to make a few environmental changes to their lifestyles. I look forward to living in this greener setting as both an opportunity to educate others as well continuing to learn additional ways to decrease my own environmental footprint. |
Matt Hartman  Canton, OH Masters in Recreation Studies When you see children or even adults actively participating in nature, do you see the development of environmental stewards? At some point in my experiences in outdoor pursuits, education, scouting, athletics, and work that vision became a vocation, and it was then that the field of Recreation and Outdoor Education made so much sense.
Through my visits to some incredible natural places, I discovered that when we know nature, we appreciate it; and when we appreciate it, we care for it. For me, the connection to the Ecohouse is literal, because the question that arises is, “Now that I appreciate nature, how do I care for it?”
Living at the Ecohouse provides meaningful answers to that question, from composting and gardening, to alternative energy and efficient appliances. With the support of Ohio University and those great people interested in the project, my roommates and I have the opportunity to work as a team to show how doable sustainable living is. The effect of that work is not only lessening my environmental impact and providing a unique learning experience; it is also educating and empowering others to do the same. The thought of going home at the end of the day as a means of fostering environmental responsibility is, in a word, amazing. Ok, maybe it’s not quite that simple, but we’re working on it. What are you doing? |
Danny Young  Athens, OH BS, Mechanical Engineering After obtaining an Associates degree in Alternative Energy Systems at Hocking College, I am currently working on my second undergraduate degree in Mechanical Engineering at Ohio University while working part time for Dovetail Solar and Wind as a systems designer/ installer.
I’m a pretty active person most of the time, I like to go rock climbing, caving, and backpacking mostly, though I never seem to get to go as often as I would like. I love the outdoors and I realize that the way we live our lives directly affects the world around us. Living at the Ecohouse gives me and my roommates a chance to not only live with a minimal impact on the environment, but also to help others understand how they can do the same. Also I think living at the ecohouse will help me to continue learning about sustainable practices, I know all about the renewable energy field, now it’s time to learn some low tech ways of reducing my emissions, like gardening, composting, and just conserving as much as possible by adopting new habits and stopping old ones. There is incredible potential to help the environment without using any technology whatsoever, other that your brain. I see the next few years being a very fulfilling experience for all of us at the house, as well as everyone we get to share this experience with. | |
