Pay It Forward, Part 3

The non-profit company mentioned in the previous post, Pay It Forward Part 2, could focus on sustainable low-cost housing. The houses could be improved houses that are pre-existing, or they could be new houses built with sustainable materials and processes. A good goal to strive for would be a sustainable home for under $40,000. They would be sold on a rent-to-buy basis, with no interest and no profit.

Some of the improvements that could be targeted:

• Remove metal plumbing, recycle it, replace with PEX for supply lines and PVC for drains
• Replace old wiring with new
• Low-E windows
• Radiant floor heat
• Additional thermal capacity in increase passive solar gain in winter
• Southern glazing for additional solar gain in winter
• Tankless water heater
• Energy star appliances
• Zero VOC pain
• Organic vegetable gardens and orchard
• Chicken coop
• Rabbit run
• Non-asphault roof
• Rain water catchment system
• Gray water system
• Compost bins, vermiculture bins
• Masonry Heaters / Rocket Stoves
• Set of books and videos on how to manage it all

Some possible construction methods if building a new house:

• Cob
• Timber Frame
• Straw Bale
• Geodesic Dome
• Earthship
• Bermed or Underground
• Slipform Masonry
• Rubble Trench Foundation
• Earthen Floors