Chapter 6 :: Money Matters

      Ecologically sensitive living is frequently assumed to be more expensive than the status quo. Although some costs are higher than “regular” housing, others are far lower. In this chapter, planning, building, and operating expenses are evaluated. Positive benefits, from community purchasing and on site production of food and other goods/services, are considered. Ultimately, the cost of ecological building and living appears commensurate with “regular” housing. The following chapter, “Design: Getting it Right,” expands upon the traditional definition of “cost” to look at the long term price of consuming finite resources.

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