"Only if we understand can we care.  Only if we care will we help. Only if we help shall we be saved."

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- Dr. Jane Goodall

 

The Chickadee Sustainability Goal #1: Net Zero Green House Gas Emissions

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• Small footprint (500 square feet)

• Solar PV panels

• All electric (100% fossil fuel free)

• Super insulated envelope 

• Warmform foundation

• Triple pane windows

• High efficiency air source heat pump

• High efficiency woodstove

• Electric baseboard heat as back-up for very cold winter days

• Level two EV charger

• Yes Hot water heater

• Yes Electric range & oven

• Yes Refrigerator with R290 refrigerant (near zero global warming potential "GWP")

• No freezer (Bear-proof YETI available for storing ice & frozen items)

• No garbage disposal (compost bin available seasonally)

• No washer & dryer (wash basin available to clean clothes)

• No coffee maker (french press available for morning coffee)

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Fossil Fuel energy use accounts for 62% of all GHG emissions today, roughly 28 gigatons each year. This is equal to 4 million olympic size swimming pools.

 

The Chickadee Sustainability Goal #2:  Chemical & Plastic Free

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• No harmful chemicals used in interior finishing materials, insulation & exterior finishing.  All wood, no drywall.  Good for the environment & for our guests. 

• GOTS verified organic bedding, mattresses and frames from Bare Home and Avocado.  Good for the environment & for our guests.  You will never sleep better.

• Well system exhibits many of the features of a natural artesian well, exceptionally clean and pure with no chlorine or added chemicals.

• An intentional focus on eliminating plastic in the cabin, including the use of natural plastic free cleaners, natural soaps & shampoos, and plastic free toothpaste & brushes available for guests.

 

The Chickadee Sustainability Goal #3: Inspire Healthy Meals

 

• Big Chill electric stove 

• Big Green Egg for woodfired pizza, grilling & smoking

• Cooking Spices for just about any favorite recipe

• French Press makes the world's best coffee

• Artisan made knives, iron cookware & china add a touch of luxury

• Cozy kitchen with everything at the Chef's fingertips

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Food, Agriculture & Refrigeration account for 30% of all GHG emissions today, roughly 14 gigatons each year.  This is equal to 2 million olympic size swimming pools.​

 

 

What kind of planet do we want to leave for our grandchildren?

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Greenhouse gas emissions from fossil fuels and industrial agriculture over the last 150 years have resulted in a significant rise in global average temperature.  We are now putting over 40 gigatons of carbon dioxide into our atmosphere each year.  More than our forests and our oceans can absorb.  To put that into perspective, a gigaton is equal to about 144,000 olympic size swimming pools.  During the pre-industrial era before 1850, CO2 levels remained stable at around 280 ppm for thousands of years.  The world has generated over 2,500+ gigatons of CO2 equivalent GHGs ("green house gases" including carbon dioxide, methane, nitrous oxide) since 1850.  The last time the levels of Carbon Dioxide in our atmosphere were this high was 5 million years ago, the average temperature was 4 degree F higher and ocean sea levels were as much as 30 feet higher.   In recent years, we have begun to see the devasting effects of this warming including super wild fires, rapidly melting glaciers, severe draught and polluted air, soil and water impacting millions of people throughout the world.   

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Over 2/3 of Americans say they are "worried" about climate change.  But many feel it is hopeless. That is simply not the case.  The solutions exist today.  And once they are adopted on a larger scale, scientific models predict that our climate will begin to stabilize and eventually carbon dioxide levels in the atmosphere will begin to decrease.  The solutions will improve individual health and create long-term financial benefits, economic growth, energy independence, and meaningful work for millions of Americans. Transitioning to clean energy, reducing our consumption & waste and changing the way we grow, transport and consume food will each play a significant role in helping to solve the problem.  

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Over the last ten years, inspired by some good books we read and sincere people we met, our family made a firm commitment to sustainability.  We exchanged our 10 year old Ford Expedition & 15 year old Jeep Cherokee for electric vehicles.  We purchased an electric heat pump, replacing an old propane furnace to heat and cool our home.  Invested in solar panels to dramatically reduce our net energy consumption and use of fossil fuels.  Quit our corporate jobs and began serving mission driven organizations focused on environmental science, climate solutions and outdoor education.  We changed our diets, eating whole foods, more fresh vegetables and began making most of our meals.  Began buying our meat from sustainable fisheries and local farms specializing in regenerative agriculture.  And we materially reduced our overall consumption and household waste.   

 

I wish I could say these changes were easy, they were not.  But the truth is that the change has been liberating.  We certainly have more time for the important things in life, the simple pleasures.  We've saved a lot of money.  We have time during the day to go for a run, bike, hike or ski on a nearby trail. Our solar panels provide "fuel" for our vehicles.  We haven't had to visit a mechanic for an oil change or a brake repair in years. Our monthly energy bills are a fraction of what they used to be.  We seldom visit a restaurant because the meals are much better at home. We love cooking and meal planning.  We've planted a garden that provides fresh vegetables and herbs in the summer.  We enjoy our twice weekly visits to the local food coop and enjoy spending time learning more about our local farms growing the produce and raising the livestock.  Our physical health and well being has improved significantly.  And it's energizing and rewarding to know that these changes are having a significant, positive impact on the environment. 

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We built the Chickadee to see if we could take our game to the next level.  The goal was to build something beautiful, ultra-sustainable and practical, not costing more than the median home price in the U.S.  The cabin was thoughtfully designed and built by a team  from SALA architects and Snow Bunting Builders.  We were lucky to work with such a gifted team of creative designers & craftsmen who are experts in sustainable building & design.  We estimate the sustainability features added about a 40% premium to the original cost to build.  But we also estimate that the payback on this investment will be less than 10 years primarily driven by low/no energy bills, low/no maintenance cost, and "free" fuel cost as our electric vehicle is powered by the solar panels on the cabin's roof.  After year 10, the cost to own the cabin will be pretty close to zero.   Most importantly, the cabin is a place that just makes us feel good.  Fully alive and intimately connected to the natural environment.  We are encouraged by the fact that "we are caring for nature so that nature can care for us" (Pope Francis).

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Landfill & Plastic Waste account for 8% of all GHG emissions today.

Studies published in the Journal of Industrial Ecology indicate that general consumer demand and household consumption account for as much as 72% of global green house gas emissions when factoring in supply chain and end use.

Landfill Waste: 3% or 1.34 gigatons of CO2 equivalent GHG emissions annually - Source: Waste Dive

Plastics: 5% or 2.24 gigatons of CO2 equivalent GHG emissions annually - Source: Lawrence Berkley National Lab

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