Living energy independent in the US

from inhabitat: 4 steps to become energy independent using todays technology in the US

Thanks Ana Christina :)

The First Bite

When I look at the elephant and wonder how I will eat it I think of 3 ways I have seen so far that contribute to building a self-sustainable community.

First there are local initiatives by individuals or small groups. They often go 'back to basics' living in harmony with nature.

Second are the scientific organisations that generate reports and recommendations. They analyse global warming and investigate water and food supply. They look at new trends like urban agriculture.

Third are companies that introduce new technologies to build innovative solutions and sometimes even game changers. From uber to thorium, from stevia to google's self-driving car.

Each of these approaches have their own rythm and dynamics and we can learn from all of them. There is no right or wrong. It is a matter of learning from the past, stay in touch with what's happening today,  making choices and move forward step by step.

In am ready for a first bite in that big elephant. Are you ?

Eating The Elephant

In daily life I am a business development manager so I have some experience in defining and negotiating a concept and bringing it to market.

It's great to have a dream like this but it requires some definition if you want a managable project.  This project covers many areas and disciplines.

So how do you eat an elephant ? Right. One bite at a time. The first challenge is to clearly define these areas and their objectives. More about that in my next post.

My Dream

I have a dream.

And I want to bring it to reality. 

I want to build a self-sustaining place to live in Colombia. Just sun, air and water should be enough to live a happy life. With respect for nature and the people around you and using both technology and local resources to make it work. Not just for my family but for the whole society I will be part of.

I am not in a hurry. I am 51 now and will retire in about 14 years. So I have 14 years to turn this dream into reality. 

Why Colombia ? Because it is a sunny place.  Because my wife Patricia is from Colombia. Because I like Colombian people, they are curious and ambitious. Medellin was city of the year last year. Because my stepdaughter Ana Christina who is a young talented architect offered to help. 

I know I am not the only one with such a dream. That's why I am starting this blog. To share ideas and information and start new projects that will allow us all to have a better life.