Living in a Loft
Powell’s Book St
ore, the nation’s largest bookstore, hosts authors who speak about their books. Last Tuesday, I was able to leave the Red Cross a little early to see William Powers speak about his book 12 by 12.
For four months, Powers lived in a single room 12 by 12 loft in Africa. He shared the space with a doctor, the permanent resident. A few years ago she purchased the building and four surrounding acres for $11,000. Her current salary is $300,000, but she only accepts $11,000.
In the loft, the doctor, Powers, and the 4 neighbors living in similar dwellings, live as sustainably as possible. From the composting toilet to the homegrown vegetables, everything is designed to minimally impact the earth.
Powers did a few readings from his book where he expressed his emotions and opinions about living in a 12 by 12 home.
An important piece of his discussion was how living in the 12 by 12 was more sustainable and left the dweller freer and happier than most Americans, with their busy lifestyles. He demonstrated, with the help of a graph, that after your basic needs are met, there is no correlation to income level and happiness.
I loved that he shared pictures of Natives surfing. It’s something that I always imagine seeing professionals and beach bums doing. But it makes sense, after a hard days work living on the African coast, who wouldn’t want to surf?
After answering questions, Powers left the audience with a question. What would you bring if you were going to stay in a 12 by 12? That was a tough one. I guess I would bring my personal essentials, my computer, some books and that would be about it.
