Anyway on a related note, you’re probably either already on your summer vacation or planning one (albeit on short notice) right now and if you’re the one who takes charge of your vacations, then you’ll know that one of the hassle is selecting the right accommodation. And with kids and pets involved this all the worse!
So there’s this new thing going around – well it’s not new but it certainly is getting more popular with time. It’s called “Home Exchange” or “House Swapping”!
Conventionally people choose to ‘swap homes’ over vacations because of the cost and flexibility. A home away from home is the idea that seals the deal. Now if you aren’t familiar with the concept behind home swapping then you’re probably thinking to yourself what if you end up swapping your pristine manor for a roach infested flat? Well that’s unlikely because the idea behind the swap is to exchange a like for like and you will have to consent to the swap. You will exchange details with the intended swapping party until both of you are comfortable to hand over the keys. There are specific rules and protocols to abide by – you can find out more here.
Now while cost and flexibility may be the driver for house exchange, there is another benefit that has long gone under ‘advertised’. House swapping if you can trust the system that runs it is actually beneficial to the sustainable lifestyle. Yes, house exchange is quite the green practice.
Let me explain.
If you are an avid fan of Mother Nature, chances are your lifestyle – habits and home included have been modeled in such a way as to have the least impact on the environment. This probably means you’ve got an organic diet, a linen closet stuffed with organic materials, a fridge full of organic & local produce and a solar powered house constructed with ecorock walls. A lifestyle that is not exactly easy to uphold when you’re away from home…
And this is where House Swapping can help. While you may be probably the only one in your neighbourhood with such passion for nature, you certainly aren’t alone in the world. Instead of giving up your practices for a week or 3 weeks (depends on your vacation period) and feel guilty after your holidays for having fun at the expense of nature, you can swap homes with a fellow green lover and enjoy your holidays without having to give up on what you believe in.
I really wouldn’t recommend swapping on short notice (always research until you feel confident) but if you’re planning something for Christmas and the New Years then why not give Eco-Homes Swapping a chance. Who knows, you might find some new ideas of ways you can ‘green’ your home with after the swap! Green Theme International is a good place to start your search (they are worldwide so great for international travel too).
