These Enviro-Friendly Communities Celebrate Earth Day Year-Round
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More than a billion people in 190 countries will be celebrating Earth Day this Friday, April 22. Now in its 52nd year, the annual celebration is more than just a day to demonstrate support for environmental protection. It’s a reminder to practice sustainability year-round, including how — and where — we live.
Overall, the global single-family housing green buildings market is expected to grow from $105.26 billion in 2021 to $120.89 billion in 2022, according to a Research and Markets report. And with more consumers looking to reduce their carbon footprint, living a more eco-friendly lifestyle extends to their housing choices.
The following three properties prove you don’t have to sacrifice style for substance.
Teháma Carmel, Carmel, California
Located on 2000 acres of unspoiled land on the Northern California coastline, Teháma is the vision of actor and native Californian Clint Eastwood. Only 90 homesites—60 of which have already sold—provide “the ultimate canvas to build one’s dream estate.”
With 85 percent open space, the privately-owned property is a model community for sustainability. Life and land seamlessly connect, from the on-site water source and state-of-the-art filtration system to composting and use of biodegradable plastics.
Individual properties range in size from 3.5 to 25 acres. Available homesites take full advantage of the surrounding landscapes including sweeping vistas of Point Lobos, Carmel Bay, Monterey Bay, and the Santa Lucia Range.
Native grasses and meadow flora abound. There’s also an on-site nursery which has been germinating seeds from trees on the property for over a decade.
Equally noteworthy is what you can’t see: “From the lack of power lines to inconspicuous parking garages, every human contribution has been thoughtfully camouflaged from sight to conserve the natural sightlines around us,” touts the Teháma website.
Tributary, Driggs, Idaho
This private residential 1,500-acre community is tailor-made for outdoor enthusiasts. Along with the more traditional amenities—world-class golf, wellness center, cross-country skiing—the property sports a two-mile elevated boardwalk designed for viewing wildlife.
It’s also home to 500 acres of fen-designated wetlands, providing support to Tributary’s diverse plant and animal population. In addition, several ponds have been constructed on the property to provide habitat for nesting trumpeter swans, waterfowl, shorebirds, and nesting and staging long-billed curlews.
Inspired by the pristine parklands that surround the neighboring Teton Valley, contemporary cabins feature exposed craftsmanship and authentic local materials. Open floor plans and walls of glass invite the outdoors in.
New 3,250-square-foot home plans start at $3.5 million.
Kukui’ula, Kauai, Hawaii
Of course, homeowners appreciate Kukui’ula’s epic beaches and perpetual sunshine. But it’s the property’s 10-acre Upcountry Farm that offers an eco-minded (and delectable!) benefit: seasonal, organic produce harvested and served on-site.
Residents can help themselves to fresh fruits, veggies, herbs, and flowers. The Farm also hosts farm-to-table dinners, floral arranging workshops, and family activities.
Homesites at Kukuiʻula range from one-third acre to three acres, including some of the last Kauai coastline still available for building. Or choose from a covetable collection of homes from renowned architects including Shay Zak, Olson Kundig, and Bing Hu.
