ABSTRACT
In the small coastal town of Arcata, California, the Marsh Commons Cohous-ing Community adjoins a state wildlife refuge. The 13 housing units are built largely of recycled lumber, environmentally friendly SmartWood, Trex brand recycled-material decking, recycled paint, and carpets made from recycled plastic bottles. The inhabitants share a common garden, laundry room, shop, guest room, meeting and dining area, children’s play area, workroom, and craft area. Among the primary goals of this and hundreds of similar cohousing communities worldwide is sustainability. By sharing common spaces and avoiding the use of virgin, depletable materials, the communities have a relatively small effect on the environment and on the options available to future generations.
