Sustainable Convenience

Abstract

Globally, society is on the cusp of substantial environmental changes. These changes start with insight into the current state of the environment, mindset changes that need to be made, then to the necessary lifestyle changes. Accordingly, this research began with asking why communities haven’t been able to start making these changes, questioning what is it that is holding them back? Convenience. Communities have drilled in the concept of “convenience for the consumer” whereas now, there’s a dire need to switch to “convenience for the environment”. The question then becomes: What is it about convenience that is holding people back from these changes, and how can architecture jump-start a community to become more conscious about everyday environmental impacts? The easiest, or in this context, the most convenient place to start changes are at the grocery store, where the bulk of consumerism happens. The most convenient change for the environment is producing less waste and focusing on a plant-based diet. These combined, have the possibility of creating convenience in a society for both the consumer and the environment. The research starts with gathering numerous case studies exhibiting the use of zero-waste shopping, then looks into the possibility of creating winterized greenhouses in accordance to the harsh North Dakotan winters.