People have asked me more than once: “are you an environmentalist?”  My answer has always been, ‘I believe in creating efficiency and I believe equally in respecting stewardship!’  For most people that has been a sufficient response.  Plus, it happens to be truthful.  Here’s some proof:

Who is Béa Johnson?

I recently became aware of the admirable work of Béa Johnson.  Béa is a renowned figure in the world of sustainable living. Her journey began in 2008 when she and her family decided to drastically reduce their waste as part of a minimalist lifestyle. They now produce just one jar of trash per year! Think of it!  One jar!  Well, her book, “Zero Waste Home,” has become a bible for those interested in minimalism and looking to live more sustainably.

What does sustainable living have to do with divieight?

It shouldn’t be difficult to see that optimizing your life through mindful consumption has overlap to the mission of divieight. This is especially true if you’re someone wanting to optimize (or purchase) ownership in a second home.  Here’s how the optimization principle can help you achieve these goals:

1. Reduce, Reuse, Recycle

That mantra is at the heart of divieight’s mission. The annual cost of a vacation home in “whole” ownership can be reduced by more than 87% through transformation into “co-ownership”.   Besides the annual cost, the same would be true for the purchase cost.  Buyers, I’m looking at you, too!

• Actionable: Consider the impact on the environmental footprint by sharing the title, sharing the cost and sharing the alternating use.  We can guide you.

2. Mindful Consumption

Béa encourages us to think before we buy. This aligns perfectly with divieight’s mission of advocating mindful living. It is true that “whole” ownership of a second home (a vacation home) is personally enjoyed by its owner only about 30 – 40 days per year.  Transformation to co-ownership optimizes the enjoyment of this valuable fixed asset.  So, every purchase (and ownership) should be considered carefully to ensure it adds value to your life without creating unnecessary inefficiency.

• Actionable: Consider that disturbing the landscape to build (or use) a second home is much more justifiable by establishing co-ownership and shared enjoyment through an alternating regimen.  This is what we structure for you.  We can guide you.

3. Simplifying Life

Béa’s family downsized their possessions, leading to a simpler, more fulfilling life. Divieight encourages the same approach, helping you focus on what truly matters.

• Actionable: Downsize your planned purchase cost by more than 87% (yes, 87%!).  If you’re already a second home owner, reduce your annual ownership cost by the same percentage.  Again, this is what we structure for you.  We can guide you.

Different Perspectives on Minimalism

While the approach is inspiring, it’s important to acknowledge that minimalism can look different for everyone.  As it pertains to second home real estate, some might find joy in a $600,000 beach house or mountain cabin.  Others might prefer the “austerity” of taking a $3 million home and dividing its cost by eight. The key is to find what works for you and aligns with your values.  In any case, my company can help.

Conclusion

Béa Johnson’s practices, although far more aggressive than for personalities like mine, are nevertheless a powerful reminder of what we can achieve through mindful living. By integrating such efficient principles into your co-ownership journey, you can realize a dream in a way that is far less costly and far more fulfilling.  And here’s a bonus: your mindful consumption will have achieved something more friendly to the economy and to the earth.