In a world overwhelmed by climate change debates and economic uncertainty, one thing remains clear: lasting solutions begin at home. Dr Pat Howden — ecologist, medical researcher, and pioneer of sustainable living — offers a lifetime of insight into how individuals can take charge of their environmental footprint through practical, low-cost, renewable home systems.
Drawing on decades of experience since 1946, including his role as ECOnsultant to Sydney University's 1974 Autonomous House project, Dr Pat Howden introduces S.H.E. — Sustainable Home Engineering — and his concept of Frugaluxury: a simple, solar-powered lifestyle that's conservatively run on renewable resources. His approach helps everyday people sidestep the stress of overwork, rising costs, suburban sprawl, and planned obsolescence — while reconnecting with family, community, and purpose.
This book is a hands-on guide to building a resilient future, featuring projects and principles that schools, homesteaders, and makers of all ages will find both indispensable and fun. With the rise of resource shortages and global disruptions, Dr Pat Howden's sustainable systems offer not just hope — but real economic opportunity for cottage industries, villages, garages, and corporations alike.
From the Men's SHED Project to his second Sustainable Future Museum and Apt Library, Dr Pat Howden continues to inspire a new generation of ecological thinkers. Here, he shares the blueprint.
"Optimum low cost family is when one partner works, the other helps family become highly self-sufficient. Swap jobs every 6 months or less! Please circulate this text that the world can't afford to be without – other folk may need tomorrow! Disaster Survival is highly correlated with home multi-tasked self‑sufficiency level!"
SUNcerely & Sustainably – Dinah & Dr Pat Howden.
