What Do We Absolutely Need? [fifth in a series]

March 31, 2009 by David Eggleton

This series is to stimulate visions of new niches in the local economy. It's addressed to people with businesses and to enterprising people not yet in business.
 
It gets cold around here in the winter. It sometimes gets hot around here in the summer. There is precipitation in all seasons, and some unfriendly insects abound in the warm months. We all need shelter so that we can, as necessary, be reasonably comfortable and secure. I say as necessary because I believe almost all of us spend too much time indoors. With adequate shelter, our things, too, can be safe and dry, thus remaining useful to us as long as possible. Beyond that, it's good for heart and spirit to invite family, friends and collaborators into the space we've made our own -- for fellowship, sharing and/or organizing.
 
If you can build, maintain, repair or improve any aspects of buildings, you may be increasingly valuable around here as energy prices increase, not only because more costly heating and cooling will drive people to seek relief. Some companies based elsewhere that have served this area may choose to work closer to home, due to costs beyond their control. Others may choose to charge for mileage, as some contractors have been doing for years. If you are here, capable of doing work of comparable quality, you may be preferred because local. Woburnite.com hopes so!
 
Many buildings in this area need to be sealed and insulated, either better or for the first time. Many old windows need attention or should be replaced; newer ones not only are tight and insulating, but have coatings that greatly reduce fading to make closed curtains, blinds and drapes less important. Old equipment is generally less energy efficient than newer equipment designed for the same purposes. Sun spaces in or added to houses will be smart investments in comfort and reliability. Some sun spaces produce and deliver warmed air to rooms with south-facing walls, while others are simply rooms warmed by sunlight coming through unshaded windows. Many of our coldest days are sunny days! With your help, we can take advantage of that.
 
There is always a market in a locale for the goods and services that satisfy fundamental human needs.