GET IT ALL

1. Observe & Interact
2. Catch & Store ENERGY
3. Obtain a Yield
4. Apply Self Regulation & Accept Feedback
5. Use & Value Renewable Resources & Services
6. Produce No Waste (the problem is the solution)
7. Design from Pattern to Detail
8. Integrate Rather than Segregate
9. Use Slow & Small Solutions
10. Use & Value Diversity
11. Use Edges & Value the Marginal
12. Creatively Use & Respond to Change

In joining a group, one accepts a personal responsibility to behave with respect, goodwill, and honesty. Each one is expected to recognize that the group's needs have a certain priority over the desires of the individual. Many people participate in group work in a very egocentric way. It is important to accept the shared responsibility for helping to find solutions to other's concerns.

People who live with others may not notice the little bits of connectedness that give a lift to one's day. Simply having an exchange, talking about the day, relating with another person is an essential part of being human.

It's nice to have someone to say:

"Hello"

"Good Morning"

Good Night"

How was your day?"

For pet owners, this is often seen as the first requirement. If you have a pet, you need to live where that animal is welcome. It won't do to convince someone to take on your pet as a Home-mate. The first time the pet misbehaves-which will usually be in your absence-your Home-mate(s) will be reminded that they grudgingly agreed to have the pet in the house. The second and third times, there will be tension, and soon you and your pet will need to find another place to live. Live where you and your pet are welcome and eliminate these problems altogether!

Sources: Sharing Housing: A Guidebook for Finding and Keeping Good Housemates

Contributors:  Annamarie Pluhar

Recommended Books: Sharing Housing: A Guidebook for Finding and Keeping Good Housemates

• Walk or use a bicycle for short distances
• Use public transportation
• Use a rideshare service like: 

         -BlaBlaCar

         -Car2Go

         -Carma

         -Getaround

         -Justshareit

         -Lyft

         -Relay Rides

         -Sidecar

         -Zimride

         -Zipcar

Sharing meals adds a level of complexity around the Home-mate relationship that you may or may not want. Meals require planning, shopping, money, cooking, and time. They can add immeasurably to the Home-mate relationship and provide convenience of having someone else to cook some of your meals, or they can become a source of conflict. The easiest choice is to keep food and meals separate, but that may not be the right choice for you. 

Sources: Sharing Housing: A Guidebook for Finding and Keeping Good Housemates

Contributors:  Annamarie Pluhar

Recommended Books: Sharing Housing: A Guidebook for Finding and Keeping Good Housemates