Steps towards sustainability
We are constantly learning how to align our activities with the environment.
Every aspect is important and presents its own challenges—construction, conserving natural resources, energy use, food production, minimizing and reusing waste...
Water
We carefully conserve every drop of water. The sky sends us rain, which we collect along with water from the well. Only the water from the toilet is "wasted." Used water from washing, dishwashing, and showering flows into a drainage system with about 20 types of aquatic plants. After being purified by this plant filter, the clean water enters the garden pond, where it becomes home to our fish, contributing to the sustainable water cycle in nature.
Another way we conserve water is through the use of a compost toilet—an innovative solution that significantly helps preserve water in our household.
Food
To our beautifully set tables, the food mostly comes from our garden and the plots of small-scale producers. We delight in Goga's culinary skills and meals made exclusively with plant-based ingredients.
In this way, we nurture the connection between the food on our plates, the land that surrounds us, the climate, and the small garden helpers—beneficial bacteria, fungi, insects, and birds.
Building
In our construction, we use eco-friendly materials such as earth, straw, sand, reeds, and reclaimed wood—local, affordable, and easily accessible. These materials provide excellent insulation and reduce waste.
Furniture and structural elements made from reclaimed wood connect the past and present, giving them new purpose.
At Šumska 1, we build with care for nature, combining tradition and innovation to create spaces that harmonize with their surroundings.
Waste
We are learning how to reduce and reuse waste wherever possible.
Green and organic waste from the kitchen, garden, and compost toilet is used to create natural fertilizer, cutting household waste in half and eliminating the need for
single-use packaging.
Energy
The water in the showers is hot, sometimes even 99 degrees, and the electricity consumption for this is zero, as we heat the water using solar energy.
During the cold winter days, entering Šumska reminds us of old village households that were heated with wood. The smell of fresh potato or pumpkin pie comes from a highly energy-efficient stove that, while baking, also heats our entire space.
