Reflections on Resiliency
Climate Plus - Going Beyond Weatherization to Healthy Indoor Air Quality in Low Income Homes
Paper Presentation in a Themed Session Laura Humphrey, Erin Rose
This is a conversation about the benefits of weatherization to anticipated climate change impacts for low-income households’ indoor air quality, health, and shelter and climate resilience. We explore low-cost measures that could be adopted by home performance professionals and weatherization programs in addition to weatherization that might be beneficial to distressed or low-quality areas of housing to future climate impacts such as increased flooding, wildfires, severe storms, and extreme heat and cold. Some example measures include air cleaners, gutter guards, emergency preparedness kits, battery powered light bulbs, and back up batteries. Climate Plus takes the standard home assessment to the next level by assessing the benefits and hazards in outdoor spaces and for solar and EV charging potential. Climate Plus is funded by the Environmental Protection Agency’s (EPA) EJCPS grant to address climate and disaster resiliency in identified distressed zip codes in Knoxville, TN by the Appalachian Regional Commission.
Exploring the Transformations in an Indigenous Community of Arunachal Pradesh, India
Paper Presentation in a Themed Session Gargi Vats
Sartang is a very lesser known and under-researched indigenous community of West Kameng district, Arunachal Pradesh, North East India. Historically, they were hunter-gatherers and practiced a religion called Bon, which was present in the area before the spread of Buddhism. They are now moving towards adopting new cultures and traditions. In the wake of the development happening in Arunachal and increase of the contact with the outside world, the community's culture, tradition and world views are changing, which might result in the extinction of the same in the near future. Before this happens, the community should be studied to capture its world views and sustainable practices, as it has remained historically neglected and highly under-researched. In order to examine the community, fieldwork was conducted in four villages and their adjacent hamlets. Qualitative research methods, such as ethnography, semi-structured interviews, and participant observations, were employed. Additionally, secondary data was obtained by referring to archives. The results of the study show that the influx of other cultures, like Buddhism and Christianity, as well as modernization, is affecting the indigenous cultures, beliefs, and practices, which in turn is leading to the changes in their socio-ecological systems. Thus, the preservation and documentation of such knowledge could ensure its longevity for the upcoming generation of Sartang and provide an opportunity for the world to gain insights from it. Through Sartang's narrative, this study also illustrates the widespread impact on indigenous populations, their cultures, and their belief systems worldwide.
How We Live - the Problem of Domestic Furniture: A Study Into the Value We Give Domestic Furniture in Our Everyday Lives
Paper Presentation in a Themed Session Katryn Furmston
This study explores the complex relationship between individuals and their furniture, challenging the notion that furniture itself is the primary issue. The global furniture industry is valued at over $579 billion, yet more than 12 million tonnes of furniture are discarded in landfills each year. Through a combination of interviews, observations, and object interviews, the study delves into the ways UK people engage with, value, and perceive their furnishings. The findings revealed that the true problem lies not in the physical objects but in the societal attitudes and personal narratives surrounding them. Participants frequently expressed ambivalence towards their furniture, highlighting a disconnect between utility, aesthetics, and emotional significance. Additionally, consumer behaviours were investigated regarding furniture disposal, uncovering patterns that reflect deeper societal values of waste and consumption. This research opens a new area of academic inquiry, advocating for a paradigm shift in how we approach furniture purchasing, consumption and discard both nationally and as a model internationally. By reframing our understanding of furniture as an extension of identity and environment, we can foster more meaningful relationships with these objects, leading to sustainable practices and enhanced well-being. This abstract underscores the need for interdisciplinary approaches that consider cultural, psychological, and social dimensions in furniture studies.
