Burhanuddin Abe, Contributor, Jakarta<\/p>\n
Celebrity homes. No place arouses quite so much curiosity --
\nthink Graceland or Neverland in the United States, for example --
\nas TV producers are well aware. A well-known actor in Jakarta was
\nmore than happy to show TV audiences around his beautiful home
\nrecently.<\/p>\n
Located in Bintaro, South Jakarta, the 250-square-meter house
\nstands among 1,800 square meters of lush, green garden. There is
\nnothing ostentatious about the property, the swimming pool is
\nnestled among more than 50 kinds of plants, it is serene rather
\nthan flashy.<\/p>\n
Peace and comfort are certainly what most people have in mind
\nwhen they build their own home. Why should a star think any
\ndifferently? A gazebo, with a mattress and several thin pillows
\nare an inviting spot to relax with the family. Music lingers in
\nthe air, coming not only from the house, but from speakers
\nnestled in the garden itself.<\/p>\n
\"Visual and audio elements help a great deal in creating the
\nright environment. Nature is honest, it gives so much, including
\ninner peace. Only grateful human beings can appreciate it,\" our
\nmysterious celebrity said philosophically.<\/p>\n
In a sometimes suffocating and hectic city, going back to
\nnature is certainly healing. But, not everyone is rich and
\nfamous, and for many of us, having our own little oasis is just a
\nfantasy -- one that we might indulge in between work and the
\noffice.<\/p>\n
In reality, we are proud just to own a home -- any home,
\nsmall, medium or even half a home -- an apartment, a pavilion.
\nLet alone such a magnificent house as that in Bintaro. However,
\nreal estate prices and the cost of building materials would seem
\nto be against us.<\/p>\n
And what about those who can afford to build large houses, and
\ninsist on building right to the edge of their property? These
\nhouses loom over sidewalks and overshadow their neighbors' homes.
\nTheir tiny gardens are sad, dank affairs and hardly befitting of
\nthe Gothic style architecture that would seem to demand vast and
\nmagnificent grounds.<\/p>\n
The owners no doubt argue that land is costly, so it is best
\nused for building on. But, of greater value to the owner would be
\na garden: a place to relax in, to exercise in, and for children
\nto play in; a green view out the window; a place to gather
\nflowers for the kitchen table.<\/p>\n
In contrast, those with a limited budget, who live in smaller
\nhouses, do their best to introduce natural elements. It may just
\nbe a vase of flowers on the table (without the garden from where
\nthey were picked). A few indoor pot plants -- or outdoor ones --
\na fruit tree, or flowers. Instead of an iron fence, they may opt
\nfor a bamboo one, or a wall covered with vines.<\/p>\n
During the Earth Summit in Rio de Janeiro, Brazil, in 1992,
\nthe green concept, and environmentally friendly residences and
\nworkplaces, were among major topics. However, years before the
\nevent, concern for the environment had already become an integral
\npart of some people's lives. This was not necessarily a
\nreflection on their education. This kind of caring was simply a
\nnatural, inherent part of their characters.<\/p>\n
Eng Sri Harjanto, a lecturer of metallurgy at the technical
\nfaculty of the University of Indonesia, said that using and
\nprocessing environmentally friendly materials has been encouraged
\nby researchers and scientists, who realize that the future of the
\nplanet is at stake. Their findings have confirmed that
\nprecautionary steps must be taken.<\/p>\n
Plastic -- an invention that we have regarded as one of the
\nmost innovative -- has undergone a number of changes since its
\nearly golden days to eliminate hazardous elements. Likewise, many
\nbuilding materials have been made safer. For years now,
\nrecyclable products have been deemed a clever alternative.<\/p>\n
Aditya Indrajaya, a noted architect, who also owns a chain of
\nfitness centers, says that one's home should be a place that
\nencourages healthy living and relaxation. No matter the size,
\ngreen elements can be introduced, including energy saving through
\nthe optimum use of sunlight, ventilation and so forth. For the
\nfloor, he recommends using cork tiles, although they are more
\ncostly than the seemingly luxurious ceramic ones.<\/p>\n
Manufacturers of home appliances, meanwhile, have for several
\nyears realized that the future of their businesses lies in
\nenvironmentally friendly and safe products. These energy-saving
\nproducts are also economical in the long run as they use less
\nenergy, like electricity and so forth -- although, initially,
\nthey may cost more.<\/p>\n
Today's neon lamps, refrigerators, air-conditioners and many
\nother items for use at home, or even at work, come with
\n\"environmentally friendly\" labels that generally live up to their
\npromises.<\/p>\n
The good news is that sales of environmentally friendly
\nproducts and building materials are increasing. Suryati, who owns
\nBangunan Jaya, a building materials shop in Rawasari, Central
\nJakarta, said that, lately, some of his customers had insisted on
\nproducts that were environmentally friendly.<\/p>\n
If consumers, as well as manufacturers, continue to think in
\nthis way, we can look forward to a brighter, and maybe greener,
\nfuture. Let's start with our homes, by making some small changes
\nthat everyone can enjoy.<\/p>",
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