Tiny home, big life -- an experiment in simple living | Erin & Dondi Harner | TEDxFrontRange

This talk was given at a local TEDx event, produced independently of the TED Conferences. Tiny home, big life. How two twenty-somethings radically rearranged their priorities, downsized their stuff, built tiny, and live big. A happy life is a rich compilation of experiences, not stuff. Living simply gives you more time, more money, and more freedom to do what you love. Life is a compilation of experiences, not just stuff. Making the conscious decision to do things differently is both challenging and incredibly fulfilling. Dare to be different.

Erin and Dondi Harner are twenty-something professionals with a passion for living healthy, sustainable lives. Dondi is a civil engineer who works in Old Town Fort Collins, Colorado. As an engineer he is actively involved in sustainable site design for commercial and educational buildings. Growing up in Ithaca, New York, Dondi worked side-by-side with his father on many different construction and carpentry projects. This led to Dondi's passion for alternative energy and sustainable building practices.

Erin is a nutritionist, business owner, speaker, nutrition blogger, healthy recipe creator, and published author. She works with clients nationwide to help them create optimal health through real food nutrition.

In 2012, Dondi and Erin decided to take on an experiment in simple living by building a tiny home and living a bigger life. They were disenchanted with the notion that buying more stuff would make them happy. They wanted to know if, in fact, living with less would make them happier. So, they designed and built a 181 square-foot tiny home powered by the sun. They live in their tiny home 'Soleil' full time and are (still) happily married. Their next project is a tiny home retreat to give others the opportunity to experience living in a tiny home for a day, week, or year.

Erin has published a book:
"Real Food, Real Simple: A Personalized Plan for More Energy, Less Stress, and Healthy Meals in Minutes" by Erin Harner

About TEDx, x = independently organized event In the spirit of ideas worth spreading, TEDx is a program of local, self-organized events that bring people together to share a TED-like experience. At a TEDx event, TEDTalks video and live speakers combine to spark deep discussion and connection in a small group. These local, self-organized events are branded TEDx, where x = independently organized TED event. The TED Conference provides general guidance for the TEDx program, but individual TEDx events are self-organized.* (*Subject to certain rules and regulations)