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The massive oversupply of shipping containers in ports all around the world has inspired many environmentalists to drum up interest in repurposing these containers. Because returning them to their port of origin is often too costly, it makes a lot of sense – both economically and environmentally – to repurpose these containers by turning them into homes.
You are also limiting your carbon footprint by choosing a container as a home, because it already provides its own structure: it comes with its own walls and roof.
Keep in mind though that this benefit only applies to used shipping containers. If you order a brand new container, one that has never been used, it will roll straight out of the factory for you. Compare it to picking up a dog from a shelter versus getting a puppy from a breeder. Of course, puppies are super sweet! But choosing one over a shelter dog will not decrease the number of dogs staying in the dog shelter.
As a matter of fact, some even go as far as to be skeptical about the environmental benefits of shipping container homes. In a 2011 article, Brian Pagnotta of ArchDaily – which prides itself in being the world's most visited architecture website – noted that after all the modifications, not to mention the expense needed to transport the container, the ecological footprint could be just as big:
"Reusing containers seems to be a low energy alternative, however, few people factor in the amount of energy required to make the box habitable. The entire structure needs to be sandblasted bare, floors need to be replaced, and openings need to be cut with a torch or fireman’s saw. The average container eventually produces nearly a thousand pounds of hazardous waste before it can be used as a structure. All of this, coupled with the fossil fuels required to move the container into place with heavy machinery, contribute significantly to its ecological footprint."
Still, it cannot be denied that the reuse of these massive steel boxes would be a better alternative than having them sit and add to the world’s refuse.
Keep this in mind if ‘going green’ is your main reason for considering a shipping container as your future home. Building and living in one can definitely be more eco-friendly than a traditional home, but it depends on how you go about it.
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