Track5-3 Living Small Today, percent of the people on Earth live in cities. By 2030, it will be 60 percent. With more people in cities, there is less space, and housing costs more. What can we do? Here’s an idea. Container Housing The city of Amsterdam is using old shipping containers as housing for students and other people. The containers are small—30 square meters (three hundred twenty square feet)—but they are comfortable. There is space for a living area, bedroom, kitchen, and bathroom. These houses are also inexpensive: only a few thousand dollars to buy. Today, the containers are used around the world as homes and student dormitories, as well as shops, offices, and hotels. Tiny Houses In the U.S., Jay Shafer makes tiny houses for people. The smallest is only 9 square meters (98 square feet). The houses are small, but they have everything you need. On the first floor, there is a kitchen, a living area, and a bathroom. On the second floor is a bedroom. It is big enough for two people. The houses are also inexpensive. Most are $15,000.