Earthbag Technical Report in NEA Engineer’s Journal

Earthbag Technical Report published by the Nepal Engineers’ Association.
Earthbag Technical Report published by the Nepal Engineers’ Association.

I’m happy to announce the publication of our earthbag technical report in Nepal. Kateryna Zemskova of Good Earth Nepal.org played a big part in making this happen. Good Earth Nepal also won the NEA design award in January.

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How a New Source of Water is Helping Reduce Conflict

The Sorek desalination plant is bringing abundant clean water to Israel.
The Sorek desalination plant is bringing abundant clean water to Israel.

“We are standing above the new Sorek desalination plant, the largest reverse-osmosis desalination facility in the world, and we are staring at Israel’s salvation. Just a few years ago, in the depths of its worst drought in at least 900 years, Israel was running out of water. Now it has a surplus. That remarkable turnaround was accomplished through national campaigns to conserve and reuse Israel’s meager water resources, but the biggest impact came from a new wave of desalination plants.

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PureBond Non-Toxic Plywood

One main benefit of building with natural materials is maintaining a safe, healthy environment in your home. This eliminates the health risks of sick building syndrome caused by many modern synthetic materials. “The non-toxic soy-based glues in PureBond plywood mimics the glues that mussels use to cling to rocks (biomimicry). PureBond plywood has no added formaldehyde, eliminating the concern about off-gassing dangerous fumes during fabrication or when installed in your home.

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Living Simply in a Tiny Off Grid Cabin


Simple living is a topic that needs to be explored more in-depth on our Natural Building Blog. This lovely couple shares their experiences living a simple, sustainable, off grid life in a small home. Their advice applies to natural builders and homesteaders in general. Note the earthbag dome at 3:42.

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Water Vortex Power Plant Debuts in Switzerland


“A new way to generate electricity is being implemented in Switzerland. It’s a special water vortex power plant that bears the name of well known inventor, Bertrand Piccard.” This may be practical for homesteaders and ecovillages who want to live more sustainably off grid and be more self sufficient.

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