Awareness Ranch: Permaculture and Natural Building In Action

Awareness Ranch uses the ideas of permaculture design to grow food and create buildings. Following the adage of “think globally and act locally” they aim to provide a working model of sustainable agriculture and construction which can be replicated or adapted to many settings. By cultivating an awareness of our interconnected world, they believe we … Read more

Couple Builds Off-Grid Ecovillage with Friends & Leftovers

Emma and Edo were once a hotel stage show dance team, until they quit to live out their dream of rescuing animals (Emma) and farming (Edo) on the island of Tenerife. They bought cheap land and began to transform the rocky, dusty soil into a lush homestead. In the beginning, it was just the two … Read more

Kailash Ecovillage in Portland, Oregon

In 2007, Ole and Maitri Ersson bought the rundown Cabana apartment complex in Portland, Oregon and immediately began to de-pave parking spaces to make room for what today is a huge permaculture co-housing space and urban food forest. Today, the Kailash Ecovillage has 55 residents who all help farm. The community is well-prepared for systems … Read more

The Kul Kul Farm and Bamboo U in Bali

Promoting values that respect and care for the Earth while strengthening community bonds, the Kul Kul Farm has become a beacon of sustainability and connection with the natural environment. Maria and Orin started this project to inspire and empower both local Balinese and tourists to live a life connected to the natural world. Initially they … Read more

A Beautiful Converted Barn and Stable in Wales

This converted barn nestled into the Wales countryside, called Ysgubor, has modern facilities, a pretty garden as well as facilities for  multi-generational living. Converted in 1990 the old barn became a three bedroom home. There was more conversion work in 2007 when the detached stable was changed from a home for horses to a two-bed … Read more

A Fun Earth-Sheltered House in Pennsylvania

An earth-sheltered home in Carlisle, PA, has a succulent covered roof that has three impervious layers covered with 3 feet of soil and never needs mowing.  “Currently, it’s all blooming yellow, and there are thousands of bees on it. You feel like you’re in a meadow,” said the listing real estate agent. The white, foamy … Read more