Here are two classic videos about the giant permaculture swales in the Sonoran Desert near Tucson, AZ. The swales are now filled with trees and lush grass, and continue to thrive after 80 years with no maintenance. The swales were built in the 1930’s during President Roosevelt’s term to restore the countryside in the Dust Bowl era.
Park Ranger’s Tiny House is only 50 Square Feet!
“In this clip, Derek “Deek” Diedricksen talks to Trekker Trailers honcho Andrew Bennett about his tiny house on wheels (while on display at the Florida Tiny House Festival outside St. Augustine)- a vardo/gypsy wagon of only 50 square feet in size. While tiny, this structure still includes a bathroom and shower, food prep area, sleeping space for two, a desk, fridge, and storage!”
Give Young Nepalis the Chance to Take Back Their Own Country
“Stand on a Kathmandu street corner and meet the smartest, most talented young men and women you’ll ever run into, all determined to get their country back on its feet after a catastrophic earthquake. Hike into the mountains and meet their parents, living in tin shacks and waiting for government aid that may never come.
Lenient Building Codes in Upstate NY
Great news for natural builders and homesteaders in New York — from Bill, one of our readers. Is it just me or does there seem to be a growing number of areas with more reasonable building requirements?
Minimal “Owner-Built Code” in Cochise County, Arizona
Hi Owen, I plan to build in Cochise County, Arizona and they have what they call an “Owner Built” building permit program (for rural residential dwellings) that does not require regular inspections, etc. Owners can build pretty much anything they want as long as they apply, and pay for, a permit. After that there are no inspections or approvals.
50+ Year Old Couple Build Off Grid Cob/Strawbale Tiny House for $30k
Nice couple. Good video that explains how they built their 20’x30’ (600 sq. ft.) home with cash without debt by recycling and repurposing almost all materials. The $30,000 cost included a septic tank and well. They combined cob, strawbale and light straw/clay, and kept the design as simple as possible. All of the plumbing is in one short interior wall between the kitchen and bath. They have a simple shed roof, etc. The homeowners say their choice “was the best thing they ever did”. Now they have no bills.