green building

Natural Toilets

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Eppivent toilet: Waterless (after initial fill), no bad smells, vented, lateral flush, no composting, non-electric, pathogen free minimal effluent
Eppivent toilet: Waterless (after initial fill), no bad smells, vented, lateral flush, no composting, non-electric, pathogen free minimal effluent

Jerry Epps at Teach Democracy.org shares his thoughts on three types of natural toilets. Jerry plans to have product for sale by November 1 this year. The natural toilets would be for use in remote areas anywhere they can use overland shipping (USA, Canada, Northern Mexico). Shipping product overseas is cost prohibitive.

Jerry hopes to franchise to other countries. He will teach them how to manufacture and assemble and they will be licensed as franchisee to do the business of marketing and sales of the Eppivent.

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Low Cost Cistern

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This is how Abe at Vela Creations.com recommends building a low cost cistern with an HDPE cistern liner.
This is how Abe at Vela Creations.com recommends building a low cost cistern with an HDPE cistern liner.

“A cistern liner is a flexible membrane, sometimes called a geomembrane. You can get them in PVC or EPDM.

Here’s a link to where we get our potable liners:
http://www.websweeper.com/liner/tank-liner/prices.php

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Building with Jumbo Straw Bales

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The Holiday Apartments
The Holiday Apartments

“The Holiday Apartments Straw House – farm Holiday
The strawbale house was constructed with jumbo strawbales allowing superb insulation and a healthy, very comfortable atmosphere. The appartements have been arranged with all natural materials such as wooden furniture, terracotta-flooring and clay walls. The room atmosphere is magnificent, and is enhanced by large windows, light colours and decoration. The appartements are ideal for families, friends or a couple wanting to spread out. An little fireplace makes evenings in the mountainous surrounding cosy and warm.

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Exciting Earthbag Project in Chile

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Earthbag project in Chile
Earthbag project in Chile

Thanks to Paul Coleman (who’s building his own earthbag house in Patagonia) for sending info about this earthbag project in Chile. Paul and his wife Konomi just won an international sustainable living contest. A film crew is coming all the way to Patagonia from Japan to put them on National TV. Check out their blog. They must surely live in one of the beautiful places in the world. Please send us your tips. Our email address is at the top of the page.

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Open-air 33’ (10m) 2-story Roundhouse

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Open-air 33’ (10m) 2-story Roundhouse
Open-air 33’ (10m) 2-story Roundhouse

I’m now offering open air earthbag roundhouse designs with large arched doorways. This particular design was done for a client in a tropical climate where maximum ventilation is needed. Note: you could add doors, windows, covering over the stairs, etc. by ordering a custom plan.

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