green building

Natural Building: Creating Communities Through Cooperation

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“This brilliant book combines the wisdom of a great reference tool with the wonder of an inspiration guidebook. Basics in foundations, framing, wall systems, and roofs are explored through the shared experiences of teachers, students, and seekers who came together one summer to build a folly and created a legacy. The value of natural building … Read more

Cordwood Masonry Special Effects

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“Here are just a few of the great variety of special effects that people have incorporated into their cordwood masonry. Go to our Book and Media page for a description of our CD on the subject with over 60 captioned images. How to make bottle-ends and special designs is included on the CD.” Source: Earthwood … Read more

Regenerative Housing

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The Regenerative Home by Earthen Hand
The Regenerative Home by Earthen Hand

“Let’s create the Regenerative Home. With this proposal, we are raising funds to showcase technologies for homes that are ecological, affordable, and appropriate for these times. We will build the second prototype this summer in Colorado (earlier version shown in the intro video). Throughout the construction we will document in film and photography. The building plans will be available this year online for $10. Plus, in a subsequent fundraising effort next year, we will assemble an online documentary film about the process so others can learn from and recreate these ideas.

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Milling and Selling Specialty Woods

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You can mill and sell specialty woods such as this spalted maple
You can mill and sell specialty woods such as this spalted maple

My blog post yesterday about small scale logging reminded me of a related business milling hard to find specialty woods for woodworkers. These woods command a premium price, but often are not commercially available due to scarcity or difficulty of obtaining adequate supplies. Woodturners, fine cabinetmakers, instrument makers, hobbyists, etc. are all potential customers. You could build up a client base and mill the wood to their specs or cut standard dimensions. To get an idea of the profit potential, visit a specialty woodworker’s supply store in a major city (or check online catalogs) to see the eye-popping prices being charged for specialty hardwoods. Cut out the middlemen and sell direct and/or over the Internet. You could also make furniture, cabinets, crafts, etc. and sell the surplus wood.

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Small Scale Logging

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How to start a small scale sustainable logging business
How to start a small scale sustainable logging business

Most builders use at least some wood when building houses. This is true even for earthbag, strawbale, adobe or other types of sustainable homes. But what’s the lowest cost, most sustainable wood source? The following article has some good ideas for starting a small scale sustainable logging business and obtaining wood at low or no cost.

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