sustainable

The Poosh

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“ThePOOSH.org is the unique hospitality site for virtually anyone, anywhere in the world wishing to participate in or start their own sustainable self-build project. Sustainable self-build techniques are a serious, rational and innovative response to some of the environmental challenges that face mankind in the 21st century. Sustainable construction has evolved from traditional and proven … Read more

The Tiny Life Blog

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“Over four years ago I discovered Tiny Houses and fell in love with them. I have always been fascinated with alternative housing, from the time I was a boy I built countless forts in the woods. So we have arrived, I will be building my Tiny House starting in just a few short weeks!

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Rocket Stove Water Heater

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We’ve talked about hot water coils (water jackets) for wood stoves in a previous blog post. This video by Geoff Lawton of Permaculture fame does a great job of showing his water heater design. See below for the link to his article with more details.

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Building Maintenance

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On the issue of maintenance, by Ziggy Liloia
On the issue of maintenance, by Ziggy Liloia

More excellent advice from Ziggy over at Year of Mud blog who’s busy building his straw bale/post and beam home.

“If you want to build a natural home, or any home, really, expect that you will have to perform building maintenance. I think that generally speaking, it’s nice to consider how to limit the maintenance necessary over the lifespan of the home. As with anything in this world, however, consider the issue of balance. Can you afford time to devote to maintaining earthen plaster potentially every other year, or would you rather use a more durable lime plaster, which can take the weather, but has more embodied energy, and is more expensive? It probably depends.

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Garage Apartments

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A garage was converted into this efficient studio apartment.
A garage was converted into this efficient studio apartment.

Like many readers here, you might be dreaming of your sustainable natural home. But maybe you’re busy saving money at a job in town and not ready for the plunge. Temporarily living in a simple garage apartment/garage studio is one way to live simply so it’s easier to save for your dream home.

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John’s Earthbag House

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John’s earthbag house in Argentina
John’s earthbag house in Argentina

People are dreaming of a better world with homes made of natural materials.

“Argentina is an ideal land to create a radical shift in how homes are built and how we live as a society. Once out of the city, building codes dissolve and one is free to design and build to heart’s content. Here in the sierras land is abundant. I’d love to see some of your designs or hear more about your story.

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