“Daruma Eco-Farm is a sustainable permaculture project located in Bang Phra, Thailand. We offer permaculture design courses, have an artist-in residency program, and are an active member of WWOOF (World-Wide Opportunities in Organic Farming), Couchsurfing, and WarmShowers. Volunteers coming to Daruma Eco-Farm can expect to work on anything from planting rice paddies to sustainable construction to assisting our on-site alternative learning school, Mosaic. There are always different projects going on, depending on the season.
sustainable
How to Build Your Own Underground Home
Free ebook on Scribd: How to Build Your Own Underground Home, 2nd edition, 212 pages, by Ray G. Scott. He’s authored three previous books about underground houses. Scott explains how you can cut your heating cost 75% in an underground home. He cut his heating bill 100% by installing a wood stove and cutting his own wood.
Live in the Philippines: Tacloban/Ormoc City
Reporting live from the region hit by Typhoon Yolanda last November. One year later the damage done by that super typhoon is still readily apparent.
Solair Water Heaters and Air Conditioners
“It takes a lot of energy to heat water. Typically, up to 30% of a home’s energy consumption is used just to heat water for bathing, laundry, and cleaning. By installing a solar hot water system, homeowners can shave 200 to 500 kilowatt-hours off their electric bill per month, saving money and reducing pollution. Installing a solar hot water system is typically the first and most cost-effective step when turning to the sun for energy. Even if a photovoltaic system is your primary interest, a solar (thermal) hot water system along with a PV system will provide the best economics and space-efficiency on your roof.”
Bamboo Treatment: Boric-Borax Solution
“Here’s a mild chemical treatment recipe: Mix 10kg boric+15kg borax for 200lts water (warm enough to dissolve the borax in it). Puncture the bamboo nodes and fill it up with this solution. Let it stand saturated for a week. Let it dry and ta-daa, it’s ready to be used!” Best for indoor nature-friendly uses.