The Rammed Earth House is an eye-opening example of how the most dramatic innovations in home design and construction frequently have their origins in the distant past.
Many homeowners express a preference for older homes rather than new ones because of the quality of the craftsmanship, the architectural elements, the character of the home, and the solidness of the structure.
For many years throughout the 20th Century, the conveniences of household cleaning items was such that no one asked where they came from or what they contained.
Energy Independence is the essential guide to the most viable and affordable alternative energy solutions for the everyday consumerincluding solar panels, wind generators, hydrogen fuel cells, wood, hydro-electric, geothermal heat pumps, and more.
Piles of junk in garages and closets, overflowing papers on desks, items unused for years, masses of unanswered email, clothing never worn, useless gifts that collect dust; all these things, says Brooks Palmer, come weighted with shame and guilt and have a suffocating effect on spirit and soul.
THE TRUTH ABOUT BIODIESEL*Easy to make at home*Cheaper than buying diesel*Works in unmodified diesel engines*Reduces the need for imported oil*Decreases greenhouse gas emissionsIf you are ready to start making your own biodiesel, then this book is for you.
As earthquakes have struck around the world with alarming frequency, millions have realized they are unprepared for similar catastrophes close to home.
Start a peaceful revolution by planting an edible ecosystem and sharing the experience with your neighborsHumans have always thrived in rich, diverse, edible ecosystems.
Simple green roof design and installation for the do-it-yourself builder Essential Green Roof Construction is a comprehensive, in-depth guide to building simple green roofs for houses and small buildings.
The devil is in the details-the science and art of designing and building durable, efficient, straw bale buildings Straw bale buildings promise superior insulation and flexibility across a range of design aesthetics, while using a typically local and abundant low-embodied energy material that sequesters carbon-an important part of mitigating climate change.
Transform Waste into a Resource with Safe, Efficient Composting Toilets Part of the Sustainable Building Essentials series, Essential Composting Toilets is the practical guide to designing, installing, and operating water-saving, environmentally friendly toilet systems.
Build High-performance, Low-impact Walls with Light Straw Clay Part of the Sustainable Building Essentials series, Essential Light Straw Clay Construction is the first fully illustrated, step-by-step guide to using light straw claya durable, energy-efficient, and environmentally friendly wall material.
Fertilize your garden naturally--a guide to growing your plants in healthy, happy soilPeople want to know where their food comes from, who grows it and how it is grown.
Unfetter and unclutter your life by learning how and why to transition to a tiny home Do you feel as though you're living in an expensive and ill-fitting home filled with too much stuff?
Create Beautiful, Durable Finishes with Natural Plasters That Last for Generations Part of the Sustainable Building Essentials Series, Essential Natural Plasters is the definitive hands-on guide to working with clay, lime, and gypsum plasters for healthy, high-performance interior and exterior finishes.
Build Beautiful, Durable, and Low-impact Homes with Cordwood Construction Part of the Sustainable Building Essentials series, Essential Cordwood Building is the complete guide to using log-ends set in insulating mortar for versatile, economical, and environmentally friendly construction.
Build a natural pond for wildlife, beauty, and quiet contemplation Typical backyard ponds are a complicated mess of pipes, pumps, filters, and nasty chemicals designed to adjust pH and keep algae at bay.
Down and dirty - a complete step-by-step guide to making, installing and living with beautiful, all-natural earthen floorsPoor heat and moisture management are the enemies of durable, comfortable, and efficient housing, and good building design and construction starts with a solid understanding of good building science.
Dreamers, owner-builders, natural and sustainable building contractors, modern homesteaders Cordwood construction - log-ends set in insulated mortar - is a versatile, economical, low-impact, and beautiful building method.