There is no arguing that modern life in North America can be isolating. Most of us live in nuclear families, shut off from our neighbors for the most part, living an independent existence. The 1960's gave rise to groups who wanted an alternative to this, and communes became one solution; however, even for those of us who yearn for a tight-knit community to live in, the commune model that requires sharing everything and having no personal property whatsoever is not an appealing option. Cohousing may be a better solution.
Cohousing developments are built with community in mind. Most are developed by the
Building with Cob
by Heather Duchan September 6th, 2011 | Environment
Imagine sculpting your own home from the ground up, using your hands, feet, and a natural material with little to no environmental impact. This is possible with a building material called, cob.
Cob is composed of a mixture of clay, sand, and straw. It is similar to adobe, and like adobe has been used to build human shelters for thousands of years. Cob houses are found in a variety of climates, including wet areas like England and the Pacific Northwest in the United States. Although these homes are essentially made of "dirt," they can last hundreds of years, and they are resistent
Cob is composed of a mixture of clay, sand, and straw. It is similar to adobe, and like adobe has been used to build human shelters for thousands of years. Cob houses are found in a variety of climates, including wet areas like England and the Pacific Northwest in the United States. Although these homes are essentially made of "dirt," they can last hundreds of years, and they are resistent
Early Childhood Environmental Education
by Heather Duchan August 26th, 2011 | Environment
Although most Americans are aware of basic environmental topics, very few have a thorough understanding of more complex aspects of the environment, according to data collected by the National Environmental Education Foundation. For example, only 12% of adults can pass a simple quiz on energy topics.
The need for more widespread environmental literacy is important, but it will become increasingly crucial in the future as environmental problems become more pervasive and complex. In decades to come, a number of environmental issues will need to addressed by the public as a whole, not just a limited number of experts and government
The need for more widespread environmental literacy is important, but it will become increasingly crucial in the future as environmental problems become more pervasive and complex. In decades to come, a number of environmental issues will need to addressed by the public as a whole, not just a limited number of experts and government
Keeping Cool Without Air-Conditioning
by Angela Yorke August 22nd, 2011 | Environment
My mother and I have an ongoing dispute over the air-conditioning. She keeps it on all throughout the summer; whereas, I fruitlessly point out that the warm compressor air makes it warmer outside, and if everyone keeps their air-conditioning on, then we’d be perpetuating a vicious cycle.
In fact, it’s possible to keep indoor temperatures down by keeping the windows closed. While the first instinct would be to throw open the shutters as soon and as long as possible, this actually permits more warm air into the house instead of cooling it. Closed windows prevent this from happening, and keeping
In fact, it’s possible to keep indoor temperatures down by keeping the windows closed. While the first instinct would be to throw open the shutters as soon and as long as possible, this actually permits more warm air into the house instead of cooling it. Closed windows prevent this from happening, and keeping
Composting Could Save the World
by Angela Yorke August 15th, 2011 | Environment
I’m not one to browbeat people into composting, but short of simply buying fewer items, there isn’t any other way to reduce the amount of rubbish a household discards. It doesn’t even matter what type of composting you carry out, as long as you do it.
I’m a little bit squeamish about vermicomposting, but do perfectly well with Bokashi and “old-school” composting. The simplest rationale for composting is that it helps plants grow better. As if the prospect of good, cheap DIY fertilizer isn’t reason enough to start composting, it turns out that it can improve the environment as well.
Compost
I’m a little bit squeamish about vermicomposting, but do perfectly well with Bokashi and “old-school” composting. The simplest rationale for composting is that it helps plants grow better. As if the prospect of good, cheap DIY fertilizer isn’t reason enough to start composting, it turns out that it can improve the environment as well.
Compost
