Rainwater harvesting is the process of collecting rainwater from house top roofs, tents and other places of business. It involves collecting and storing the water inside a reliable rainwater harvesting tank system until it is ready for use. Water is one of those natural resources that can be recycled over … Read more
A natural landscape is a landscape that has not been changed in anyway by human activity. Formed by the earth’s changes through millions of years, a natural landscape is unique in every habitat and eco-system. Nature always finds a way to use it’s natural resources as they become available to … Read more
The three little pigs knew a thing or two about building houses; with a big bad wolf prowling around they had to. Brick – good. Wood – not so good. Straw – forget it. But if a wolf is not threatening you there are many reasons why you might want … Read more
Rainwater harvesting is the collection and storage of rainwater; in countries or regions that have low rainfall it’s a significant method of supplementing water supplies. In many less developed societies rainwater is often the main source of drinking water,[1]so rainwater collection is vital. Catchment structures dating back to 3000 BC … Read more
Water is a precious resource, and not just in developing nations. the West coast of America regularly suffers drought conditions, Australia has only just emerged from a drought which lasted over a decade; and even in the UK, changing rainfall patterns have meant that parts of the SE England are … Read more
Permaculture is a combination of the terms “permanent” and “agriculture”. It is a concept about approaching human agricultural systems and settlements as a part of the natural system and not in conflict with nature; imagine an edible and sustainable infrastructure. The goal of many people who practice permaculture design is … Read more
Tomatoes are some of the most beloved fruits for novice and experienced growers alike. Their vibrant red hues signify success and yummy tomato slices and sauces to come. Tomatoes are especially easy to grow in small “urban farm” settings such as a small deck or teeny backyard. Your tomato plants’ … Read more
The three sisters planting method is an ancient and sustainable method of companion planting. Originating with Native Americans, the three sister’s method consists of planting of corn, beans, and squash in close proximity. All three of the plants are an essential part of the companion planting system. The corn provides … Read more
You may ask yourself what is hydroponics? It is the technique of growing plants without the use of soil. Although, there are other methods of growing plants with nothing more than water; this process is known as nutrient film technique or N.F.T. This process is quite popular and is used … Read more
In many ways sustainable living is a return to the old ways of doing things. Unlike other construction materials such as concrete, wood, and steel, mud house construction is not environmentally destructive and it is relatively inexpensive. Mud House Construction: Learning from the Old Ways Just because a construction process, … Read more
Off-the-grid homes operate independently of all public utility services. Gas, electricity, water, sewage disposal – it’s all generated supplied or disposed of by independent means. Off the grid home made with adobe and strawbales Estimates for off-grid homes are approximately 300,000 off-grid homes in the United States and another 40,000 … Read more
Soil Conservation – Using Effective Soil Conservation Methods There are many causes of soil erosion and fortunately, there are many soil conservation methods available to help deal with the issue. Quite naturally over time some soil erosion is expected. Particularly due to the natural changes that occur within nature. Each … Read more
Permaculture is the idea that if you take the time to study the relationships between different natural systems you can design a way to use their ecosystem sustainably each year to produce a yield. Overtime, you will improve the functionality of each system or natural resource and have them cooperating … Read more
Permaculture, a term created by David Holmgren and Bill Mollison in 1970, is defined as a “consciously designed landscapes which mimic the patterns and relationships found in nature, while yielding an abundance of food, fiber and energy for provision of local needs. People, their buildings and the ways in which … Read more
Seed saving is a sustainable practice and an aspect of the permaculture movement. Some plant varieties are easy to save the seeds and replant next season but other plants are rather difficult and improperly selecting and saving seeds may result in diseased plants or lack of germination altogether. Anyone can … Read more