Arturo Vittori and his team at Architecture and Vision have created an iconic bamboo tower structure that can harvest water from rain, fog and dew. People have been using the principal for centuries building high-stone structures, air wells that gather moisture from the air and funnel it into a basin for collection. The WarkaWater functions in much the same way, using mesh netting to capture moisture and direct it into hygienic holding tank accessed via a spout. However, the new design is of … Read more
Fog Nets Harvesting Pure Water from Fog
In the arid hills around Lima people forced onto dry marginal land are using basic fine nylon nets stretched between wooden poles to collect water. As fog and mists blow through the mesh condensation occurs and the water droplets run down the mesh to be collected in a holding tank. This simple technique enables people to grow crops and helps them transform their lives. … Read more
Hempcrete Hemp Fibre Mixed with Lime Forms Eco Structures
The stalks of hemp plants combined with lime have been used to create an ecological efficient wall structure that locks up carbon and provides good insulation and moisture control. A growing band of pioneers have built their homes with this promising and innovative construction that is now being seriously considered as a viable option by main stream housing providers. … Read more
Minimalist Shoes Make Your Own Running Sandals
In his book 'Born to Run', Christopher McDougall discovers that unlike the common myth that humans are physically inferior to other land animals, humans are actually the species that is capable of running the longest distances on the planet! He also came to the conclusion that we humans don't actually need shoes to keep up from harm - we can run barefoot. He spent time researching indigenous tribes in the hills of mexico, and found that not only could they run unbelievable distances barefoot … Read more
How to Build A Camping Stove This is a short video that will show you how to build a camping stove only using a can, a knife and some rubbing alcohol.
It is a very easy process where one simply cuts a metal can into two pieces and then using a few dents and some rubbing alcohol a camping stove can be built. Watch the video for a clearer explanation on how to do this. … Read more
Just Eat It A Food Waste Story
Film directors Jen Rustemeyer and Grant Baldwin have turned their eye to food waste from farm to fridge and have produced a documentary 'Just Eat It' to highlight the issue and demonstrate that what is currently dumped can provide perfectly nutritious food. They stop buying groceries and survive exclusively on discarded food, challenging the myths behind corporate food production and marketing. Living off rescued goods they demonstrate that this is one environmental problem that can be easily … Read more
Sustainable Approach to the Feminine Moon Cycle or: use your menstrual blood as a fertilizer!
Many women have been taught to feel shame, disgust or exasperation in regards to their menstrual bleeding. The menstrual industry sells us disposable pads and tampons that are toxic and harm our bodies and the environment immensely. However, other options are available to us: 1. Re-usable moon products: Cotton pads, moon cups, etc - do it yourself or buy (preferably from a local). 2. Emptying your menstrual blood: You can re-learn the ancient tradition of emptying the blood into the … Read more
Geodesic Domes A simple, affordable and aesthetic housing solution
Geodesic Domes are simple to build, relatively cheap, beautiful to be in, and can be used as a little house, studio, greenhouse or gathering space of any kind. The geodesic shape was developed by Buckmister Fuller, and is made up of triangles. It can be built as a whole ball or a half ball (a dome) There are different kinds of geodesic domes, depending on the length of their poles. The dome has many advantages: 1. Easy to build yourself 2. Very strong structure - in fact, the … Read more
Window Farming Grow food on your window
Window Farms are a simple, do-it-at-home hydroponic growing systems. It is relatively small-scale, easy to assemble and using simple, accessible, recycled materials. Window farms were developed by an American woman named Britta Reily, who also coined the term 'R &D. I. Y' which means Research and Development - Do It Yourself. The idea is to experiment together on an open source basis, in order to enhance the development of the Window Farms. You can hear more about the idea on Britta's TED talk … Read more
Culticycle Pedal Powered Tractor
A Culticycle is a pedal powered tractor for cultivation and seeding, built from lawn tractor, ATV, and bicycle parts. With a speed of 3 - 4 mph, depending on choice of gearing and pedaling speed, it keeps the operator fit, minimises soil compaction, uses no fuel, is far cheaper than a tractor and is easily adaptable to specific needs. As a low tech machine it can be built and maintained using basic resources and skills. … Read more
