The solar dryer is a solar-powered food dehydrator, that is entirely autonomous and “off grid”, and supports both local food autonomy and economic resilience. Once installed, it enables a farm to preserve seasonal surpluses of fruits and vegetables (which is a local traditional practice). This basic “tunnel” solar dryer is essentially a table-top greenhouse, with active ventilation provided by electric fans and a dedicated photovoltaic panel. It provides optimal airflow and temperature for … Read more
Seed Exchange Market Empowering and supporting farmers to preserve local varieties
Palestinian farmers are continually replacing local seeds with genetically-modified company-manufactured hybrid brands that are inept and inadequate with the surrounding environment, and from which farmers cannot yield a sufficient seed stock. Seed Banks in Palestine are preserving local seeds, producing, storing and improving a seed stock that is immune to the local viruses and diseases, and at the same time producing sufficient quantities to distribute and exchange in markets. … Read more
Composting Toilet Saving water. Producing compost.
In the Palestinian Territories the access to water is largely controlled by Israel, which makes it a very expensive resource, and not always reliable. The same happens with the access to land where it is possible to farm. Composting toilets can definitely reduce the amount of water needed per family, and they can also produce good quality compost that can seriously improve the soil's quality in a short amount of time. A composting toilet can be built largely with recovered materials. The … Read more
Vertical Planting Urban Gardening
In the Palestinian Territories the access to farming land is largely controlled by Israel, not allowing a traditional farmers society to continue its way of living and of prospering. In urban areas without easy access to land, and with restricted movement, urban gardening becomes a survival strategy. The Palestinian market is flooded with subsidized Israeli products, and food sovereignty becomes a political statement and a way to become independent in terms of food production. Vertical gardens … Read more
Cooking with the Sun Solar cookers for energy sustainability
Difficult or expensive access to energy resources can be overcome by installing a solar cooker! With plenty of sun in this area, a cheap and easily built solar cooker can provide for many needs in the family and beyond. Baking, boiling water, cooking... … Read more
Weed Control without Herbicide Could this Replace RoundUp?
Botanists have known for a long time that boiling water kills weeds. The problem with making thermal technology available on a commercial basis has been finding a way to keep the heat on the plant long enough to kill it. Hot water alone doesn’t work well enough. Foamstream, a biodegradable foam made from natural and renewable plant oils and sugars can be precisely applied to weeds with hot water and the combination effectively eradicates weeds. Heat is applied to the weed in the form of foam … Read more
Biogas for Bedouin Communities Biogas as a source of energy for unrecognized Bedouin villages
There were 100,000 Bedouins in the Negev region before 1948. 1 million refugees went to Jordan, some went to Sinai, some went to the center and south of Gaza. And 15,000 were concentrated in 10% of the Negev. Now it is even less, 3.5% of the area of the Negev. Until 1953, 97% of the land was taken away for army bases, settlements, firing zones by the Israeli Government. The land was declared agriculture land where nothing can be built and Bedouin communities mostly considered illegal (53% of … Read more
Greywater Recycling Treating water in times of scarcity
With greywater recycling, it is possible to reduce the amounts of fresh water consumption as well as wastewater production, in addition to reducing the water bills. If greywater is regarded as an additional water source, an increased supply for irrigation water can be ensured which will in turn lead to an increase in agricultural productivity. … Read more
Low Cost Greenhouse Build Your Own - Grow Your Own
Greenhouses and polytunnels provide ideal growing spaces particular in cooler climates but commercial models can be costly. The following link describes how a perfectly functional greenhouse can be made from cheap and readily available materials … Read more
Building with Natural Materials Inspirational Ideas for Building with Natural Materials
Modern building has become a sophisticated process using highly processed materials and fittings that are part of a huge global industry. Reclaiming power on a local sustainable level and respecting what our local environments can give encourages us to use natural materials from our surroundings. Built to express the local landscape and local traditions such building generally harmonises with the environment and feels a part of it. It should be noted that natural insulation materials are less … Read more
