Burning carbonized cobs produces less smoke than regular biomass fuels, but the carbonized cobs produce a hazardous level of carbon monoxide. MIT's D-lab developed a device to turn charcoal powder into a dense compact briquette that burns safely, but it is difficult to crush the carbonized cobs into a charcoal powder without inhaling dangerous amounts of charcoal dust. The MIT team's charcoal crushing device addresses the gap in this alternative fuel process. … Read more
Open source appropriate technology (OSAT) Speeding up sustainable transitions by working together
Open source appropriate technology (OSAT) refers to technologies that are designed in the same fashion as free and open-source software. These technologies must be 'appropriate technology' (AT) - meaning technology that is designed with special consideration to the environmental, ethical, cultural, social, political, and economical aspects of the community it is intended for. The OSAT principles ensures that people can freely use and build upon one another's ideas without paying big royalties to … Read more
From poacher to caretaker Namibia: how poachers became wildlife protectors
This is a story by John Kasoana who explains how poaching developed in Namibia and how poachers later became wildlife caretakers. Official recognition of this role created a sense of ownership, which resulted into flourishing wildlife after it had nearly come down to nil. Three methods were decisive: (1) Using traditional ways while being open to new knowledge, (2) Focus on holistic solutions - stopping poaching is not the same as catching poachers (3) Create strategic partnerships with … Read more
Dune wall architecture against desertification An original proposal to counter desertification in Africa
Architect Magnus Larsson proposes an innovative, natural way of creating a natural wall out of Sahel dunes to prevent further desertification as an alternative for the green wall - which is undermined by people's need for fuel. Larsson proposes to use a natural bacteria to solidify parts of sand dunes, turning them into structures. There structures can be both lived in, as well as function as a solid base for plant and tree-growth, greening the desert from within. … Read more
Earth Oven Building an oven of local soil
Earth Ovens have been used for thousands of years by cultures all over the world and they are still built today by people all over. Earth ovens are made up of just that, EARTH! Sand, clay and straw are used in building these versatile ovens. It takes only 10 to 12 hours to build in total, with some intermediate periods for drying layers, and the oven will last for many years without loosing its capacity or quality. An earthen oven can be used to cook the same things cooked in a normal … Read more
Building house with waste plastic bottles Recycling plastics into solid structures
The links show two videos with examples of bottle houses, and how to construct them. The method is simple, and the structure that results is strong. … Read more
Merging traditional with innovative building methods African architect uses smart design to build with clay and community
The architect Diebedo Francis Kere from Burkina Faso who studied in Berlin, Germany, went back to his home village to build a school and other buildings with the community. He explains the methodology. By involving the entire community in the building process, he simultaneously created community cohesion and pride, and gives locals the opportunity to acquire skills and knowledge they can use for creating economic opportunities. … Read more
Tool Library Practicing Cooperative Economics Through Shared Ownership
A tool library is a cooperatively managed tool room/set of tools from which people can borrow tools when they need them instead of everyone having to buy their own set. It is a community resource dedicated to building community and fostering sustainability by providing residents with tools and the power to use them. We loan a wide variety of tools to community members free of charge. Tool libraries reduce the costs of maintaining and improving the places in which we live, work, and play. This … Read more
The Power of Community (in Bafut, Cameroon) Building ecovillages: connecting local solidarity, environmental conservation and fair trade
The below links direct to examples of how builing ecovillages with local communities integrate social and environmental solutions in a wholistic way. The building of an ecovillage fosters community building, integrates techniques of environmentally sustainable community living and integrates economic sustainability by setting up high-value activities and fair trade schemes. … Read more
Seed Bank Saving Seed
Seed Banks are cooperative constructs where local seeds are stored, saved and borrowed out. Our seeds is our heritage. They are used to local climates and they are thus adapted to locally harsh conditions. We need to empower our communities to go back to their roots and restore the culture of the use of indigenous seeds. Farmers can be empowered to come together and share seeds in different forums, but the most sustainable one is where farmer groups establish operational seed security systems … Read more
