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
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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
Upcycling for beauty and function! Reusing waste in beautiful and useful ways
Consumerism is reaching everyone, even traditional societies are becoming increasingly burdened with an overload of waste and little appreciation for traditional crafts and goods. By upcycling we can demonstrate that old materials can be reused into new functions, adding value and beauty. It can become an art form, and be a source of income and of gathering community, in workshops and exchanging knowledge. … 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
Bedouin Crafts and Heritage Preserving tradition and generating income
Traditional crafts are a way to preserve ancient knowledge and to honour a culture and its people. The Bedouin women of the Negev are holding an ancient treasure and the can keep it by sharing it with tourists, generating an income for their families and for their struggling communities. In this example, women are weaving on a traditional floor loom, using camel, sheep and goat wool. The products are sold in their village, as some tours are coming there. … 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
