Occasionally I check Flickr for photosets tagged “Cob“. Today I found some new cob photos…

Cob Workshop » by Braja
Straw Cob House » by Gary Zuker
Natural building set » by misofrappacino.

Building with Spirit 2006!
A regional Natural Building Colloquium

Wed. Aug. 2 - Sun. Aug. 6, 2006
Thunder Mountain Retreat Center, Bath NY

For more information visit www.peaceweavers.com »

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This year’s Living Green Expo will be held on May 6-7, 2006, 10 a.m. - 5 p.m. at the Minnesota State Fair Grandstand in St. Paul. The Living Green Expo is a collaboration of government agencies, nonprofit groups and businesses, led by the Minnesota Pollution Control Agency seeking to promote sustainability-oriented products and behaviors in Minnesota.
There will be exhibits and workshops on these topic areas:
Transportation; Energy; Building and Remodeling; Food and Agriculture; Yard and Garden; Lifestyle and Recreation; Household Products; Sustainability Education; Arts and Culture.

Visit LivingGreen.org for more information »

Apple Computer announced a free take-back program for their personal computers and iPods! Recycling of electronics is very important - they are full of toxic metals and plastics and must be disposed of properly. Apple is considered to be one of the top-ten environmentally progressive companies according to Sierra Club and its investment advisor, Forward Management. They received the “Forward Green Leader” award for their recycling program and commitment to the environment.

When it’s time to plaster your cob walls you will want to make use of finer materials. Rocks, big pieces of straw and the like can really screw up the finish, that is if you are going for a smooth surface. Recently I have started buying the quartz silica sand from my local home center for $2.50+ a 50 lb. bag. The silica sand is a pleasure to work with. Fine materials can create fine results. $2.50 a bag can add up quickly for a large project.

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