Mixing cob… mesa style. This is a sloppier version of cob that’s good for infill, shaping and scratch coat plasters. Raw earth, straw and water. I’ve been using this for everything lately. In the video it shows a sloppy mix as it comes out of the mixer and the same mix after it has sat out in the sun and the wind. It stiffens up quick. I’m a fan of the cement ( cob ) mixer. It allows you to do several other things while the barrel is spinning. Electricity can come from variety of sources. Of course using power from the sun to make cob would be natural building nirvana. Even better… the human power of friends and neighbors.
Radon is a naturally occurring, colorless, odorless gas that comes from the soil of the earth. It’s a radioactive noble gas that is formed from the decay of radium. Homes can have high concentrations of Radon, creating a unhealthy air quality. In fact it’s the the number 2 cause of lung cancer in the U.S. If your thinking about new construction plan in installing a Radon mitigation system. It’s relatively inexpensive and easy to do. I’ve discovered a great resource on the EPA website about Building Radon Out [ PDF 5.5 MB], a how-to for contractors or DIY’s. Though I didn’t see a section on earthen floors and radon mitigation it does cover other types of flooring systems. Continue Reading…
220 Productions presents Visionaries, Small Solutiuons to Enormously Large Problems.
A video with Bill Mollison the initiator of the permaculture movement.
Written, produced and directed by Tony Gailey and Julian Russell in 1989.
Oh, there are many neato things about rocket stoves. Efficient burning; the heating of a cob bench ( that makes you feel so good ); the sculptural shapes. Nothing so far as amazing as this… Your tea doesn’t get cold!
I’m a fan of tea. Seems like you have to drink it while it’s warm and there’s only a short window of time where it’s at the perfect temperature. Not on top of the rocket stove.
I boiled the water in a tea kettle, poured it in the cup and left the cup on top of the stove and every time - Mmmmm warm. Progressively warm tea. What a joy!
“We are living at a peak of human innovation, information, wealth and health, but we are also at a peak of population and consumption with raising temperatures and declining resources fueled by cheap oil and gas. Peak Moment television bringing you examples of positive responses to energy decline and climate change through local community action.”
Janaia Donaldson and Peak Moment TV have collected a wealth of interviews with members of our world that are making positive change. Some of the interview topics include peak oil, gardening, natural building, alternative fuels, local living, and community building. If you watch YouTube, have a look at Janaia’s interviews with Mark Lakeman of City Repair, Robert Bolman’s eco-village, and Anne and Gord Baird’s cob house interview.
Mixing cob… mesa style. This is a sloppier version of cob that’s good for infill, shaping and scratch coat plasters. Raw earth, straw and water. I’ve been using this for everything lately. In the video it shows a sloppy mix as it comes out of the mixer and the same mix after it has sat out in the sun and the wind. It stiffens up quick. I’m a fan of the cement ( cob ) mixer. It allows you to do several other things while the barrel is spinning. Electricity can come from variety of sources. Of course using power from the sun to make cob would be natural building nirvana. Even better… the human power of friends and neighbors.
