Paul Ladendorf

David Baillie wrote:The problem with filtration only is that most filters do not filter out gases only particulate. there are some that have a carbon layer but even that is not enough. In a tight house all the surfaces including the humans will be off gassing. The human body emits quite a range of chemicals that should be flushed from the home let alone all the cooking gases, paints, finishes detergents etc...

How do you know that "a carbon layer" is not enough?

My little house in Northeast Alabama is going to be very tight so I'm looking at options to make sure my air quality stays good. Since I live in an area with excellent air quality, I only have to worry about air quality 6 months out of the year since I leave my windows open the rest of the time.  I'm considering an energy recovery ventilation system or an air purifier. What do you use and why?

Mowing takes up a huge chunk of time and seems like such a waste of resources. I was told that dutch clover is a good alternative to grass. Any other good ground covers or alternatives to grass? Thanks.

I've never had farm animals except chickens which I got 6 mos ago. Now I want to tend sheep. But my soil is spent (as proven by soil testing/analysis) as this land was truck farmed for decades and obviously the previous farmers didn't do anything to maintain the soil. With only 5 sheep per acre will they build the soil back up without other inputs? If so, how long should I expect that to take? I assume I'll have to supplement their diet heavily. Any insights or recommendations are appreciated.

Putting together an ecovillage on 13 beautiful rural acres near Chatt, TN based on personal freedom, land stewardship and natural living. Check us out on facebook at: https://www.facebook.com/groups/636638273601942/?source_id=106476064371096 or at http://HarmonyWoods.net .  Thanks!

Hi Megan,

I'm putting together an ecovillage on 13 beautiful rural acres near Chattanooga, TN based on land stewardship, freedom and natural living. And, yes, we offer work exchanges. You can check it out on Facebook at https://www.facebook.com/groups/636638273601942/?source_id=106476064371096 and also at http://HarmonyWoods.net if you're interested. Best wishes!

Thanks for the response. The worms are definitely from fly larvae. So are you saying you take the toilet seat off and put a tight lid on it after using? Or are there toilet seats that seal well?

Heather Sharpe wrote:That sounds frustrating. I'm guessing you aren't talking earthworms. Are they fly larvae of some kind? Because if that is the case, I would suggest finding a well sealing lid to prevent flies from entering and laying eggs. Or are they some other sort of worms? If you could describe them or show pictures, that would probably make it easier for folks to give helpful answers.

If they are fly larvae, I have had this issue and been able to resolve it easily by cleaning the bucket thoroughly, getting a good sealed lid on it and also setting up a vinegar fly trap to knock back the population. So if this is your issue, I think you'll be able to solve it and not have to give up. If it's something else, hopefully a solution can be found!

My humanure bucket is growing worms within 4 or 5 days of being cleaned out. I use plenty of cover material and don't urinate in the bucket. Is there a solution to this problem? Seriously thinking about giving up on humanure. Thanks.

Is clover a good option? I read that certain varieties (e.g. Dutch White) only get about 5" high. Are there downsides?  Are there better options? Thanks.

Thanks. Hey Paul. Just a thought. You might consider adding convenience to the list of factors for sewage systems.

paul wheaton wrote:chapter 27