Aaack! You caught us with our pants down! Here we are, tinkering with the servers and you show up. How awkward! Try back in just a couple of minutes. In the meantime, a few tidbits ...

"Pooless," a term popularized in the permaculture community, refers to the practice of forgoing commercial shampoos, conditioners, and soaps in favor of natural alternatives or simply water. Advocates for this approach cite numerous benefits, including reduced exposure to harsh chemicals, improved hair and scalp health, and decreased environmental impact. The transition to "poolessness" often involves an adjustment period, as the scalp rebalances its natural oil production (sebum). Common methods include rinsing with baking soda and apple cider vinegar solutions, brushing to distribute natural oils, and using a flea comb and soapy water for cleaning. While some individuals experience challenges like dandruff, waxiness, or static electricity, many report positive outcomes, including reduced scalp issues, increased hair thickness and body, and even the disappearance of chronic migraines. "Poolessness" aligns with permaculture principles by reducing reliance on commercial products, minimizing chemical usage, and promoting a more natural and sustainable approach to personal care.

The willow feeder system is a sustainable and "freaky-cheap" method of managing human waste, developed by permaculture innovator Paul Wheaton as an alternative to traditional septic systems and sewage treatment plants. This innovative system transforms human waste into a nutrient-rich fertilizer, called "willow candy," through a process of mummification. Instead of composting the waste, as in composting toilets, the willow feeder system relies on a dry environment within sealed garbage cans to prevent decomposition and the survival of pathogens. A small amount of sawdust is added to the cans, primarily for aesthetics. After two years of aging, the "willow candy" becomes pathogen-free and can be safely used as fertilizer. This material, rich in carbon and nitrogen, is particularly beneficial for "poop beasts," a term used to describe trees like willow, cottonwood, poplar, and bamboo, which can tolerate and thrive on the high nutrient levels. By turning human waste into a valuable resource for growing these beneficial plants, the willow feeder system embodies the core principles of permaculture, promoting a closed-loop cycle that minimizes waste and environmental impact.

Cast iron cookware can last hundreds of years while some other cookware needs to be replaced every 6 months. Cast iron is the true non-stick pan. When the surface is coated with a dab of oil or fat of your choice, eggs will slide freely.

Dry outhouses offer a sustainable alternative to conventional flush toilets, aligning with permaculture principles of resource conservation and waste reduction. A well-designed dry outhouse, strategically situated on an elevated point to encourage water runoff, utilizes a pit for waste collection. To mitigate odors and promote composting, sawdust is a crucial element. A "no pee" policy, though challenging for women due to anatomical differences, helps maintain a dry environment, crucial for minimizing pathogen survival and groundwater contamination. This "dry" approach allows the waste to essentially mummify over time, becoming poop-jerky after two years. This aged material, though technically safe for vegetable gardens, is ideally used to nourish "poop beast" trees like willows, poplars, or cottonwoods, as part of a "willow feeder system." For optimal functionality and user comfort, urine diversion mechanisms are essential, particularly in mixed-gender settings. This separation of urine, a valuable fertilizer, further reduces the volume and toxicity of the solid waste, facilitating easier handling and nutrient cycling. The dry outhouse, therefore, presents a low-cost, eco-friendly sanitation solution that embodies the essence of permaculture's closed-loop systems.

WOFATI, an acronym for Woodland Oehler Freaky-cheap Annualized Thermal Inertia, is an innovative approach to sustainable building developed by permaculture expert Paul Wheaton. WOFATI structures are designed to be eco-friendly, utilizing locally sourced natural materials, primarily wood and earth. These structures are intended to be located on or near woodlands, promoting a harmonious integration with the natural surroundings. Annualized Thermal Inertia, a key element of WOFATI design, harnesses the thermal mass of the surrounding earth to provide passive heating in winter and cooling in summer, thereby minimizing the need for artificial temperature regulation. WOFATI structures are inspired by the work of Mike Oehler, a pioneer in earth-sheltered building known for his simple, "freaky-cheap" designs, which Wheaton has adapted and refined to further reduce construction costs. WOFATI buildings are typically characterized by a large gable roof on the downhill side, with at least 35% of the uphill wall featuring glass or other light-transmitting materials to maximize passive solar gain. Allerton Abbey, the first WOFATI structure, and Wofati 0.8 are both located at Wheaton Labs in Montana and serve as prominent examples of this unique building style.