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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.
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.
The construction of a berm shed, a sustainable and aesthetically pleasing storage solution, involves a unique process that utilizes natural building techniques and earth-sheltering principles. First, the building site is prepared using earthworks, shaping the surrounding land to create a berm, which is a raised bank of soil that will eventually cover a portion of the shed's sloping roof. Round wood timber framing is a common technique employed in berm shed construction, utilizing logs sourced from the property instead of commercially produced dimensional lumber. These logs are carefully selected and placed to form the structural framework of the shed, including the walls and roof supports. Once the timber frame is erected, a moisture barrier, such as billboard material or layers of poly sheeting and newspaper, is installed over the logs to protect them from the elements. Finally, soil is carefully layered on top of the moisture barrier, creating the berm and providing insulation, thermal mass, and a natural aesthetic. The construction process prioritizes using natural, locally sourced materials and minimizing the use of energy-intensive and potentially toxic commercial products, aligning with permaculture principles of sustainability and self-sufficiency.
Made of ancient diatom skeletons, diatomaceous earth is edible to mammals but deadly to insects. De scratches through a bug's waxy exoskeleton coating turning their innards to teeny tiny bug jerky.