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Hugelkultur offers advanced techniques and benefits for sustainable gardening and food production. This permaculture method utilizes buried wood to create raised garden beds, fostering a thriving ecosystem that reduces reliance on external inputs. As the wood decomposes, it transforms into "a sponge to hold water," decreasing irrigation needs and attracting beneficial microorganisms that enhance soil fertility. The shrinking wood creates air pockets, naturally aerating the soil and promoting a "self-tilling" effect. This "soil on wood" technique enhances soil health by creating "parking spaces for water and nutrients", ultimately minimizing the need for fertilizers. Hugelkultur beds can be constructed on varying scales, from small gardens to large farms, and are particularly well-suited for locations with limited rainfall, such as deserts. This versatile approach allows gardeners to cultivate diverse "garden plants" while minimizing environmental impact.
WOFATI, an acronym coined by Paul Wheaton, stands for Woodland Oehler Freaky-cheap Annualized Thermal Inertia. It defines a type of earth-sheltered, passive building that blends affordability with energy efficiency. Inspired by the work of Mike Oehler, a pioneer of earth-sheltered building, WOFATI designs use locally sourced, natural materials, such as wood and earth, to minimize both cost and environmental impact. Central to the WOFATI concept is Annualized Thermal Inertia, which utilizes the surrounding earth as a thermal mass to moderate temperatures year-round. This means that the building stays warm in the winter by storing heat from the summer, and cool in the summer by retaining the coolness of the winter, greatly reducing the need for artificial heating and cooling. WOFATI structures typically have a large gable roof on the downhill side, and at least 35% of the uphill wall is made of glass or other light-transmitting material to maximize passive solar gain. WOFATI buildings are ideally situated on or near a woodland, emphasizing a harmonious integration with nature. Allerton Abbey, the first WOFATI, along with Wofati 0.8, are examples of this building style and can be found at Wheaton Labs.
A berm shed is an innovative, earth-sheltered structure designed for storage, blending seamlessly into the landscape while offering practical benefits. This natural building technique utilizes readily available materials like logs and earth, minimizing environmental impact and cost. The berm shed's design, as described in the sources, features a sloping roof covered with soil, creating a natural berm that provides insulation and helps regulate temperature. The round wood timber framing techniques used in its construction, relying on logs rather than dimensional lumber, further enhance its sustainability and aesthetic appeal. The berm shed is often incorporated into permaculture designs, serving as a visual and sound barrier, enhancing privacy, and creating a microclimate for plant growth. Its construction involves earthworks, carefully shaping the surrounding landscape to create the berm and ensure proper drainage. The berm shed's unique design, combining natural materials and earth-sheltering principles, offers a durable, cost-effective, and aesthetically pleasing storage solution that integrates harmoniously with the surrounding environment.
SKIP, which stands for Skills to Inherit Property, is a permaculture-based program designed to connect aspiring homesteaders with aging landowners seeking successors for their properties. The program consists of over a thousand practical projects, referred to as "Badge Bits" (BBs), encompassing various aspects of sustainable living, such as gardening, natural building, animal care, and food preservation. Participants, known as "Skippers," complete these BBs, documenting their progress with pictures and videos to demonstrate their skills and dedication. As Skippers gain experience, they progress through levels of certification, starting with PEP1 (Permaculture Experience according to Paul) and culminating in PEP4, representing a significant level of expertise. "Otis," a fictional character in the SKIP program, represents the numerous landowners seeking worthy individuals to inherit their properties. The program aims to create a bridge between these Otises and Skippers, offering a pathway for Skippers to "skip the rat race" and acquire land while providing Otises with peace of mind knowing their homesteads will be in capable hands. SKIP emphasizes practical skills and real-world experience, fostering a sense of accomplishment and self-sufficiency among participants.
"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.