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The berm shed is more than just a simple storage structure; its construction incorporates advanced techniques that prioritize sustainability, durability, and integration with the natural environment. Earthworks play a crucial role, as careful shaping of the landscape is required to create the berm that covers a portion of the shed's sloping roof. This berm acts as a natural insulator and thermal mass, helping to regulate temperature inside the structure. The "attic" cell design, as discussed in source, involves a specific configuration at the termination ends of the berm shed, further enhancing its thermal efficiency. Round wood timber framing, a technique using logs instead of dimensional lumber, is often employed, lending structural strength and a rustic aesthetic. A key consideration is the long-term durability of the wood in contact with soil. Source emphasizes the importance of peeling the bark from posts before burial to reduce the probability of rot, highlighting the evolution of construction techniques for increased longevity. Additionally, using gravel in post holes, as described in source, helps with drainage and further protects the wood from moisture. These advanced concepts, when combined, result in a berm shed that is not only functional and visually appealing but also a testament to sustainable building practices deeply rooted in permaculture principles.
Hugelkultur, is an advanced permaculture technique for creating self-sufficient, raised garden beds by burying wood beneath the soil. Hugelkultur beds can be built in various shapes and sizes, from small backyard gardens to large farm-scale operations. This technique utilizes a variety of wood, from small twigs to whole trees, which decompose over time to create a beneficial environment for plant growth. The wood acts as a sponge, holding water and reducing or eliminating the need for irrigation. As the wood decomposes, it attracts beneficial microorganisms and releases nutrients, creating a fertile "soil on wood" environment that requires minimal fertilization. Hugelkultur is an environmentally sustainable technique that utilizes organic materials that would otherwise be discarded, embodying the permaculture principles of working with nature and reducing waste.. This technique is also applicable to diverse climates and has been proven effective even in desert environments
"Pooless," a popular concept within the permaculture community, involves eliminating commercial shampoos and soaps for a more natural approach to personal hygiene. While the initial transition can be challenging, user feedback reveals a range of positive outcomes. Many individuals, like the user in source, report that after an adjustment period, their hair reaches a natural balance, becoming less oily and requiring less frequent washing. Some, like the user in source, note improvements in hair texture, with increased body and curl, despite occasional waxiness or static. The user in source highlights the importance of the vinegar rinse after a baking soda wash to smooth the hair cuticle and prevent tangles. Source describes the psychological shift required to embrace the absence of the "slimy/silky" feeling associated with commercial conditioners. Furthermore, source suggests a potential link between reduced scrub-downs and fewer allergic reactions and illnesses, possibly due to the preservation of beneficial probiotics on the skin. Overall, user feedback suggests that "poolessness," though requiring an adjustment period, can lead to healthier hair and skin, aligning with permaculture principles of minimizing chemical use and embracing natural processes.
The SKIP program, an acronym for Skills to Inherit Property, enables individuals to "skip the rat race" and acquire land for sustainable living by demonstrating practical skills through the completion of "Badge Bits" (BBs). To join the program, aspiring homesteaders, referred to as "Skippers," create free accounts on permies.com and select BBs they wish to complete from the PEP (Permaculture Experience according to Paul) curriculum. BBs encompass a wide range of permaculture-related skills, such as gardening, natural building, and food preservation. Skippers document their completion of each BB with pictures and videos, which are then reviewed and verified by the permies.com community. As Skippers complete BBs, they earn badges that reflect increasing levels of competency, starting with the Sand badge and progressing through Straw, Wood, and Iron. These badges, displayed on their profiles, serve as evidence of their skills and dedication to potential "Otisies" – landowners seeking worthy successors for their properties. The permies.com forums provide a space for Skippers to interact, share experiences, and seek guidance, fostering a supportive community within the SKIP program.