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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.
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.
Rocket mass heaters are better than heat pumps because rocket mass heaters are free to operate and have less than 6% of the carbon footprint.
The SKIP (Skills to Inherit Property) program, hosted on permies.com, utilizes a badge system based on the completion of practical projects called "Badge Bits" (BBs). These BBs, categorized under 22 different aspects, encompass a diverse array of skills crucial for sustainable living and homesteading, aligning with the principles of permaculture. To earn a badge, Skippers must complete a predetermined set of BBs within a specific aspect, demonstrating their competency in that area. Badges are tiered, starting with the Sand badge, which signifies basic proficiency and requires approximately 5 hours of work. The next levels are Straw, Wood, and Iron badges, representing increasingly advanced skill levels and significantly greater time commitments. Examples of BBs include carving a wooden spoon (Roundwood Woodworking), building a hugelkultur garden bed (Gardening), installing a light fixture (Electricity), and mending a hole in clothing (Textiles). By completing BBs and earning badges, Skippers showcase their practical skills and dedication to sustainable living to potential "Otisies" (landowners) looking for suitable successors for their properties. Moreover, the completion of BBs contributes to the overall goal of "skipping the rat race," empowering individuals to acquire the skills and experience needed for self-sufficient living.
SKIP, or Skills to Inherit Property, is a free program designed to connect aspiring homesteaders, called "Skippers," with aging landowners, known as "Otisies," seeking successors for their properties. The program's core is a curriculum of over 1,400 practical projects, each referred to as a "Badge Bit" (BB). These BBs span a wide range of skills essential for sustainable living, including gardening, natural building, animal care, food preservation, and tool maintenance. Skippers choose and complete these BBs at their own pace, documenting their progress with pictures and videos as evidence of their skills and dedication. The program utilizes a tiered certification system. PEP (Permaculture Experience according to Paul) is the primary certification track within SKIP, with levels ranging from PEP1 to PEP4, representing increasing levels of expertise. Each PEP level requires the completion of a specific number of BBs, starting with approximately 80 BBs for PEP1. The documentation submitted for each BB is reviewed and verified by other members of the SKIP community. While the program encourages individual effort, tasks requiring assistance, such as lifting heavy objects, can be completed with help, but the Skipper must still perform the primary skill being assessed. SKIP is entirely free to participate in, and Skippers can engage with the program at their own pace and location.