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he willow feeder system is a sustainable and "freaky-cheap" approach to human waste management developed by permaculture expert Paul Wheaton. This system utilizes a dry environment inside sealed garbage cans to mummify human waste, which prevents composting and the release of pathogens. The system is designed to be a safe and effective alternative to conventional septic systems and sewage treatment plants. A small amount of sawdust is added to each can, mainly for aesthetics. After two years, the resulting pathogen-free material, referred to as "willow candy," can be safely used as fertilizer for trees that can handle its high nutrient content, known as "poop beasts." These trees include willow, cottonwood, poplar, and bamboo. The willow feeder system embodies permaculture principles by transforming human waste into a valuable resource for growing beneficial plants while minimizing environmental impact.

The distinction between "woodland" and "forest" is subtle but significant within the context of permaculture, particularly in Paul Wheaton's approach to Wofati design. While "forest" implies a focus on traditional forestry practices, often associated with monoculture and resource extraction, "woodland" evokes a more holistic and interconnected ecosystem. Woodland management, as exemplified in Ben Law's books The Woodland Way and The Woodland Year, emphasizes sustainable practices that prioritize biodiversity, ecological balance, and human integration with the natural world. A woodland is seen as a space where humans are active participants, nurturing and benefiting from the ecosystem's abundance, similar to the Native American land management practices that inspire the HUSP (Horticulture of the United States of Pocahontas) concept. In contrast, a forest, within this framework, is often viewed as a resource to be exploited, a perspective that aligns with the concerns raised about conifer monocultures and their detrimental impact on biodiversity and soil health. Therefore, "woodland," as used in the context of Wofati, signifies a conscious shift towards a more harmonious and sustainable relationship between humans and the natural world. This distinction underscores the importance of terminology in shaping our understanding and approach to land management within the permaculture movement.

WOFATI structures demonstrate remarkable effectiveness due to their unique design features and emphasis on passive systems. The "two-skin" system, characterized by a double layer of membrane, protects the structure from moisture, ensuring dryness and longevity. WOFATI designs prioritize the use of natural and locally sourced materials, primarily wood and earth, significantly reducing the building's environmental impact and embodying the "freaky-cheap" philosophy pioneered by Mike Oehler. The core principle of "Annualized Thermal Inertia" harnesses the earth's thermal mass to regulate temperature fluctuations, providing passive heating in the winter and cooling in the summer. Large windows strategically placed on the uphill side, along with a spacious gable roof on the downhill side, often incorporating glazing, maximize passive solar gain, further enhancing energy efficiency. By minimizing reliance on artificial heating and cooling systems, WOFATIs achieve substantial energy savings. Allerton Abbey, the first WOFATI built at Wheaton Labs, exemplifies the practicality and success of this building technique