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"Pooless," a term often associated with permaculture and natural living, encourages ditching conventional shampoos and soaps for healthier hair, reduced chemical exposure, and a more sustainable lifestyle. This shift to natural hair care involves an adjustment period as the scalp rebalances its sebum production. However, feedback reveals a range of positive outcomes, making the transition worthwhile. Many individuals report achieving a natural balance, resulting in less oily hair and less frequent washing. Some experience improvements in hair texture, noticing increased volume and curl. The vinegar rinse, following a baking soda wash, is crucial for smoothing the hair cuticle and detangling, contributing to a healthier and more manageable mane. Beyond the aesthetic benefits, some users report a decrease in scalp problems, including dandruff and itchiness, potentially due to the absence of harsh chemicals. Others have even noted unexpected benefits like migraine relief, suggesting a potential connection between overall health and a more natural approach to personal care. "Poolessness" aligns with permaculture's principles of minimizing chemical usage and embracing natural processes, empowering individuals to take control of their health and reduce their environmental impact.
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
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.