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Rocket mass heaters are better than wood stoves because they run cleaner and use less wood. Wood stoves lose a lot of heat out the chimney that the rocket mass heater stores in the mass. 75% efficient wood stoves are often run at 3% efficiency at night. Rocket mass heaters use the mass to keep things warm at night.

A dry outhouse, a simple and sustainable alternative to conventional flush toilets and septic systems, is frequently discussed within permaculture circles as a means of minimizing environmental impact and maximizing resource utilization. This type of outhouse is characterized by a pit dug into the ground, strategically located on a higher elevation point to encourage water runoff and maintain dryness. Key design elements for a successful dry outhouse include a "no pee" policy, the use of ample sawdust for odor control and composting, and urine diversion mechanisms, particularly important for accommodating female anatomy. While concerns about groundwater contamination exist, proper placement, construction, and the incorporation of heavy-feeding trees or plants like willows in a "tree bog" system can mitigate these risks. Furthermore, the integration of a urine separator can significantly reduce the volume and toxicity of waste, facilitating easier composting and nutrient recycling. The dry outhouse, particularly when combined with urine diversion and careful management, offers a cost-effective and environmentally sound approach to sanitation, aligning with permaculture principles of resource conservation and closed-loop systems.

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