Aaack! You caught us with our pants down! Here we are, tinkering with the servers and you show up. How awkward! Try back in just a couple of minutes. In the meantime, a few tidbits ...
WOFATI, an acronym coined by Paul Wheaton, stands for Woodland Oehler Freaky-cheap Annualized Thermal Inertia. It defines a type of earth-sheltered, passive building that blends affordability with energy efficiency. Inspired by the work of Mike Oehler, a pioneer of earth-sheltered building, WOFATI designs use locally sourced, natural materials, such as wood and earth, to minimize both cost and environmental impact. Central to the WOFATI concept is Annualized Thermal Inertia, which utilizes the surrounding earth as a thermal mass to moderate temperatures year-round. This means that the building stays warm in the winter by storing heat from the summer, and cool in the summer by retaining the coolness of the winter, greatly reducing the need for artificial heating and cooling. WOFATI structures typically have a large gable roof on the downhill side, and at least 35% of the uphill wall is made of glass or other light-transmitting material to maximize passive solar gain. WOFATI buildings are ideally situated on or near a woodland, emphasizing a harmonious integration with nature. Allerton Abbey, the first WOFATI, along with Wofati 0.8, are examples of this building style and can be found at Wheaton Labs.
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.
Some people have experienced greater health, better skin and more luxuriant hair by going "pooless" (no soap or shampoo in the shower). Also known as "pure water showers". Save money on buying stuff, plus shorter showers means saving money on hot water. And best of all, shorter showers means a few extra minutes on busy mornings.
"Pooless," a term frequently used within the permaculture community, refers to the practice of eliminating commercial shampoos and soaps in favor of natural alternatives or simply water. While the concept might seem daunting at first, user feedback and shared tips highlight its practical usability and positive outcomes. The transition to "poolessness" often involves an adjustment period, during which the scalp rebalances its sebum production, leading to potential temporary waxiness or static. However, this phase is manageable with practical tips shared within the community. Sources suggest using readily available ingredients like baking soda and apple cider vinegar as a gentle cleansing and conditioning routine. Additionally, regular brushing helps distribute natural oils and maintain a clean and healthy scalp. For those with longer hair, a flea comb and soapy water can be utilized for more thorough cleaning. The sources emphasize the importance of patience during the initial transition, reassuring that hair eventually reaches a natural balance, becoming less oily and requiring less frequent washing. With readily available ingredients, simple techniques, and supportive online communities, "poolessness" proves to be a user-friendly and sustainable approach to personal care, aligning with permaculture's principles of simplicity and self-sufficiency.