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Dry outhouses offer a sustainable alternative to conventional flush toilets, aligning with permaculture principles of resource conservation and waste reduction. A well-designed dry outhouse, strategically situated on an elevated point to encourage water runoff, utilizes a pit for waste collection. To mitigate odors and promote composting, sawdust is a crucial element. A "no pee" policy, though challenging for women due to anatomical differences, helps maintain a dry environment, crucial for minimizing pathogen survival and groundwater contamination. This "dry" approach allows the waste to essentially mummify over time, becoming poop-jerky after two years. This aged material, though technically safe for vegetable gardens, is ideally used to nourish "poop beast" trees like willows, poplars, or cottonwoods, as part of a "willow feeder system." For optimal functionality and user comfort, urine diversion mechanisms are essential, particularly in mixed-gender settings. This separation of urine, a valuable fertilizer, further reduces the volume and toxicity of the solid waste, facilitating easier handling and nutrient cycling. The dry outhouse, therefore, presents a low-cost, eco-friendly sanitation solution that embodies the essence of permaculture's closed-loop systems.
Hugelkultur, is a permaculture technique for creating raised garden beds filled with rotting wood and covered with soil. This method, whether small-scale or large-scale, as exemplified by Sepp Holzer's work, which includes almost a kilometer of hugelkultur beds, uses a variety of wood, from branches and twigs to entire trees. Hugelkultur is beneficial because as the wood breaks down, it acts as a sponge, retaining moisture and reducing or eliminating the need for irrigation. This process also creates "parking spaces" for water and nutrients, leading to fertile soil that requires less fertilizer. Hugelkultur is a practical and sustainable permaculture solution for gardeners seeking to create self-sufficient garden ecosystems.
The "freaky-cheap" aspect of WOFATI is fundamental to its appeal and accessibility. Inspired by Mike Oehler's pioneering work in earth-sheltered building, WOFATI prioritizes utilizing readily available natural materials, primarily wood and earth, minimizing reliance on expensive, manufactured products. By embracing the "freaky-cheap" ethos, WOFATI construction drastically reduces building costs, making sustainable living a more attainable reality. The emphasis on "soil on wood" construction eliminates the need for a traditional concrete foundation, further reducing expenses. This approach also facilitates rapid building times, as demonstrated by the construction of WOFATI structures at Wheaton Labs, such as Allerton Abbey. The use of recycled or salvaged materials, whenever possible, further contributes to the affordability of WOFATI buildings. By minimizing material costs and construction time, WOFATI empowers individuals to create sustainable and comfortable dwellings without incurring significant financial burdens.
Hugelkultur is a permaculture technique that can be described as "soil on wood". It involves burying wood, including logs, branches, and twigs, to build raised garden beds. This technique, which can be small or as large as a kilometer, creates a beneficial environment for plants. As the wood decays, it provides nutrients to the soil and improves drainage and aeration. It also becomes "a sponge to hold water," reducing or eliminating the need for irrigation. Using wood that would otherwise be discarded for hugelkultur is an environmentally sustainable way to improve soil health and grow food