D. Logan's PEA Development Thread

PEA Sand level for Animal Care. I think it's not bad and offers a lot of options despite being limited to an indoor venue. I left a few vague so that people with porches might be more likely to pick certain ones, but they should still be possible inside for those without.

Research the regulations on indoor animals for your area. Show detailed information about the limitations and requirements specific to your location.

Complete five of the following:
- build a nice birdhouse for a specific species of bird (prerequisite dimensional.sand.birdhouse)
- create a wild bird window feeder with feed appropriate to the local wildlife’s natural diet. Share photographs of the visitors.
- build a mason bee house (possibly other solitary bees)
- perform maintenance on a mason bee house (possibly other solitary bees)
- make a bee/insect watering station
- build a ladybug house
- build a bat house
- build an insect hotel
- Create an indoor aquarium/aquaponic system for food production involving fish.
- Set up a home quail enclosure for the harvest of meat/eggs.
- Set up a home rabbit or guinea pig enclosure for the harvest of fur/meat or for angora fur to use in textiles.
- Set up a pigeon hutch harvest of meat.
- Create a vermiposting system.
- Raise mealworms as a food source
- set up a black soldier fly compost system.
- Raise silkworms to the cocoon stage
- create a live mouse trap
- share appropriate kitchen scraps
- compost bedding and manure
- small animal health check
- collect 12 eggs from your fowl
- food/water/egg/safety check for your fowl
- Manage breeding and support of an indoor animal resulting in at least six births - 1 points
  * points awarded when they are one week old
- Calculate the expected needs of your indoor animal systems, then track actual costs and outputs against the expected one. Show how you’ve adapted the systems based on this data.
- Harvest List:
  * guinea fowl - slaughter and clean - 1 point
  * quail - slaughter and clean - 1 point
  * pigeon  - slaughter and clean - 1 point
  * rabbit - slaughter and clean - 1 point
  * guinea pig - slaughter and clean - 1 point
  * Mealworm digestive purge for eating

Since much of Oddball Badge is about the information included at the description level, I am including the full block here. I have intentionally only included Sand and Straw levels for the time being.

Rather than specific tasks, this badge focus’ on covering aspects that don’t quite fit elsewhere.   This badge is for unpredictable projects or creative solutions. The focus is on finding permaculture solutions to urban problems. Permaculture solutions are easier when you have land and space of your own. Working out of an apartment where your landlord may have a firm set of limitations on what you can use or do means it isn’t always a simple task.

It’s possible you need to repair a chair and table set. Perhaps your walls need painted and the landlord is willing to let you do it (allowing you to use milk-based paint rather than off-gassing varieties). Maybe you’ve worked out a way to repurpose a closet with extra shelves and work out a rotational system to let you do a lot more preserving and canning.

The point is that you’re finding solutions to your problems that shun the typical urban solutions like glues, cements, and plastics. Instead, you’re finding ways to reduce or eliminate the toxic elements or perhaps recycling/reusing items to prevent them from entering the waste stream. The evaluator will be considering closely how your solution fits with this mentality and may potentially award zero points if they feel it does not uphold the spirit of the badge.

The project point value will be evaluated based on the time it would take for a skilled expert with the proper tools and materials to do the same task. Each hour of effort thus evaluated is worth 1 point. This means even if you took 3 hours to complete the task, if an expert would have taken an hour, you will only be awarded 1 point.

Points are awarded in half point units, rounded up. The minimum value is half a point. This means if the task is evaluated as being worth 45 minutes, the value will be rounded up to 1 point. A task evaluated at 1 hour would award 1 point, not be rounded upwards.

Each badge level for Oddball is designed to be more difficult to attain than other badges. However, due to the difficulty of attaining large numbers of permaculture projects in a single apartment, the difficulty has not been raised proportionally above PEP levels as other PEA badges have been.

Sand Badge
The sand badge is granted for a score of 5.

Straw Badge
The straw badge is granted for a total score of 40 (including points from the sand badge).

PEA Electricity Badge for sand level. Slight adjustments to ensure everything was indoors and replacement of lead-acid battery aspects since it isn't wise/safe to be using those inside of an apartment.

Complete 5 points to get this badge (no duplication allowed):

Use an energy monitor (kill-a-watt) device to track the energy usage of the devices in your home. Journal the results  1/2 point
Create an evaporative cooling device (for limited refrigeration replacement or air cooling) for use in a low humidity environment  1/2 point
Work out a plan for reducing the energy usage in your home and put it into effect, documenting the results  1/2 point
Upgrade to rechargable batteries for all devices in your home and demonstrate recharging a full set  1/2 point
create a micro heater bubble  1 point
Upgrade the insulation of your home with blackout curtains, sealing strips on doors and windows, etc. Show the difference in electrical usage from heating (lower electric output or reduced fuel costs)  1/2 point
replacing a bathroom fan switch with a timer  1/2 point
repair a lamp (110v, 12v, car)  1/2 point
Install or repair a motion detecting lamp  1/2 point
Convert a normal lamp to detect motion  1/2 point
Set up a solar charger system in a window for charging small devices such as phones  1/2 point
repair a light switch  1/2 point
install a permanent light fixture 110v ac  1/2 point
install a permanent light fixture 12v dc  1/2 point
install a power outlet 110v ac  1/2 point
install a power outlet 12v dc  1/2 point
install a light switch  1/2 point
put a new end on an extension cord  1/2 point
label the breakers on an electrical panel  1/2 point
replace the heat element in a water heater or clothes dryer  1/2 point
craft a miniaturized solar water pump that can be taken to a future property (combo w plumbing badge)  1 - 1.5 points
Craft a small and portable DC only solar system  4 points

General notes:

Foraging = Will need potential adjustments based on the conversation had during the staff meeting. Potentially more specific option set regarding the food cooking aspect as well as an expansion of the scope of that same to account for the lack of self-harvesting.

Roundwood = I realized as I continue making adjustments that wedge handle work already is handled in the tool care section. This means I will need to work out a better replacement there despite the difficulties of obtaining greenwood in an apartment. Not entirely sure what yet, but will revisit it once I finish the others.

PEA Community Living Sand level. These adjustments should allow someone to work entirely from their apartment, while still forming a community connection with neighbors as well as online. I still need to work out a good alternative to Geocaching, so that one currently is marked with three question marks.

Volunteer to host a community service event.

Do at least 2 of the following:
- Make food or craft items and bring them to at least 3 neighbors as a get-to-know-you.
- Host a neighborhood gathering where at least 8 individuals attend.
- Start one of the following:
   * A Youtube/Vimeo/Storyfire/Bitchute/etc channel with at least 4 videos focused on aspects of permaculture.
   * A Public Instagram or similar account with at least 20 permaculture images
   * A Blog about permaculture topics with at least 10 entries.
- Improve the public entry space to your home to make it more inviting.
- Host an educational event for at least 8 people for 1 hour min.
- Create an engaging and informative Permies post. (Reaches 3rd page)
- Create artwork to be displayed in a public location. (1.5 oddball points)
- Create a safety map that includes emergency exits and fire extinguishers.
- Prepare something at home for a bake sale, auction, or other community event.
- ???

PEA Tool Care Sand level; I focused on adjustments that still applied most of the same skill set, but to an apartment. I left the bike in since I know that can be done in an apartment (I have two stored in mine), but did adjust it so that the freecycle aspect was now an in-house thing. The most notable difference is that working with a chainsaw seemed like a barrier to entry for an apartment dweller. While a small ripsaw was something they might be able to use for projects inside the apartment, a chainsaw was too much of an ask in purchasing for the apartment dweller in my mind.

Create a Sharpening System (at least 2 stones and 1 strop)
Create a tool care kit
- Tub or toolbox
- Sharpening system
- Oil
- Clean Rags
- Metal and wood wedges
- Rubber or leather mallet
Sharpen a knife
Hone a set of knives
Sharpen a hatchet
Restore and sharpen a hand saw?
Oil a tool
Organize and clean up a tool area
Make a handle for one (wedge handle list):
- axe
- hatchet
- maul
- sledge
- hammer
- pick
- pickaxe
- pulaski

bicycle maintenance - complete 2 points from the following:
  - Purchase the individual bicycle parts and construct it from scratch -2 points
  - repair a flat tire on the front wheel of a bicycle - 1/2 point
  - repair a flat tire on the rear wheel of a bicycle - 1/2 point
  - adjust brakes on a bicycle - 1/2 point
      - short vid (less than one minute) showing before, during and after
  - adjust shifters on a bicycle - 1/2 point
      - short vid (less than one minute)  showing before, during and after
  - clean and oil chain on a bicycle - 1/2 point
      - short vid (less than one minute)  showing before, during and after

If you need more stuff to do, there are other sharpening things in PEP Straw that you could add to PEA.  Maybe sharpening chisels or gouges would be a possibility.  

PEA Greywater Sand level setup. Currently, I need to find two or more aspects that can be done in an apartment, but roughly equivalent to those final two as noted. Any suggestions for similar skills and work rates would be welcome.

Use a bucket of water from a shower
Use water from a dishpan
Craft a bucket toilet for emergency use
Give urine to growies
Build a compact greywater filter for use in a future location.
Still Need To Replace: move one willow feeder can to a willow candy warehouse
Still Need To Replace: move one willow feeder can to a willow tree

PEA Metalwork Sand level: This one is giving me serious trouble. Anything with a welder, forge, or even most electric cutters is just not really wise inside of an apartment. Even if it doesn't cause issues with the lease, it risks burning down the house. Almost half of the list becomes either useless in an apartment (the welding and such), or outside of the spirit of the badge (technically you can make a hotdog fork by twisting softer wire, but it isn't anywhere near as skill-centric or as meaningful as forging one. I left anything that could be done without those methods in, though in some cases that is very limiting on what variety of the item in question they can make. I can pull a few things forward from the PEP Straw level and in fact have 2 suggested at the end in italics. That said, I am really probably going to need some input from others here.

Bold = Still need to replace
Normal = Work just fine
Italic = Suggested replacement items for bold ones

5 points required, no duplication
- build a kindling cracker - 4.5 points
- poker - 1/2 point
- tongs - 1/2 point
- rmh scoop - 1/2 point
- metal rack to hold a poker, a set of tongs and an rmh scoop - 1/2 point
- make a twisting wrench - 1/2 point
- weld two hooks or chain clevises to a tractor bucket - 1/2 point
- weld a trailer ball to a tractor implement - 1/2 point
- beefy set of shelf brackets - 1 point
- fix a crack in a tool - 1/2 point
- marshmallow or hot dog fork for campfire - 1 point (2 if SS)
- Dress up a mushroomed chisel or splitting wedge - ½ point
- make a center punch - 1/2 point
- chicken funnel - 1/2 point
- solar oven reflectors - 1/2 point

- Assemble firearm from purchased components - 2 points
- Grain scoop - 1 point
- Create a mini-rocket stove from coffee and soup cans - 1 1/2
- Create a soda can alcohol stove 1/2

With Metalwork, that makes 16 badges. Assuming I can get all of the above fully fleshed in the aspects I've noted still need work, it is enough to get to PEA 1!

The badges that Paul indicated he didn't see being possible are as follows:
Natural Building
Earthworks
Woodland Care
Rocket
Plumbing and Hot Water
Homesteading

Of these, the one I think I can possibly make usable despite apartments is Natural building. As long as we could accept the idea that they are learning techniques rather than creating usable structures, it should be viable. I'll think it over carefully, then suggest a possible means as I did with Foraging (which was also on Paul's no-go list originally).

I think for metalworking there could be more emphasis on sheet metal and small fabrication work (with files and sandpaper).  So making a fan blade, making a gravity powered fan, making a dish draining tray, making a custom pot/pan hanger, soldering stuff together (artwork, copper pipe, etc), bending stuff (copper pipe into plant stand, solar water heat coil, trivet, artwork), copper rose.

I'm trying to think of things where you can buy something (hunk of plumbing pipe, chunk of metal) and shape it into something cool.  Maybe into a bottle opener, key fob, key or tool?  Making a bigger thing like a lock and key may be worth considering as an option?  Maybe pulling BBs from PEP Wood would be ok...

Oh, what about making a lamp from plumbing fittings?  Could be electrical or metalworking...

Okay, how's this for a revamped PEA Metalworking list at sand level? I think it offers a good number of options, but also enough that if a person can't do more than small soldering, it should still be entirely possible inside of a house or apartment.

5 points required, no duplication
- build a kindling cracker - 4.5 points
- rmh scoop - 1/2 point
- metal rack to hold a poker, a set of tongs and an rmh scoop - 1/2 point
- Dress up a mushroomed chisel or splitting wedge - 1/2 point
- chicken funnel - 1/2 point
- solar oven reflectors - 1/2 point
- Assemble firearm from purchased components - 2 points
- Grain scoop - 1 point
- Create a mini-rocket stove from coffee and soup cans - 1 1/2 points
- Create a soda can alcohol stove 1/2 point
- making a fan blade - 1 poiny
- making a gravity powered fan - 2 points
- making a dish draining tray - 1 point
- making a custom pot/pan hanger - 1 point
- soldering together and bend metal to create a work of art (oddball)
- Create a solar water heating coil - 1 point
- Create a trivet - 1/2 point
- Craft copper rose - 1 point
- Create a bottle opener - 1/2 point
- Make a key fob - 1/2 point

Still To Do:

Finish finalizing Graywater (replace 2 bits)

Replace Roundwood wedge elements with something that better represents working with greenwood (replace 1 bit)

Focus on how to make Foraging more SEO friendly without losing the universality of the items therein. Specifically for the section on making a meal.

Update the PEA Thread and Links with the newer information.

Work out if there is a means to include any of the remaining badges that are 'less likely to fit' in the apartment only theme.

Update to Greywater PEA adding to replace those 2 items with apartment specific actions.

Use a bowl of shaving water
Use a bucket of water from a shower
Use water from a dishpan
Craft a bucket toilet for emergency use
Give urine to growies
Build a compact greywater filter for use in a future location.
Prepare a bucket of sawdust and/or wood ash for use with a composting toilet.

Regarding Roundwood Pea:

I have been entirely unable to find anything that comes close to the specific skill of working with greenwood's shrinking characteristic. As I have been looking for any supplier who sells greenwood, I came to an idea. What if someone here on Permies committed to selling/sending small blocks of greenwood rapidly through the mail? I'm sure there are people here who regularly thin out small trees and brush that could easily saw a few inches of a limb with several inches in diameter to send off. Presumably someone would pay the shipping at least even if the person sending it isn't asking for anything paid beyond that. It seems like a way to help one another out and could even be used towards the commerce badge for whoever is supplying the pieces. Thoughts?

That seems like a very reasonable idea.  I'm guessing a fresh chunk of branch, packed in a ziplock with a damp paper towel, would stay "green" for a few days.

I just did a re-fleshing out of the main philosophy page, adding all the badges that hadn't been there so far and removed the two that were unable to be properly incorporated. Moving forward, I'm going to probably comment here about which one is currently being discussed, but do the active discussion on the individual badges themselves. I believe we're nearing a stage where the individual badge bits can be fleshed out and added. It's been a long road and I can't call it 'close to finished' yet, but it is hitting a milestone and I have to thank everyone who's offered their input and insights so far.

Todo:
Forage discussion
Natural Building discussion
Post encouraging others with the ability to start gifting or selling greenwood to be shipped to those who don't have access themselves.
Review and revise all existing badges once the discussions above have been concluded.
PEA Badge Bits expanded for people to begin completing them.

Hi D. I started reading more on PEA now. I understand now Paul had some requirements for PEA I hadn't thought of! All activities must be done IN the apartment and no materials can be foraged at all! That makes it far more difficult than PEP. For you, to think out all of those BBs, but also for the people who want to get the PEA BBs! Or at least more expensive, because often they'll have to buy their materials.

I started doing PEP BBs and I think I will go on with PEP. I live in town, but I do have a garden (it isn't large, but it is a garden). And I love foraging, which is possible in my surroundings. I love reusing / repurposing old stuff too, ways to use skills instead of money ...

PEA needs to be able to be done by someone in an apartment without going outside.  But I don't think it requires you to stay inside.  

So the hard work is coming up with the BBs that still make for a robust badge.  Completing the BBs is reasonably hard and if you can get out of your apartment to do some of them, it might be even easier for you.

I hope I'm saying this clearly...

Mike Haasl wrote:PEA needs to be able to be done by someone in an apartment without going outside.  But I don't think it requires you to stay inside.  

So the hard work is coming up with the BBs that still make for a robust badge.  Completing the BBs is reasonably hard and if you can get out of your apartment to do some of them, it might be even easier for you.

I hope I'm saying this clearly...

It made sense to me, but for the sake of argument, I'll put my own words on it too.

Every BB must be able to be accomplished out of a single apartment and online purchasing capabilities, but is not required to be done that way. If you can do the BB by going into your yard and gathering things, or by running out to your local corner store for what you need, it will still count. The restriction is about what BBs we put in place rather than what the end-user is being required to do.

Then maybe I took the requirements too literal. F.e. I read in PEA Textiles "Weave a basket from a purchased natural material". As far as I know "purchased" means "bought". So I thought it can't be the bark peeled from dead tree branches or brambles. Or it can't be recycled paper.

Good point Inge!  We'll have to make sure the wording allows for purchasing without accidentally prohibiting collecting it yourself if your situation warrants.

On the next iteration, I will probably need to go through and note "or harvested materials" to several of them.

D. Logan wrote:On the next iteration, I will probably need to go through and note "or harvested materials" to several of them.

Now my view on PEA totally changes. It seems much more doable when 'harvested' materials can be used!

This is one of the badges that Paul didn't think would work and the reasons are obvious. Still, I feel like it may have potential for a single badge level at sand. The big hurdle is outlined below and my current best thought for how to get around it.

Natural Building PEA Straw Level: a discussion
What already works:
12 Adobe bricks (12"x6"x3")
Make a block of Roman cement from scratch.
Make a natural paint and paint 4x8 of surface area  (furniture or wall)
Make a small, smooth cob ball and give it the tadelakt treatment to waterproof it.

What we need to find a way to apply the skills inside of an apartment:
Build a shed (can be done on behalf of a friend, family or neighbor) that meets all of the following standards:
 Rubble trench foundation with larger stone base to level and support the structure.
 20 x 8 ft of cob, straw bale, rammed earth, or cordwood wall.
 25 sqft of wood roof (cedar shakes, oak shingles, etc).
 Meets any local code requirements.

The current thought for discussion:
Obviously doing that shed inside of an apartment is absolutely impossible. I don't think building with popsicle sticks is going to mimic the proper skills (like cutting shingles), but there may still be some hope for working in miniature as long as the same actions are taken in mini. I could see working in 1/24 scale in a large tray of dirt or on a table. Packing the earth, then digging the rubble trench. Filling with tiny gravel, working with cob or cordwood, or whatever, but in mini. All materials would need to be mixed the same way, built up the same way, and cured in the same way as the full scale versions. This even means taking small cords of wood and making tiny shakes. Is it the best solution? Maybe not. That's why I am discussing rather than just posting it. However, I think it has potential since even though you aren't making a usable structure, you are at least still proving out the skills. Mixing a small batch is still mixing it. Cutting small shakes are still showing you understand the principles if you had the larger tools needed. These are just my thoughts at present.

Todo:
Forage discussion
Review and revise all existing badges once the discussions above have been concluded.
PEA Badge Bits expanded for people to begin completing them.

D. Logan wrote:... Make a natural paint and paint 4x8 of surface area  (furniture or wall)

That's something I want to do here! First I'll have to take off the (old) wallpaper. I hope after that I can paint the wall with clay paint.

What we need to find a way to apply the skills inside of an apartment:
Build a shed  ...

Isn't it possible to build a pantry or closet instead? Like a shed inside the apartment?

Inge Leonora-den Ouden wrote:

D. Logan wrote:... Make a natural paint and paint 4x8 of surface area  (furniture or wall)

That's something I want to do here! First I'll have to take off the (old) wallpaper. I hope after that I can paint the wall with clay paint.

What we need to find a way to apply the skills inside of an apartment:
Build a shed  ...

Isn't it possible to build a pantry or closet instead? Like a shed inside the apartment?

Unfortunately,  that falls under dimensional lumber. I can't imagine many apartments allowing cob, cordwood, etc. Let alone a rubble trench. ;-P It's why this badge is one Paul didn't expect could be used with apartments.

No, I don't think a trench is possible. And probably the rules are different in different countries or states about what is allowed in a rented apartment. Here you can make whatever you like (as long as you do not destroy anything), only when you move away from there you'll have to remove everything, bringing the apartment back in the way it was when you moved into it.

Inge Leonora-den Ouden wrote:No, I don't think a trench is possible. And probably the rules are different in different countries or states about what is allowed in a rented apartment. Here you can make whatever you like (as long as you do not destroy anything), only when you move away from there you'll have to remove everything, bringing the apartment back in the way it was when you moved into it.

You have a great situation with that one! I wish it was like that around here. I've had some apartments  so strict they didn't even want you to put a nail in the wall to hang a picture without permission in writing first.

D. Logan wrote:

Inge Leonora-den Ouden wrote:No, I don't think a trench is possible. And probably the rules are different in different countries or states about what is allowed in a rented apartment. Here you can make whatever you like (as long as you do not destroy anything), only when you move away from there you'll have to remove everything, bringing the apartment back in the way it was when you moved into it.

You have a great situation with that one! I wish it was like that around here. I've had some apartments  so strict they didn't even want you to put a nail in the wall to hang a picture without permission in writing first.

O, but I lived in such a place too. That was a private owned apartment (in fact it was part of the owner's house).
Most apartments (and terraced houses) here in the Netherlands are owned by a 'housing corporation'. It's a company building houses for people to rent. What the renters do for home decoration etc., it's their own decision. You just pay the rent, don't build any 'real estate' in the garden (if there is a garden) and return the house 'in the original state' when you move out.

After giving a ton of thought to the matter of Foraging and Natural Medicine badges in PEA, I think I have a way to obtain the best of both worlds regarding individual badge bits. So, here we go.

The problem: PEA is written in a way that opens it up to the entire world, but SEO aspects that Paul prefers would require far more specific items to be listed.

The proposed solution: If I set that segment up in a manner where there are several default sub-options you can list, then indicate that other things can be used, but if so, be sure to talk to staff first so a new split-off can be created on behalf of the PEP badge seeker. This way we keep the badge itself broad, but also create very specific badge bit aspects for appeasing the algorithm in terms of SEO. IE: Best of both worlds.

Any thoughts on this?

Mike asked me to pop in here and comment on a particular post.   When reading it, I thought I should make a quick pass through earlier posts to get some background.   And here is a general thought that might help:

A lot of PEP stuff assumes access to acreage.  The value of PEA is that 100% can be done within any apartment.  Including those without a balcony, and those with windows that don't even open.   The function of this limitation is to be a very pure stepping stone.  

Maybe 20 years from now, 1 million people will pursue PEP1 completing at least one BB - without PEA.  And 500,000 will complete PEP1.   With PEA, 20 million people will pursue PEA1 completing at least one BB, and, mysteriously, 10 million people will complete PEP1 and 500,000 will complete PEA1.

In other words, a lot of people will start pursuing PEA1 certification but get PEP1 certification.  Because it turns out that they have (or eventually found) access to a balcony, a park, a nearby garden patch, a nearby homestead.  And the PEP projects were more appealing.  

But when they first consider PEP and PEA, PEP seems absolutely impossible.  And PEA is very possible. Purely possible.  Maybe even easy.

And maybe, in time, there will be homesteads offering one week PEP1 events for people with PEA1 certification or BB60.  Homesteads that are pretty close.  

D. Logan wrote:The proposed solution: If I set that segment up in a manner where there are several default sub-options you can list, then indicate that other things can be used, but if so, be sure to talk to staff first so a new split-off can be created on behalf of the PEP badge seeker. This way we keep the badge itself broad, but also create very specific badge bit aspects for appeasing the algorithm in terms of SEO. IE: Best of both worlds.

So maybe we need to explore "make a tincture".   Are you suggesting that there is one BB "make a tincture" that has 8 different possible tinctures, instead of 8 BBs each featuring a type of tincture?

paul wheaton wrote:

D. Logan wrote:The proposed solution: If I set that segment up in a manner where there are several default sub-options you can list, then indicate that other things can be used, but if so, be sure to talk to staff first so a new split-off can be created on behalf of the PEP badge seeker. This way we keep the badge itself broad, but also create very specific badge bit aspects for appeasing the algorithm in terms of SEO. IE: Best of both worlds.

So maybe we need to explore "make a tincture".   Are you suggesting that there is one BB "make a tincture" that has 8 different possible tinctures, instead of 8 BBs each featuring a type of tincture?

More or less. A BB for "Make a Tincture" stands as the main bb link. When you get there, it outlines the requirements, lists maybe 8 possible tincture options with links, then outlines a procedure for having another option suggested based on what would be easily obtained in your area. The certification then happens on the option links and staff can add new options as needed when someone encounters a situation where they can't procure what is needed for one of the options locally. This creates specific options as is found in the original PEP version, but also opens up the PEA version to have a lot more variations so no one feels like they are hitting a wall if their country doesn't have reasonable fees to deliver something there that would be exotic for them even if it was super common in the US.

PEA Natural Medicine Badge page ---> PEA Make a Tincture page ---> PEA Specific Tincture badge bit

First,  I seem to recall that the idea with PEA1 certification was that there would be fewer sand badges required, but each sand badge would be heavier.    The PEP natural medicine sand badge requires 7 BBs.  And each of those BBs require harvesting most (or all) of the ingredients.  So my guess is that the PEA natural medicine sand badge would require 12 BBs - but all the materials would be purchased.  

So the badge description might be something like:

Complete at least one of the following, and a total of 12 unique BBs

harvest, dry, and store enough for a tea, infusion or decoction
 ginger root
 peppermint leaf
 mullein leaf
 chamomile blossom
 lavender blossom
 alfalfa leaf or blossom
 oat straw
 red clover
 lemon balm
 raspberry leaf
 strawberry leaf
 oregon grape stem or root bark
 rose hips, buds, blossom petals
 elderberries

vinegar infusion - create one
 fire cider
 elderberry
 garlic
 lavender blossom plus hibiscus blossom

oil infusion - create one
 mullein blossom and garlic
 calendula blossom
 balm of gilead (Cottonwood Buds)
 arnica blossom

salve - create one
 calendula blossom
 balm of gilead (Cottonwood Buds)
 comfrey leaf
 peppermint leaf

tincture - create one
 dandelion root
 echinacea blossom, leaf or root
 oregano leaf
 cayenne fruit
 oregon grape stem or root bark

poultice (fresh or freeze) - create one
 plantain leaf
 comfrey leaf
 ginger root

syrup or gummies - create one
 rosehip
 elderberry
 echinacea blossom, leaf or root

create one infusion (hot or cold) from fresh or dried materials
 chamomile blossom
 lavender blossom
 peppermint leaf

create one decoction from fresh or dried materials
 dandelion root
 ginger root
 stinging nettle leaf
 thyme

For this to work, then each type of tincture would need to be a distinct BB.

The good news is that creating each BB should be pretty easy.   It could even go so far as to say

Details in the PEP BB.

To show you've completed this BB you must post pictures or video of the following:

- picture of the oregano leaf
- picture of the tincture being made
- picture of the finished tincture in its labeled jar

paul wheaton wrote:First,  I seem to recall that the idea with PEA1 certification was that there would be fewer sand badges required, but each sand badge would be heavier. The PEP natural medicine sand badge requires 7 BBs.  And each of those BBs require harvesting most (or all) of the ingredients.  So my guess is that the PEA natural medicine sand badge would require 12 BBs - but all the materials would be purchased.

I fear my memory isn't strong enough to remember such details a year after the initial discussions. I've been going by what was originally written back then which seems to indicate more time for the same badges, but still notes the same number of badges per level. That info is found in the Core Philosophy page and may need to be amended if so. It's an easy adjustment though, so no worries there.

paul wheaton wrote:
So the badge description might be something like:

Complete at least one of the following, and a total of 12 unique BBs

harvest, dry, and store enough for a tea, infusion or decoction
 ginger root
 peppermint leaf
 mullein leaf
 chamomile blossom
 lavender blossom
 alfalfa leaf or blossom
 oat straw
 red clover
 lemon balm
 raspberry leaf
 strawberry leaf
 oregon grape stem or root bark
 rose hips, buds, blossom petals
 elderberries

vinegar infusion - create one
 fire cider
 elderberry
 garlic
 lavender blossom plus hibiscus blossom

oil infusion - create one
 mullein blossom and garlic
 calendula blossom
 balm of gilead (Cottonwood Buds)
 arnica blossom

salve - create one
 calendula blossom
 balm of gilead (Cottonwood Buds)
 comfrey leaf
 peppermint leaf

tincture - create one
 dandelion root
 echinacea blossom, leaf or root
 oregano leaf
 cayenne fruit
 oregon grape stem or root bark

poultice (fresh or freeze) - create one
 plantain leaf
 comfrey leaf
 ginger root

syrup or gummies - create one
 rosehip
 elderberry
 echinacea blossom, leaf or root

create one infusion (hot or cold) from fresh or dried materials
 chamomile blossom
 lavender blossom
 peppermint leaf

create one decoction from fresh or dried materials
 dandelion root
 ginger root
 stinging nettle leaf
 thyme

For this to work, then each type of tincture would need to be a distinct BB.

I believe we should still require at least one from each section so they still get the experience of making something with each method. Otherwise though, that is viable.

paul wheaton wrote:
The good news is that creating each BB should be pretty easy.   It could even go so far as to say

Details in the PEP BB.

To show you've completed this BB you must post pictures or video of the following:

- picture of the oregano leaf
- picture of the tincture being made
- picture of the finished tincture in its labeled jar

And this is indeed my feeling. Making new BBs for individual plants is super easy, so making it where in PEA we can easily keep adding new ones if someone is clear that obtaining the listed herbals is cost prohibitive in their country for some reason. That way there's absolutely no reason a person can't do the badge bits even when nothing on the list is readily shipped to where they are. I admit that is an edge case that may not even ever come up, but it's easier to build the resiliency into the system at the start than to try finding a way around it later. As you've mentioned, this is about creating a stepping stone for them to get into PEP without any barriers.

I found this:

https://permies.com/t/129955/PEA-Permaculture-Experience-Apartment-dwellers

D. Logan wrote:I believe we should still require at least one from each section so they still get the experience of making something with each method.

Agreed.

I started the badge with "Complete at least one of the following, and a total of 12 unique BBs" ---  we can massage the wording to be clearer.

And this is indeed my feeling. Making new BBs for individual plants is super easy, so making it where in PEA we can easily keep adding new ones if someone is clear that obtaining the listed herbals is cost prohibitive in their country for some reason.

Yeah, I think that the list of types of tinctures will grow.  In time.  

That way there's absolutely no reason a person can't do the badge bits even when nothing on the list is readily shipped to where they are.  

I suspect that nearly everything can be shipped to them.  Or bought at their favorite grocery store.  Or can be ordered via their favorite grocery store.  And with a lot of options, then they don't need to get them all - just a dozen total.   And the ingredients they get for a tincture might be able to also be used for a poultice or something else.

The next revision of the Foraging Badge with PEA. I included the sub-links for the meal section here to be clearer. Details on requests for new ones would probably be under the primary grouping pages.

Research local wild edibles and compile a notebook.
Create a local map of unattended public fruit/nut trees and bushes, as well as patches of edibles in your area.
Craft each of the following:
- A hook from a bone or thorn
- A hook from a paperclip
- A hook from a soda tab
Create each of the following using only natural and recycled materials:
- A simple spoon lure
- A basic fly
Craft and test on video (indoors) each of the following:
- Figure 4 Trap
- Scissor Trap
- Bird Snare
Obtain wild-harvested items (can be purchased) and prepare them for a meal using at least 1 Cup total each of at least 4 of the following (4 Cups Total) to make 4 dishes:
- Wild-harvested Mushrooms
    Chantrels
    Puffballs
    Oyster
    Hen of the Woods
    Chicken of the Woods
    Morels
    Bouletes
- Edible Wildflowers or Buds
    Violet
    Rose
    Chickory
    Dandelion
    Redbud
    Clover
    Day lily
- Wild Leafy Green or Moss
    Raindeer Moss
    Dandelion
    Plantain
    Miner’s Lettuce
    Parslane
    Clover
    Curly Dock
    Pigweed
- Wild Stem Plant or shoots
    Parslane
    Cattail
    Wild Asparagus
- Starchy Root or Taproot from wild sources
    Dandelion
    Burdock
    Chickory Root
    Wild Potato
    Ground Nut
    Wild Carrot
    Cattail
    Daylily
- Local Wild Fruits
    Bramble Berries (raspberry, blackberry, etc)
    Wild Plum
    Wild Persimmon
    Wild Cherry
    Wild Strawberry
    Lowbush Blueberry
    Wild Cranberry
    Serviceberry
- Wild Edible Grains and nuts
    Pigweed
    Black Walnut
    Acorns
    Wild Rice
- Misc Edibles
    Wild Onion
    Wild Garlic
Make 1 cup of tea from any wild-gathered fruit, herb, or similar dried item. (May be purchased from another source)
    Sassafrass
    Spice Bush
    Wild Ginger
    Rose Hip
    Wild Mint


Elective List (Do any 4 of the following)
- Obtain and prepare a whole fish of 2 very different types. (scale/skin, gut, etc)
- Obtain and prepare two small game animals (skin, gut, etc)
    Squirrel, rabbit, pigeon, quail, etc
- Craft 4 lbs of seed balls.
- Obtain and Dry 2 lbs of fresh wild-harvested Mushrooms
- Obtain and 1 Pound of wild-harvested fruit, leaves, or flowers for tea (rose hip, pineapple weed, mint, etc)
- Compile a list, with images, of the plants in your area that are water indicators
- Make a Salt-water Survival Bottle
- Create a functional solar still

I saw there's a 'bird snare' mentioned.
What exactly do you mean by that?
Here it isn't allowed to catch birds. Only ornithologists with permission can catch birds (alive) for research purposes.