Strawbale construction is beautiful, energy efficient, long-lasting and environmentally-friendly.  Its non-toxic, natural materials are sourced from an agricultural waste product that is typically burned.  By utilizing strawbales as a building material, we can reduce pollution and maintain air quality, indoors and out.

If you’re an ambitious do-it-yourself type, you can even build your own strawbale home.  Learn more about the many benefits of strawbale construction and how you can attend an inspiring workshop, perhaps for free…

High density straw bales are used to create amazing homes, outbuildings and landscape features/walls.  They are finished with permeable lime or earth plasters, or stucco, to give a soft touchable appearance.  Deep window sills and built-ins, such as window seats and nooks, provide great design.

BENEFITS of STRAWBALE CONSTRUCTION:

• MUCH more energy efficient than standard frame construction, providing you with LOW heating and cooling bills
• Homes are quiet because sound transmission is reduced with the thick walls of strawbale construction
• Offer better resistance to pests, earthquakes, high winds and fire than standard construction
• There is less embodied energy in straw as it is available in almost every local market, thereby reducing transportation costs
• Straw is a renewable resource that has only a one year growth/harvest cycle

Interested in learning how to build with strawbales?  Check out upcoming workshops offered by Straw Bale Workshops.  During the 7-day hands-on instruction, you’ll be working on real homes, not “mock-ups”.  Be sure to enter to win a free workshop while visiting their site.

Some testimonials from previous workshop attendees:
“This was a life changing experience” -Dana P, Tennessee
“Andrew is an outstanding facilitator” -Julie S, Saskatchewan
“One of the best weeks I’ve ever had” -Federico F, Buenos Aires
“Workshop paid for itself the 1st day” -Clint P, Manitoba

Here’s an informative list of easy tips that can be implemented in any dorm room.  The only thing I would add to the list is something to warm up the floor, such as eco-friendly carpet tiles made from recycled content.  See my earlier post here about these ingenious, modular floor coverings.

As crisp leaves begin to fall, it signals that it’s time to go back to school.  If you’re concerned with the impact all of your supplies has on the environment, there is something you can do — choose to purchase goods that are earth-friendly.  Whether it’s notebooks made with recycled content or banana leaf fibers; crayons made from soybeans or recycled wax; or, back packs made from hemp or recycled rubber, there are plenty of options out there.

Where to find green school supplies:

• Celery Street
• Green Earth Office Supply
• The Naked Binder
• Rebinder
• The Ultimate Green Store
• Amazon
• Office Depot
• Staples

photo courtesy of O’BON

Preparing for nearly two years, college teams from around the world, will soon showcase their 800-square foot homes.  These high-tech homes will feature lighting, temperature control, electricity production, and water heating — all powered by photovoltaics and solar thermal systems.

Judging will be based upon the following criteria:  architecture, market viability, engineering, light design, communications, comfort zone, hot water, appliances, home entertainment, and net metering.

Learn more here and view photos from the 2007 Solar Decathlon.

Several environmental issues are being addressed on an ever increasing number of campuses:  stormwater management, water conservation, reduced use of pesticides and fertilizers, native and invasive species of plants, and preservation of local ecosystems.

Northern Arizona University, for example, has implemented a comprehensive Campus Environmental Sustainability Plan that addresses a wide variety of issues.  Appropriate use of land, water and resources tops its list.  A reduction in emissions and pollution from landscape maintenance vehicles is also a priority.  The school has placed an emphasis on Xeriscaping with native plants and use of mulch and compost derived from forest restoration and thinning projects organized by the University.

Oregon State University has focused its efforts on the restoration of Oak Creek, which runs through campus.  As stated on OSU’s website, “Study zones along the creek can be designated for students to evaluate various restoration and protection methods, study riparian function and monitor stream improvements.”

Rockefeller University maintains its 14-acre campus in the heart of New York City using green strategies.  It has even incorporated a beautiful butterfly garden to attract native species.

Visit the Resource Center at the Association for the Advancement of Sustainability in Higher Education (AASHE) to see what other colleges and universities are doing to protect the environment for future generations.

photo courtesy of Rockefeller University’s website