Healing Appalachia is a practical guide for environmentally conscious residents of Appalachia and beyond. It is also the first book to apply “appropriate technology,” or the most basic technology that can effectively achieve the desired result, to this specific region. Authors Al Fritsch and Paul Gallimore have performed over 200 environmental resource assessments in thirty-three states. They bring this knowledge to bear as they examine thirty low-cost, people-friendly, and environmentally benign appropriate technologies that can be put to work today in Appalachia. They discuss such issues as renewable energy and energy conservation, food preservation and gardening, forest management, land use, transportation, water conservation, proper waste disposal, and wildlife protection. They pay close attention to the practicality of each technique according to affordability, ease of use, and ecological soundness. Their subjects range from solar home heating to greenhouses, from aquaculture to compost toilets, from organic gardening to wildlife restoration and enhancement, and from solar cars to microhydropower facilities. Their discussions of each topic benefit from the knowledge gained from thirty years of practical experience at environmental demonstration centers and public interest and educational organizations. Each section of the book includes details on construction and maintenance, as well as resources for locating further information, making this an essential volume for everyone who cares about the future of Appalachia.

Discusses the three main global threats--decline in biodiversity, the thinning of the ozone layer, and global warming--and offers ways to reduce, reuse, and recycle.

What is Project Independence? The sources and uses of energy in the United States have changed dramatically in the last several decades. As a result, in just one generation, we have shifted from a position of domestic energy abundance to a substantial and continually growing reliance on foreign energy sources. Project Independence is a wide-ranging program to evaluate this growing dependence on foreign sources of energy, and to develop positive programs to reduce our vulnerability to future oil cut-offs and price increases.

Discover the huge possibilities of a small house! Whether you’re building from scratch or retrofitting an existing structure, these 50 innovative floor plans will show you how to make the most of houses measuring 1,400 square feet or less. Gerald Rowan presents creative and efficient layouts that use every inch of space, with tips on fully maximizing closets, porches, bathrooms, attics, and basements. From reorganizing a small storage area to building a brand-new home, you’ll find a detailed design to fit your family’s needs.

Step across the threshold of ordinary and discover the secrets to creating an unshakable sanctuary in "Resilient Home." This enlightening guide meticulously unfolds the many layers of establishing a homestead that not only stands firm against the storms of life but also cultivates a profound sense of security and well-being. Immerse yourself in the wealth of knowledge contained within, starting with a curiosity-driven investigation into what truly defines a resilient home. Explore the symbiotic relationship between your living space and your inner peace through chapters that delve deeply into the heart of domestic stability. "Resilient Home" masterfully steers you away from the superficial and guides you into an authentic resilience that is as timeless as it is modern. From the foundational elements that contribute to a secure environment, to innovative methods of organizing your home to reduce stress—each chapter is a roadmap to tranquility. Tap into the powerful effects of color psychology, discover how to create a dedicated calming space, and learn how to build up your home's defenses with both advanced technology and low-tech, reliable strategies. Why stop at aesthetics when you can embed resilience in every aspect of your home? Gain practical insight into optimizing energy use for sustainability and peace of mind, craft a disaster readiness plan that stands up to the unexpected, and transform your kitchen into a bastion of self-sufficiency during uncertain times. Beyond creating a fortress, this book teaches you how to weave restorative energy throughout your habitat. Experience the pleasure of bonding with your loved ones through resilience-building activities and learn how to invite nature indoors to breathe vibrancy into every corner. "Resilient Home" is more than a guide—it's an invitation to innovate, to reclaim control, and to fashion a living space that serves as a wellspring of strength. Whether you're seeking to elevate your sanctuary room ambiance, purify your air quality, orchestrate a serene soundscape, or integrate the arts for inspiration and reflection, this book is your compass to a home that embodies not just safety, but a resounding, renewing resilience. Embrace the journey towards a home that doesn’t just shelter but genuinely enriches your life, every single day.