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Earth Ponds: The Country Pond Maker's Guide to Building, Maintenance, and Restoration (Third Edition)
by Tim MatsonThe bible of pond-making in a fully redesigned 30th-anniversary edition. There is nothing like a pond. What else can simultaneously increase your aesthetic pleasure, offer recreational opportunities, help the environment, and increase the value of your property? Earth Ponds is the standard resource for building and maintaining these important and lovely landscape features. For thirty years now Earth Ponds, with some 100,000 copies in print, has guided an entire generation of pond makers on everything from site planning to soil sampling to drainage and wildlife management. It’s a complete overview of the country pond. Illustrations guide the pond builder through every step of the process; chapters carefully describe the issues and decisions in a wonderfully personal way. It’s the condensed wisdom of a man who has spent a lifetime building, restoring, and maintaining ponds.
Earth Repair: A Grassroots Guide to Healing Toxic and Damaged Landscapes
by Leila DarwishMillions of acres of land have been contaminated by pesticides, improperly handled chemicals, dirty energy projects, toxic waste, and other pollutants in the United States alone. This toxic legacy impacts the environment, our health, our watersheds, and land that could otherwise be used to grow healthy local food and medicines. Conventional clean-up techniques employed by government and industry are tremendously expensive and resource-intensive and can cause further damage. More and more communities find themselves increasingly unable to rely on those companies and governments who created the problems to step in and provide solutions.Earth Repair describes a host of powerful grassroots bioremediation techniques, including:Microbial remediation-using microorganisms to break down and bind contaminantsPhytoremediation-using plants to extract, bind, and transform toxinsMycoremediation-using fungi to clean up contaminated soil and waterPacked with valuable, firsthand information from visionaries in the field, Earth Repair empowers communities and individuals to take action and heal contaminated and damaged land. Encompassing everything from remediating and regenerating abandoned city lots for urban farmers and gardeners to recovering from environmental disasters and industrial catastrophes such as oil spills and nuclear fallout, this fertile toolbox is essential reading for anyone who wishes to transform environmental despair into constructive action.Leila Darwish is a community organizer, urban gardener, and permaculture designer with a focus on using grassroots bioremediation to address environmental justice issues in communities struggling with toxic contamination of their land and drinking water.
Earth-Sheltered Houses
by Rob RoyAn earth-sheltered, earth-roofed home has the least impact upon the land of all housing styles, leaving almost zero footprint on the planet. Earth-Sheltered Houses is a practical guide for those who want to build their own underground home at moderate cost. It describes the benefits of sheltering a home with earth, including the added comfort and energy efficiency from the moderating influence of the earth on the home's temperature (keeping it warm in the winter and cool in the summer), along with the benefits of low maintenance and the protection against fire, sound, earthquake, and storm afforded by the earth. Extra benefits from adding an earth or other living roof option include greater longevity of the roof substrate, fine aesthetics, and environmental harmony.The book covers all of the various construction techniques involved, including details on planning, excavation, footings, floor, walls, framing, roofing, waterproofing, insulation, and drainage. Specific methods appropriate for the inexperienced owner/builder are a particular focus and include: Pouring one's own footings and/or floor The use of dry-stacked (surface-bonded) concrete block walls Post-and-beam framing Plank-and-beam roofing Drainage methods and self-adhesive waterproofing membranes The time-tested, easy-to-learn construction techniques described in Earth-Sheltered Houses will enable readers to embark upon their own building projects with confidence, backed up by a comprehensive resources section that lists all the latest products such as waterproofing membranes, types of rigid insulation, and drainage products that will protect the building against water damage and heat loss. Rob Roy is a former contractor with 27 years of experience and 12 previous books to his credit, including Cordwood Building and Timber Framing for the Rest of Us. An expert on underground building, he founded the Earthwood Building School in 1981 with his wife, Jaki, and is frequently a speaker at events throughout North America.
Earthbag Building: The Tools, Tricks and Techniques (Mother Earth News Books for Wiser Living)
by Kaki Hunter Donald KiffmeyerThe only comprehensive, illustrated, step-by-step guide to building with earthbags. Over seventy percent of Americans cannot afford to own a code-enforced, contractor-built home. This has led to widespread interest in using natural materials-straw, cob, and earth-for building homes and other buildings that are inexpensive, and that rely largely on labor rather than expensive and often environmentally-damaging outsourced materials. Earthbag Building is the first comprehensive guide to all the tools, tricks, and techniques for building with bags filled with earth-or earthbags. Having been introduced to sandbag construction by the renowned Nader Khalili in 1993, the authors developed this "Flexible Form Rammed Earth Technique" over the last decade. A reliable method for constructing homes, outbuildings, garden walls and much more, this enduring, tree-free architecture can also be used to create arched and domed structures of great beauty-in any region, and at home, in developing countries, or in emergency relief work.This profusely illustrated guide first discusses the many merits of earthbag construction, and then leads the reader through the key elements of an earthbag building:Special design considerationsFoundations, walls, and floorsElectrical, plumbing, and shelvingLintels, windows and door installationsRoofs, arches and domesExterior and interior plasters.With dedicated sections on costs, making your own specialized tools, and building code considerations, as well as a complete resources guide, Earthbag Building is the long-awaited, definitive guide to this uniquely pleasing construction style. Mother Earth News Wiser Living Series
Earthen Floors
by Sukita Reay Crimmel James ThomsonFor most of human history, people have lived in durable, comfortable buildings made from natural materials such as soil, sand, rocks, and fiber. All over the globe, these ancient traditions persist; a quarter to a third of the world's population today lives in houses built partially or entirely of earth. Conventional Western building techniques using industrial materials may save time and create efficiencies, but these perceived savings come at considerable financial and environmental cost.As well as boasting a unique and beautiful aesthetic, natural building techniques are accessible, affordable, and non-toxic. Earthen Floors: A Modern Approach to an Ancient Practice is the first comprehensive, fully illustrated manual covering the history, use, and maintenance of this attractive, practical flooring option. This detailed, fully illustrated guide explains every part of the process, including: Sourcing and harvesting materials Preparing the subfloor Pouring, finishing, and sealing the floor Living with and maintaining your earthen floorBecause information on creating quality earthen floors was not previously widely available, there have been some negative experiences. Drawing on the combined knowledge of the most qualified earthen floor practitioners, as well their own substantial experience, the authors deliver the definitive resource for this exciting technique, perfect for everyone from the novice to veteran builder.Sukita Reay Crimmel has installed over twenty thousand square feet of earthen flooring, and is one of the preeminent experts in the emerging field of earthen floors.James Thomson is part of House Alive, one of the leading natural building training organizations in the country.
East Wind Melts the Ice: A Memoir through the Seasons
by Liza DalbyWriting in luminous prose, Liza Dalby brings us this elegant and unique year's journal-- a brilliant mosaic that is at once a candid memoir, a gardener's diary, and an enlightening excursion through cultures east and west. In the essays, Dalby transports us from her Berkeley garden to the streets of Kyoto, to Imperial China, to the sea cliffs of Northern California, and to points beyond.
Easy-Care Orchids: Storey's Country Wisdom Bulletin A-250 (Storey Country Wisdom Bulletin Ser.)
by Mary Carol FrierIt's Never Been Easier to Grow Orchids at HomeHave you heard that orchids are impossible to cultivate? Do you love orchids' exotic flowers but despair of ever having one survive in your home? Thing again! With simple instructions and straightforward advice from professional orchid grower Mary Carol Frier, you'll find that orchids can thrive on your home windowsill, rewarding you year after year with gorgeous blooms.What makes an orchid "easy care"? The six orchids featured in Easy-Care Orchids are surprisingly hardy flowers with minimal maintenance requirements, and they do well in the environmental conditions found in most North American homes. Armed with the basic growing information in this bulletin, you'll enjoy the unique pleasure of adorning your home with the strange and magical beauty of orchids.
Easy-Care Water Garden Plants: Storey Country Wisdom Bulletin A-236 (Storey Country Wisdom Bulletin Ser.)
by Charles W. SmithWater gardens are a harmonious blending of water and earth, both relaxing and inspiring. In Easy-Care Water Garden Plants, horticulturist Charles W.G. Smith tells you everything you need to know to select and care for water plants with minimal fuss and work. <P><P>Whether you want delicate floating plants, exotic water lilies, or carnivorous bog dwellers, you'll discover great choices and learn how to care for your plants easily and successfully.
Easy Carpentry Projects For Children
by Jerome E. LeavittWhat better way to learn than by doing? This thoughtfully conceived woodworking primer by educator Jerome E. Leavitt makes learning basic carpentry skills enjoyable and rewarding for boys and girls ages 8 and up. With special sections on basic hand tools, squaring a block of wood, and wood finishing, this unique how-to book presents step-by-step instructions for making 15 popular wooden items — all scaled to the beginner's capabilities: Sailboat, Clock Shelf, Bird Feeder, Candlesticks, Hot Dish Coaster, Towel Holder, Steamboat, Cart, Toy Sled , Birdhouse for a Wren, Book Rack, Shoeshine Kit, Table Lamp, Flower Box, and Tie Rack. Carefully planned to appeal to young woodworkers, each project includes clear, simple directions, enhanced by clean, accurate diagrams and attractive line drawings. New carpenters will beam with pride and accomplishment at having constructed useful, tangible objects to keep or to give as presents to parents or friends.
Easy Carpentry Projects for Children (Dover Children's Activity Books)
by Jerome E. Leavitt"All projects have been pretested for school use and are suitable for youngsters." — Bulletin of National Association of Secondary School Principals.What better way to learn than by doing? This thoughtfully conceived woodworking primer by educator Jerome E. Leavitt makes learning basic carpentry skills enjoyable and rewarding for boys and girls ages 8 and up. With special sections on basic hand tools, squaring a block of wood, and wood finishing, this unique how-to book presents step-by-step instructions for making 15 popular wooden items — all scaled to the beginner's capabilities: Sailboat, Clock Shelf, Bird Feeder, Candlesticks, Hot Dish Coaster, Towel Holder, Steamboat, Cart, Toy Sled , Birdhouse for a Wren, Book Rack, Shoeshine Kit, Table Lamp, Flower Box, and Tie Rack. Carefully planned to appeal to young woodworkers, each project includes clear, simple directions, enhanced by clean, accurate diagrams and attractive line drawings. New carpenters will beam with pride and accomplishment at having constructed useful, tangible objects to keep or to give as presents to parents or friends.
Easy Composters You Can Build: Storey's Country Wisdom Bulletin A-139 (Storey Country Wisdom Bulletin Ser.)
by Nick NoyesSince 1973, Storey's Country Wisdom Bulletins have offered practical, hands-on instructions designed to help readers master dozens of country living skills quickly and easily. There are now more than 170 titles in this series, and their remarkable popularity reflects the common desire of country and city dwellers alike to cultivate personal independence in everyday life.
Easy Game Cookery: Storey's Country Wisdom Bulletin A-56 (Storey Country Wisdom Bulletin Ser.)
by Phyllis HobsonSince 1973, Storey's Country Wisdom Bulletins have offered practical, hands-on instructions designed to help readers master dozens of country living skills quickly and easily. There are now more than 170 titles in this series, and their remarkable popularity reflects the common desire of country and city dwellers alike to cultivate personal independence in everyday life.
Easy Green Living: The Ultimate Guide to Simple, Eco-Friendly Choices for You and Your Home
by Renee LouxWe are what we eat, but we also are what we use to clean our homes, pamper our skin, and decorate our rooms, according to Renée Loux, accomplished raw food chef, award-winning author, and host of Fine Living TV's Easy Being Green. In her new book, Easy Green Living, she applies her whole-foods philosophy to home, garden, and beauty routines.Renée Loux demonstrates that being green at home is easy, affordable, and better in every sense of the word. She discusses the daily choices we face that can keep the home, personal care, and beauty routines free of toxins. She exposes the dirt on cleaning products and common hazardous ingredients and reveals her recommendations for greener options, including her "Green Thumb Guides" for choosing non-toxic, eco-smart, and human-friendly products. Peppered with compelling and inspiring facts, Easy Green Living is full of "5 Step" lists, products and recipes for green cleaning, helpful charts, safer choices for every room, and inspirational advice so we can save the planet--one cleaning spritz at a time.As recent special issues of Vanity Fair, Time, Newsweek, and other major publications have demonstrated, going green is an idea whose time has come. Whether addressing big-picture topics like renewable energy, or offering simple suggestions for everyday living, this complete lifestyle guide shows that healthier choices don't mean a radical or complicated life change--it is, after all, easy to be green.
Easy Growing
by Gayla TrailGrowing a handful of herbs and edible flowers adds sparkle to dozens of meals year-round. Fortunately for us, these plants are not fussy. They're simple to grow and will fit into any space you can provide, including a crack in a broken patio stone, the step next to your front door, or a windowsill. In Easy Growing, Gayla Trail--author of Grow Great Grub and creator of the top online gardening community, YouGrowGirl.com--shares the tips, ideas, and know-how you need to raise delicious organic edibles wherever you can squeeze in a planter. Herbs give big rewards with a small amount of work--even the most inexperienced, space-strapped gardener will have success. This handbook includes: * Guidance on choosing the right plants, designing dazzling in-ground gardens and striking edible containers, and growing herbs indoors year-round * Ins and outs of growing fifty different plants and hundreds of varieties, from warm and aromatic Mojito mint to peppery nasturtium flowers, from fruity lemon verbena to exotic cinnamon basil, and more * Handy tricks for winterizing plants and extending the outdoor growing period * Simple recipes for cooking with and preserving your harvest: Herb-Encrusted Goat Cheese; Homegrown Bloody Mary Mix; Lavender Shortbread; Orange, Rosemary, and Honey Ice Cream * Upcycling projects based on reusable materials Perfect for novice gardeners and longtime enthusiasts looking for inspiration, Easy Growing is a fun, power-packed resource for creating a delicious herb garden anywhere.From the Trade Paperback edition.
Easy Guide to Feng Shui
by R. VenketeshThe principle of Feng Shui is to achieve unity and harmony in terms of home and man. Using this science many buildings enhance maximum positive energy flow. This book teaches across gradual steps on how to make your building your trusted ally.
Easy Guide to Vastu
by R. VenketeshVastu Sastra is the ancient Indian science of buildings. This book teaches in simple ways across gradual steps how to make your building your trusted ally, and unleash the power of your living space.
Easy Home Makeovers
by Mervyn KaufmanEasy Home Makeovers dispenses expert advice on how to renovate any kind of space to create the home you really want, complete with instructions, before-and-after photos and a primer on basic color, pattern, tiling, lighting, and wallpaper techniques.
Easy Household Tips: 1001 Ideas for Caring For and Maintaining Your Home
by The Editors of Woman's DayGathered from the popular Woman's Day "Tip Talk" column, this easy-to-follow guide covers every topic from kitchen cleanups to furniture upkeep to getting organized and offers the best advise on how to keep a well-maintained home.
Easy Jams, Chutneys and Preserves
by John Harrison Val HarrisonThis book explains all you need to know to make your own delicious jams, jellies, marmalades, fruit butters, fruit cheeses, chutneys and pickles, including details of all the necessary equipment, how to choose the best fruit and vegetables to use, and how to make sure the jam sets properly to produce the best results.In these straitened times, more and more people are keen to save money by making jams, jellies and chutneys from the surplus of their own homegrown fruit and vegetables or from free fruit, such as blackberries, available in nearby hedgerows. Val and John Harrison show how easy it is to collect together the required ingredients and start making your own produce.
The Easy Organizer: 365 Tips for Conquering Clutter
by Marilyn BohnSay Goodbye to Clutter Do you feel overwhelmed by the "stuff" in your life? Are you tired of sifting through piles every time you or your family need one particular thing? The Easy Organizer can solve your problems. This book has 365 home organization tips that will simplify the way you organize your home. Each tip is full of quick, to-the-point instructions that will give you immediate results. You'll declutter your life in no time. Inside you'll find creative ideas for how to organize: closets and clothing children's toys and artwork storage areas entryways and mudrooms the kitchen the dining room living areas bedrooms bathrooms linen closets and laundry areas craft and hobby materials Plus the book's time management tips will help you get more done in less time and there's a bonus chapter with twenty-one key organizing concepts. When you apply these concepts to your home on a daily, weekly, or monthly basis, being organized will become a way of life. Let the advice in this book help you create a clutter-free home and life you truly enjoy.
Easy Things to Make--To Make Things Easy: Simple Do-It-Yourself Home Modifications for Older People and Others with Physical Limitations
by Doreen GreensteinThe newest addition to Dr. Greenstein's practical how-to-do-it series for individuals with physical limitations. This delightfully illustrated, large-print format book is filled with suggestions to make life easier, safer, and more enjoyable for older people and others with physical limitations. Included are low-cost modification ideas for the home environment, ways to make daily activities more enjoyable, and important information for caregivers. All the adaptations described can be made easily and inexpensively, using common materials. Specific activities range from gardening with one hand to making a kitchen sink wheelchair-accessible.
Easy-to-Build Adirondack Furniture: Storey's Country Wisdom Bulletin A-216 (Storey Country Wisdom Bulletin Ser.)
by Mary TwitchellBuilding Adirondack furniture is a time-honored craft. Sturdy and rustic, this furniture can be a beautiful addition to any indoor decor, although it's most often used to set the scene outdoors. There, the furniture is subjected to a lifetime of abuse. Yearly it moves from somewhere hidden away (probably dark and musty winter storage) to front-and-center on the summer stage. Now, hour after hour it is beaten on by intense UV light, drenched in driving rains, then fried again in the summer sun. Through it all, the furniture patiently endures--ever handsome, ever inviting, ever lasting. To survive summertime abuse and the semiannual ritual of being dragged into and out of storage, outdoor furniture must be sturdy, rugged, and well built--all qualities that epitomize Adirondack pieces. This bulletin contains instructions for building an Adirondack chair, matching footstool, companion side table, and Westport chair (an ancestor of the modern-day slatted Adirondack chair). Each project will take the moderately skilled carpenter less than a day to fabricate; for the beginner, maybe a weekend.Learn how to choose the right lumber and hardware, complete with instructions for table, footstool, and the Westport chair.
Easy-to-Build Bird Feeders: Storey's Country Wisdom Bulletin A-209
by Mary TwitchellSince 1973, Storey's Country Wisdom Bulletins have offered practical, hands-on instructions designed to help readers master dozens of country living skills quickly and easily. There are now more than 170 titles in this series, and their remarkable popularity reflects the common desire of country and city dwellers alike to cultivate personal independence in everyday life.
Easy-to-Build Birdbaths: Storey's Country Wisdom Bulletin A-208 (Storey Country Wisdom Bulletin Ser.)
by Mary TwitchellSince 1973, Storey's Country Wisdom Bulletins have offered practical, hands-on instructions designed to help readers master dozens of country living skills quickly and easily. There are now more than 170 titles in this series, and their remarkable popularity reflects the common desire of country and city dwellers alike to cultivate personal independence in everyday life.
Easy-to-Build Birdhouses: Storey's Country Wisdom Bulletin A-212 (Storey Country Wisdom Bulletin Ser.)
by Mary TwitchellSince 1973, Storey's Country Wisdom Bulletins have offered practical, hands-on instructions designed to help readers master dozens of country living skills quickly and easily. There are now more than 170 titles in this series, and their remarkable popularity reflects the common desire of country and city dwellers alike to cultivate personal independence in everyday life.