Incandescent, Compact Fluorescent or LED?

...ing array of choices and what bulbs might be best in terms of cost, energy conservation and aesthetics. Some takeaways: The current way of comparing bulbs–lumens per watt–does not take into account how the eye responds to color. Incandescent bulbs give off a wide spectrum of light. Fluorescents and, to a lesser extent, LEDs do not give off as wide a spectrum of light which can make a room lit with them seem dimmer. In some situations incandescents...

Read…

What we think about when we try not to think about global warming

...positive terms while avoiding negative ones, using social networks to make conservation fun and competitive, using policy change to make it simple for people to make good choices, and developing signals for social progress besides the almighty GDP. In light of what he lays out in Part 1, this all makes perfect sense. It’s not super exciting, but some of the tips could really be useful when you’re fighting the good fight. Say you’re organizing a gr...

Read…

Earth Building Classes!

...rce. For those in New Mexico, head up there and take a live class on adobe conservation and restoration. More Classes: Stay tuned for additional classes coming up in the fall – we’re looking to reprise our popular adobe basics class which will cover brick making, codes and basic adobe wall masonry. We are also looking at having an horno workshop in Los Angeles sometime this summer. Events October 2-4 – EarthUSA 2015, Santa Fe, NM: A reminder that...

Read…

Make Your Own Chalkboard Paint II

...e Root Simple compound was making our own chalkboard paint and using it to label all of the cabinets in our garage workshop. In the past month, inspired by a visit from über-maker Federico Tobon, I’ve taken up the task of pimping out the workshop with a proper workbench and table saw. I’ll blog about Workshop 2.0 when I’m finished with the renovation, but the chalkboard paint hack is worth a repeat mention. Thanks to the chalkboard paint, when I w...

Read…

Pasture Standards for Laying Hens

...written rotational grazing plan must be submitted with the application. f. Water temperature must not be less than 50° F (10 C) or greater than 100° F (38 C). g. Birds must be outdoors 12 months per year, every day for a minimum of 6 hours per day. In an emergency, the hens may be confined in fixed or mobile housing 24 hours per day for no more than 14 consecutive days. h. Shade, cover and dust bathing areas 1. There must be sufficient well-draine...

Read…