Read and Learn to Build Naturally
If you are interested in Sustainable Design for your dream Green Home, this is the site to check out! I have been dreaming of building my own home for a long time and one of the possible homes I want to build is listed here...ever heard of an Earthbag home? Well read on and you might just decide to go that way, too.
Your Primer on Sustainable Design- Cradle to Cradle
Just What is Sustainability?
One of the first building design books that I recommend you read is Cradle to Cradle by William McDonough. While it is not technically a sustainable design home building book, it is an explaining book, the importance of the history of how we got here, the mistakes we as a society have made and the hope that we can transform our thinking and methods that impact our homes, businesses and lives. You will have more respect to the theories of Green Homes and their designers.
Earthbag Building
Sustainable design that rocks...or dirts
When it comes to Natural Home design, this is my favorite. I love the simplicity of this concept and the low cost! Can you believe you can build a home in this style for about $10-$15 a square foot! They can be curved or retangular. I've met the authors, wonderful people! And got to be in the Honey House. Someday, someday... you will see my green home here!
Earthbag Building: The Tools, Tricks and Techniques (Natural Building Series)
Amazon Price: $21.56 (as of 01/08/2010) 
Watch a Green Home Arise!
Earthbag building with just a few people
Watch a great video on a wonderful 'Green Home'. The Earthbag. Do you know you can build one of these for $10-$15 a square foot!! Amazing.
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Green Homes with Straw Bale!
Natural Insulation
Here are two books that have great information and instructions on building design for your own Straw Bale Home! I had the privilege of attending a school in Colorado, Solar Energy International, and they have courses for those interested in learning more about straw bale. Check them out at www.solarenergy.org. Straw bale's popularity is increasing and for good reason. If you can find a Green Home tour locally, you will be amazed at the feel and look of these beauties.
Serious Straw Bale: A Home Construction Guide for All Climates (Real Goods Solar Living Book)
Amazon Price: $19.80 (as of 01/08/2010)
The Straw Bale House (A Real Goods Independent Living Book)
Amazon Price: $19.80 (as of 01/08/2010)
Cob Homes
Ever made mud pies?
Now here is another Green Home method that is also ancient. Cob, which has nothing to do with corn, is an old english word that means loaves, like a bread loaf. It is also termed 'wet adobe'. So you just glob large handfuls of earth on top of itself and voile, you have a home...ok, maybe not THAT voile. Ianto Evans and Linda Smiley are the authors and their book is wonderful. If you are looking for sustainable design, this is another great option.
The Hand-Sculpted House: A Practical and Philosophical Guide to Building a Cob Cottage: The Real Goods Solar Living Book
Amazon Price: $23.10 (as of 01/08/2010)
Anything by Dan Chiras
A great expert on Sustainable Design
Here is just one of Dan's books. I love his books. I listened to him lecture on sustainable building at Colorado College once and this is one informed man.
The New Ecological Home: A Complete Guide to Green Building Options (Chelsea Green Guides for Homeowners)
Amazon Price: $23.10 (as of 01/08/2010)
The Art of Natural Building
Wonderful Building Design!
This book is also a favorite of mine- wonderful illustrations. And in-depth descriptions of all you need from the ground up. This book gives so much within the entire field of Natural Building Design. After reading this, you feel you CAN build your own green home.
Art of Natural Building
Amazon Price: $17.79 (as of 01/08/2010)
Great Stuff on CafePress
Green Building T-shirt
If you are going to Walk the talk- wear it, too!
Great Stuff on eBay
You got to rest on occasion when building your green home!
Now this looks so lovely. Honestly not sure how much earth I would pack into a bag if this was beckoning me...maybe you have more will power. Hmmm, feel a nap coming on.
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The Omnivore's Dilemma: A Natural History of Four Meals by Michael Pollan
A national bestseller that has changed the way rea more...0 points
Zeitoun by Dave Eggers
When Hurricane Katrina struck New Orleans, Abdulra more...0 points
Hot, Flat, and Crowded: Why We Need a Green Revolution--and How It Can Renew America by Thomas L. Friedman
<b><i>A </i>New York Times Book more...0 points
The Giving Tree 40th Anniversary Edition Book with CD by Shel Silverstein
<p> "Once there was a tree . . . and sh more...0 points
The Family Chef: Make Your Kitchen the Heart of Your Family by Jewels Elmore, Jill Elmore, Ann Marsh
With a sterling reputation and a string of A-list more...0 points
by Gypsy2810
Gosh, to write in third person or not! Ok, here goes...Mary is awesome, no really, trust me, she is! She's silly, too. She loves everything to do with... (more)
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