From the author of Power from the Sun, the complete guide to switching to clean, affordable, renewable energy resources.Energy bills have skyrocketed in the United States, and traditional energy sources can be as damaging to the environment as they are to your pocketbook. The Homeowner's Guide to Renewable Energy will show you how to slash your home energy costs while dramatically reducing your carbon footprint.Completely revised and updated...

"A prescription for survival in this gorgeously illustrated and accessible guide to the future of farming." —Albert Bates, author of The Biochar SolutionGrow vegetables year-round in a greenhouse powered only by solar energy!Originally developed in China to feed millions, Chinese greenhouses are earth-sheltered, solar-heated, east-west oriented, intelligently glazed, and well-insulated. They have proven highly effective in growing warm-weather vegeta...

A guide to choosing and using solar electricity systems from "the man who launched a thousand rooftop solar arrays . . . the essential go-to manual" (John D. Ivanko and Lisa Kivirist, coauthors of ECOpreneuring).As we look for safer, more economical, and more sustainable ways to meet our needs for electricity—and as more and more electric cars hit the road—solar has become an increasingly popular option. With Solar Electricity Basics, renewable ene...

For builders of natural homes (straw bale, cob, adobe, rammed earth, and other natural materials), this unique step-by-step guide takes the confusion out of choosing, mixing, and applying natural plasters.From principles to practicalities, and with every stage of the process illustrated, The Natural Plasters Book details the entire process of plastering with earth, lime, and gypsum for a long-lasting and durable finish. Starting with an overview and history of the natural building ...

Flush it and forget it is the plumbing mantra of the industrialized world. Most people just want sewage to go away, preferably without having to see, smell, or worse yet, touch it. But crap has a bad rap. Human waste is a valuable resource we can use to support food production. Blackwater, greywater, and solids are actually rich in organic matter, and alternative means of handling these "wastes" can conserve enormous quantities of fresh water for other uses.The Scoop on Poop

Skyrocketing energy costs and constant reminders of the impacts of conventional energy sources are making homeowners and businesses look at different ways to use energy more efficiently and to generate their own electricity to reduce fuel bills and their carbon footprint.Power From the Wind is the completely revised and updated edition of the go-to guide for individuals and businesses interested in installing small wind energy systems. Written for the layperson, this prac...

Wind energy is the fastest growing source of energy in the world, and by the year 2020 it is projected to supply at least 12 percent of global electrical demand.Wind Power Basics provides a clear understanding of wind and wind energy systems, including turbines, towers, inverters and batteries, site assessment, installation, and maintenance requirements.Whether you’re considering your own small-scale wind energy system or just want a straightforward, detailed intro...

Our automobile culture is devastating for the environment, but private passenger vehicles are unlikely to disappear from our roads anytime soon. Greener cars and fuels will be a necessity for many years to come.Green Transportation Basics is a guide to greening your personal driving habits by dramatically improving the efficiency of an existing vehicle using simple measures such as trip planning and regular maintenance to improve fuel economy. This handy guide also explor...

When the power goes out, you need to be prepared. A solar powered generator is a great way to have electricity during an emergency, but buying one can be expensive. Fortunately, you can build your own solar powered generator for a fraction of the cost, often less than $300. This handy, step-by-step guide will show you how.

The consumer guide to small-scale wind electricity production!Maybe you're not T. Boone Pickens, but you can build your own home-sized wind-power empire right in your back yard. Wind Power For Dummies supplies all the guidance you need to install and maintain a sustainable, cost-effective wind generator to power your home for decades to come.This authoritative, plain-English guide walks you through every step of the process, from assessing your site and av...

This introductory guide to electrical installation work provides all the key concepts and practical know-how you need to pass your course, minus the difficult maths and complicated theoryWritten in a clear, readable style and with a highly visual layout, this book will quickly provide you with the all-important knowledge you need to understand electrical installation work. End of chapter revision questions will help you to check your progress, and online animations and video demons...

In-depth Details on Piping SystemsFilled with examples drawn from years of design and field experience, this practical guide offers comprehensive information on piping installation, repair, and rehabilitation. All of the latest codes, standards, and specifications are included.Piping Systems Manual is a hands-on design and engineering resource that explains the reasons behind the designs. You will get full coverage of materials, components, calcula...