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...

Author Dan Chiras is the director of the Evergreen Institute where he teaches and models sustainable living and building practices.The author has published over 30 books which have sold 100 000’s of copiesThis is the first book to give safe, practical advice on ecologically sound ways to recycle human waste based on years of personal experience and research.The increasing demand for water and water shortages in the southern states and elsewhere is creating interest i...

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 ...

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...

• The only other book in print on this topic is self-published and poorly produced. • This edition is considerably revised and updated since its first printing in Fall 2007. • This edition is a Mother Earth Wiser Living Series selection. • Filled with graphs and illustrations. • The book fills an increasingly important niche as people hurry to equip their houses with renewable energy systems. • The author has 35 years experience and is a widely acknowledged expert in this field. • The firs...

In daily life, we can take control of the resources and services we depend on. Electricity and energy don’t have to come off the public utility grid—alternatives abound in solar, wind, and water generated power. Design decisions can drastically affect power consumption, and bio-diesel and alternative fuels can help break the oil habit. Dave Black describes alternatives for eco-pimping your home and lifestyle for independence, economy, and a more integrated way of life. Equally valuable for...

The ultimate guide to the art of cleaning, this reference is packed with professional secrets for getting maximum results through minimum results through minimum effort. Discover how to save time, money, and elbow grease on every cleaning problem, as well as how to prevent housework with surprising tricks of the trade. From aluminum siding to zoom lenses, this alphabetical index covers every job, big and small.

All the power you need is already thereThis third edition helps readers understand the basics of solar (photovoltaic) power and explore whether it makes sense for them, what their options are, and what's involved with installing various on– and off–grid systems.• Solar power is a $3 billion industry, and it's poised to grow to $39 billion by 2014• By 2011, the United States will surpass Germany as the largest market for solar power products