Mike Joy lays out an inside look at the home-construction industry. Mike knows the business firsthand -- he works full time as a painting and drywall contractor in Dallas, Texas, and has worked in the construction trades, on and off, since the early 1970s. Mike’s focus is not so much about how to do your own home repairs but how to deal with contractors who do repairs for you. Mike wants every homeowner to understand the contractor/customer relationship so that your next construction proje...

'It strikes me with great clarity that if you look at the problems in isolation they each seem intractable; but when you grasp that there could be one single solution, then suddenly there is a glimpse of light at the end of the tunnel.'The state of New Zealand’s freshwater has become a pressing public issue in recent years. From across the political spectrum, concern is growing about the pollution of New Zealand’s rivers and streams. We all know they need fixing. But how do we do i...

The parlous state of our freshwater ecosystems is just one signal that we face a more widespread, and unprecedented, environmental crisis.New Zealand’s dairy industry is big business. But what are the hidden and not so hidden costs of intensive farming? Evidence presented here by ecologist Mike Joy demonstrates that intensive dairy farming has degraded our freshwater rivers, streams and lakes to an alarming degree. This situation, he argues, has arisen primarily through governmental policy...

The quiet revolution of mega-farming that is threatening our countryside, farms and food.'This eye-opening book . . . deserves global recognition' Hugh Fearnley-Whittingstall'Devastating . . . demands reading and deserves the widest possible audience' Joanna Lumley'He is informed enough to be appalled, and moderate enough to persuade us to take responsibility for the system that feeds us' Guardian: Book of ...

"Jewelry Making For Beginners" is a text that not only highlights the basics of making various types of jewelry, it also goes just a bit further into the process without making it overwhelming for the beginner. The aim that the author has with this text is to inform and educate and make the overall process as easy as possible to execute. The individual that has no concept at all of what jewelry making entails can read the text and not only get an overview of the jewelry making process but ...

Installing a roof is one of the most critical aspects of building a home. Most homeowners want a roof that looks good, is long lasting and requires little maintenance, and falls within their budget. Roofs that are not installed professionally may provide inadequate insulation for the home or poor protection from the elements. Without adequate maintenance a roof may require frequent repairs, and a shorter life span means replacing the roof every 10 to 15 years.Professional installat...

Everyone knows that the planet is in trouble, but is there a solution? This timely book identifies the most effective ways individuals can be more green in four key areas: home, travel, food, and consumerism. It also describes how citizens can ensure that governments take the actions necessary to make sustainable lifestyles the norm instead of the exception. Environmental lawyer David Boyd and celebrated ecologist David Suzuki provide vital tips for choosi...

Are you ready to build or remodel your home but feel overwhelmed by the task ahead? Imaging your finished product is one thing; reducing it down to paper and assembling the parts and people to make it a reality is an experience very few are prepared to handle. In short, it's not your job to know everything about construction, but it is your responsibility to hire those that do and manage them effectively.This book is a no-nonsense, easy-to-follow, must-know, quick reference guide t...

"Woodworking Business Quick Start Guide delivers the promise in the title. It's based entirely on my first-hand experience owning and operating successful one-person businesses for over thirty years.For over 20 years in my woodworking businesses in Tampa, FL and then Austin, TX I built hundreds of cabinets and furniture pieces for all kinds of customers. In Woodworking Business 101 I share all the knowledge I gained running my woodworking business to help you avoid the common small...

When the economy crashed in 2008 millions lost jobs and many struggled for years and some are still struggling to catch up. I was fortunate then but years before I had a profitable writing and consulting business helping federally funded housing programs across the country. My reputation was established and I was selling books, a monthly newsletter, and traveling to help communities leverage the housing funds they received from the federal government. Unfortunately, after a national electi...

Through engaging biography, activities inspired by Gandhi’s values and beliefs, and the words of Gandhi himself, Gandhi: India’s Great Soul will show you how to achieve your goals through persistence and persuasion rather than through violence and fighting.

We suffer today from food anxiety, bombarded as we are with confusing messages about how to eat an ethical diet. Should we eat locally? Is organic really better for the environment? Can genetically modified foods be good for you?Just Food does for fresh food what Fast Food Nation did for fast food, challenging conventional views, and cutting through layers of myth and misinformation. For instance, an imported tomato is more energy-efficient than a local greenhouse...