Blair

I came across the magazine "The Simple Things" while browsing Libby (library app), and thought it might fit here. It is all about finding joy in the simple things in life, so has recipes that focus on the seasons, nature facts, craft ideas, and more.

It is based in the UK, so sometimes the content can be a bit location specific (such as travel suggestions), but I still find it to be a good read when I am feeling stressed.

They also have a blog on their website: https://www.thesimplethings.com/

Came across this book, so I am sharing in case anyone needs it

Internet Archive: https://archive.org/details/accessiblegarden0000adil/mode/2up

I came across these instructions to make a Numechron Digital Clock almost completely out of wood, and I thought it was beautiful so wanted to share.

If I can figure out how to add a chime (and how to build the parts without a CNC) I really want to try this.

I am new at this, but I have been trying to create a wiki/encyclopedia that focuses on teaching about the common topics of Solarpunk, while also having a focus on how to DIY where possible.

If you want to help out, that would be awesome! If so, you don't need to ask permission, since you should be able to edit (I will *not *be offended if you edit) or add to it yourself.

All of the items in the "Coming Soon" list are pages I haven't gotten to yet, but some link to the topics "Discussion" section where I have been throwing random thoughts or reference links. If you can make sense of my madness and would like to tackle one of those pages, please feel free to.

https://diysolarpunk.miraheze.org/wiki/Main_Page

I started this discussion on mastodon, but want to here too. If you could create the perfect bus stop, what would it have? Here are some of my ideas:

⛑ Safety:

• Shelters: no advertisements blocking views. Enclosed shelters must have 2+ exit points.
• Solar lights

♿ Accessibility:

• A space in shelters for wheelchairs.
• Marked wide paved section for wheelchairs & those with mobility difficulties to board a ramp onto the bus.
• Braille on bus stop signs & tactile pavement.

🚲Other:

• Bike racks
• Vending Machines
• Public water fountain
• Tiny library

Do you have more ideas?

Edit: realized the photo i added is ai, but i can't seem to get rid of it so 🤷‍♀️

Parts of Sweden use District Heating (heat for everyone comes from the same source), and one location is filling caves with hot water to create a giant network of thermal batteries.

Unused energy in the summer is used to heat the boilers, which can be used to heat the city in the winter.

📺 Video Link

Somewhere below the Swedish city of Västerås, there's a big man-made cave. During the Cold War, it was used to store oil. But the local energy company decided to clean it, pump it full of water and heat it up. Here's why they did that.

According to data from the Energy Information Administration (EIA), more than 20 gigawatts (GW) of battery capacity have been added to the US electric grid in the last four years. This rapid expansion is equivalent to the production of 20 nuclear reactors and is crucial for averting power disruptions, especially in states that rely significantly on intermittent renewable energy sources such as wind and solar.

Could a 3D-robotic loom be the answer to making fast fashion faster and more sustainable? Unspun's patented loom (so proprietary that we had to blur it for the video) can create clothing that fits you seamlessly every time, with just a scan of your phone, and far less waste than other clothing production methods.

Unspun is pioneering a different method of apparel production out of Oakland, California. By utilizing three-dimensional weaving, the start-up is building garments from the ground up, perfectly customized for the wearer's dimensions.

One other fact that stood out to me is that the weave uses more yarn (about 3x more, if my memory is right) than the average clothes today. That difference makes clothes more durable and last longer.

I doubt this will make the clothes more affordable, but the tech is interesting.

Does anyone know about the environmental impact of these? I sometimes hear about boat propellers hurting wildlife, so what about these?

I’m almost an 11h drive from the nearest coast, so this is not an area of knowledge I am well versed in haha.

(Image Source)

100% wool dryer balls are growing in popularity to the point where I have even seen them at my local dollar store, and for good reason. They can save you money in laundry costs.

If you are someone who uses dryer sheets, these wool balls are a great alternative that removes static from your clothes and can decrease drying time by around 30-50%. So, you save money by not having to buy dryer sheets, as well as on electricity. All you do is toss them into the dryer with your clothes!

"Per Toner, “Dryer balls excel in reducing drying time due to their ability to create space between clothes. This separation facilitates better air circulation, leading to faster drying and potential energy savings.” | bobvila

I have had mine for many many years now, and they are still in great shape. When or if they do ever break down to the point of being unable to use, the wool is biodegradable.

Just make sure that what you buy is 100% wool. If you are crafty (and have access to wool) you can also make your own fairly easily.

https://youtu.be/de644Zwtnbg

Keeping a lid on your carbon footprint doesn’t stop with your last breath. Your choice of funeral can have a significant environmental impact. In a recent report by the US-based National Funeral Directors Association, 60.5% of those surveyed expressed their interest in greener options including resomation (water cremation) human composting and natural burials.

https://www.positive.news/society/eco-concerns-prompt-green-funeral-options/

I debated for a while on if I should post this or not (rather morbid, I know) but I think it's an important thing to think about.

For those of you who are doing hydroponics, what do you think of this system? Is it a good system for a beginner on a budget? Or is there a better system?