These wondrously easy to build greenhouses could be the cost effective key to those looking to grow food all year long. The idea came from Bolivia South America made my locals in a attempt to improve their local food supply. It relies on the principles of passive heat from the sun being captured in the mass of the earth. To do this a pit is dug 6-8 feet into the ground and a layer of plastic or other clear material is laid over the top at a angle specific to your latitude on the Earth. Many walipani are being built using recycled and cheap materials and one can be built for as little as 300 dollar depending on the size you want.
If built correctly so that heat is trapped, excess moisture is ventilated, there is proper drainage and of course strongly so the walls don’t collapse. You will essential be able to grow food all winter long even in some of the harshest climates. Depending on your climate you may have to include a additional heat source such as a wood stove to provide for the intermittent heat needs that colds nights will demand. The ability of people to grow quality food in the middle of winter is something that will become more important as people being to become more self reliant and pull away from other support systems.
I have not yet been able to build one of these yet though it is on my to do list now that I have found out more about it and the ease at which is can be built.
For more reading on this topic check out the following articles and PDF files that I have linked below.
Until next time my fellow
environmentalists
Josh
No comments:
Post a Comment