Peak Moment 103: Wanting to live a “reasonable, comfortable life” in tune with nature, Ann and Gord Baird are building a near “net zero energy” home on Vancouver Island. Their plans: the first load bearing, seismically engineered, two story, insulated, cob residence in North America. Solar PV panels for electricity with grid tie. (Wind power will come later.) Passive solar design with solar thermal for hydronic heating and domestic hot water. Composting toilets to enrich the earth for gardens along with grey water recovery for orchard irrigation. Rainwater catchment from a living roof tops off this sustainable, affordable, natural home for their three-generation family of six. Follow their progress at www.eco-sense.ca. Looking for a specific topic in our Peak Moment library? Visit www.peakmoment.tv. Go to “conversations” and click a tag, or do a search. Our home page lists “specials” (presentations and conferences) available on DVD. Subscribe to our email newsletter. Or go to “journal” to join the dialogue on Janaia’s Journal.

From LoveableLoo.com: The Loveable Loo is a collection toilet for use when composting human manure (“humanure”). You can buy them on the internet at loveableloo.com and this little video shows you how they’re made.