campus center for appropriate technology newsletter, fall 2003

8/9/2019 Campus Center for Appropriate Technology Newsletter, Fall 2003

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In this issue:Herb gardening

Alternative Energy

2003 Bioneers

Vermiculture

and more...

TransferSolutions for Sustainable Living for Over 25 Years Fall 2003

ATTransfer


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The AT Transfer is the newsletter for the Campus Center for Appropriate Technology, which is funded primarily by the Associated Students ofHumboldt State University. The views and concerns of The AT Transfer are not censored or reviewed by the Associated Students. All correspondencesmay be addressed to: The AT Transfer, CCAT HSU, Arcata, CA 95521. HSU supports AA/EO

Campus Center for Appropriate Technology staff: Front row left to right: KJ Coop (WebAdministrator), Michael Padget (Web Master), Playalina Nelson (Herb Gardner), Lisa Murgatroyd (Info

Request Coordinator), Eddie Tanner (Co-Director), Beej Berhanu (Outreach Coordinator), Jeff Adams(Maintenance), Katie Harbaugh (AT TransferCo-Editor). Second row: Charles Heinberg (Tour GuideCoordinator), Kendra Cecil (Co-Director), Krystal Rogers (Co-Director), Dustin Jolley (Project Engineer),

Jennifer Lumbert (Groundskeeper), Garret Mcsorley (Groundskeeper), Bart Orlando (Volunteer)Not pictured: Josie Santos (Office Manager), Brenda Francek (Librarian), Jo Manmondi (CRP Compost

Director), Astrid Dobo (Biodiesel), Sara Hall (Biodiesel), Jamie Allen (Vegetable Gardner), Kyana Taillon (ATTransferCo-Editor), Molly Wingland (Events Publicist)

Our mission...The mission of CCAT is to demonstrate appropriate technology in a residential setting, to providehands-on experiential learning opportunities to Humboldt State University and the surrounding

community in Arcata, to collect and disseminate information about appropriate technology, and

to dispel the myth that living lightly on the Earth is difficult or burdensome. CCAT is dedicated tosustainability and self-reliance and seeks to help others live likewise.

AT Transfer staff:Co-Editors: Katie Harbaugh, Kyana Taillon

Design: Kyana TaillonPhotography: Bart Orlando & Katie Harbaugh

Drawings: Molly Wingland


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By JML, Groundskeeper

Ilive in a shack. It may be tiny, but its cozy and itsin the woods. There are no annoying wires attachedto my roof like parasitic umbilical cords; no over-

ambitious IV tubes feeding me water; and no artificial

intestines transporting my wastes to some other creaturesbackyard.

You see, I got tired of making baby steps toward a

lighter footprint in houses supported by the mothergrid.Its useless trying to green up a rental home that is poorlydesigned. No, I wanted to start from the bottom withoutall the accoutrements of civilization and modify gradually

with additional components. I consider my lifestyle aform of solidarity with developing countries in which I

plan to work.Many of these nations want an improved

quality of life for their citizens, yet detest the havocour developed world has wreaked through its wanton,gluttonous modernization processes. Scientists cannot

predict which straw will break our planets back, yet therace toward international development is already on.Helping such places implement appropriate technologiesbefore infrastructures are established is crucial if total

environmental collapse is to be avoided.Which brings me back to my experiences

attempting to put together a portable, field-capable

appropriate technology (AT) micro system for my cabinthat would include a) lighting and b) a charging systemfor properly chosen AA, cell phone and laptop batteries thatdoesnt rely on a 12-volt storage bank.

By the time Im ready to globetrot I should be all set up. Thankfully, I will also have accomplished a majorstep in my personal evolution and adaptation to the simplest life I can see myself living. From there on out Ill be ina position to carefully monitor the influx of goods and services to my existence, choosing to incorporate only thoseitems that would truly serve me and others well on my path through this world.

Its no secret that much of the primary emphasis of appropriate technology is on replacing grid-supplied power forcurrent consumption levels. Native Americans used to laugh at the huge fires white men made when such little firesmet peoples needs. The same could be said about Western societys desire for power among the A.T. community,

and its troubling.So heres my pitch: lets all adapt to little fires. When consumers demand change, industry eventuallylistens. Invest $300 to $400 and put together an AT system you can bring along when you move. So what if youdont have a shack! Stick a solar panel on a pole outside your window. Tie one onto your roof, (Look, landlord, no

holes!) Downsize your stereo to fit your energy production. Eat food that doesnt need to be refrigerated. Use arechargeable battery-powered clock. Be creative, and remember, we are the paradigm shift. Youll appreciate yourforesight later when the developing world becomes the model for culture change.

So will the earth...

TheAdaptation Game

JML sits outside her home, a self-sustaining example of

appropriate technology


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TheJoyof

Herb Gardening

By Playalina Nelson,CCAT Herb Gardener

All too often whengardens areplanted, herbsused for culinary

or medicinal pur-poses are ignored. The benefitsand pleasures of incorporating

an herb garden are frequentlydiscounted. There are manyuseful daily herbs that can becultivated in many different

environments under varyingconstraints and conditions. Infact, some of the easiest herbsto grow are the most fun and

versatile to use. Here is a listof easy-to-grow herbs that aregreat to have on hand. Make a

little space in your yard or gar-

den for a plethora of herbs.

Melissa officinalis, Lemonbalm:Perennialcan be harvested all year ifcut back regularly

Sun/part shadeVery easy to growSpreads by runners

Used in cold and flu remedies, goodfor balancing the nervous system intimes of stressand depression,

helpful forinducingrelaxation

Rosmarinus officinalis,Rosemary:PerennialShrub with many different formsFull sun

Best

propagated fromcuttingsFlowers attract many

bees and birdsWonderful as aculinary herb in

many recipes, can be infused in oilfor cooking or used externally as ahair oil to induce hair growth, or as amassage oil rubbed into the temples

for headache relief

Salvia officinalis, Garden SagePerennialFull sunResists droughtViolet-blue

flowers attract

bees andpollinating

insectsCan be propagated with cuttingsGreat fresh or dried as a culinary hecan be made into an infused oil for

cooking, can be used for a variety ofmedicinal purposes such as a garglefor sore throats or as an every-daymouth wash

Playalina Nelson, CCATs herb gardener.

Photos by Bart OrlandoDrawings by Molly Wingland

The joys of herbsare endless...

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Mentha piperita, Peppermint:Perennialwill grow all season long ifharvested regularly

Very easy to growSome shadeGreat when

used in teaformulas forindigestion,good cold andflu remedy

Symphytum officinale, Comfrey:Perennialcan be harvested year-round if continually cut backExtremely easy to grow! This plant

multiplies by root divisions and needsto be planted in restricted areas to

prevent take-over of gardensTolerates some shadeHighly valuablefor external use topromote healing of

bruises, wounds, cutsand sprainsCan be made into aninfused oil or salve

Calendula officinalis, Calendula:Annualself-seeds and willperpetuate flowers all year longPrefers mostly sun

Will grow in pots or in the ground,tolerating different types of soil

Has bright orange/yellow flowersuseful in treating skinconditions,including rashes,dryness, diaper

rash and sunburn;also effective incombination withother herbs for some

fungal infections

Its very beneficial to interplant herbs into your garden for naturalpest control, inviting bees and other pollinating insects.

Many herbs are very hardy and can be grown in pots, window boxes,raised beds or in the ground. Many can tolerate cold and a range ofsunlight and soil types.

Growing and processing your own herbs can save you money! You are guaranteed access to the freshest and highest-quality herbs

when you grow your own. Cultivating your own herbs is sustainable, ensuring your herbs are

being grown without chemicals or GMOs. Growing your own herbs is gratifying and inspiring to others and

brings a sense of balance and beauty to your garden.

How does your

garden grow?Tips for a healthy herb garden

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By Garret McSorley, Groundskeeper

C

urrently, students atHumboldt State University

are working to apply the

solar photovoltaic and wind turbinetechnologies demonstrated at CCATto power the entire campus. This

monumental task will be accomplishedby simultaneously reducingenergy demand through improvedconservation and increasing energy

efficiency. HSU is creating a model forfellow universities and communities tofollow.

We live in a time that is dominatedby excess resource consumption and

demand for energy. The low pricesAmericans pay for electricity, naturalgas, and gasoline do not reflect their

true cost. We cant ignore our growingdependence on limited supplies offossil fuelchanges must be made.The Campus Center for Appropriate

Technology models what we can bedone in our own homes to shift frompetroleum to clean renewable energy.

As this ripple moves outward, we areconfronted by the emerging nationalenergy policy. Currently the Senate

and House Joint Energy ConferenceCommittee are working behind closed

doors fine tuning the national EnergyBill.

Remaining reserves of fossil fuels are

a precious resource. It is essentialthey are used wisely and sparingly.Since the energy debacle, California

has become even more dependent onnatural gas to supply electricity to theveins of our utility grid. Natural gas isa high-quality fuel and relatively clean-

burning compared to its fossil relatives

Unfortunately, it is in short supply,controlled by outside corporations,and with increasing demand, prices are

soaring.

The obvious solution is to drill for

more. Dont invest in renewableenergyopen up our pristinecoastlines and install rigs. Drill theRocky Mountain Front. Drill in the

Arctic National Wildlife Refuge and

build an Alaskan pipeline. Makepollution reduction voluntary for theindustry. Streamline environmental

protection regulations and make iteasier to obtain extraction permits.After all, we need it. These are the

arguments used for the exploitation ofour public lands. Weve heard them forsome time now, but they are far shortof being long-term solutions.

How about nuclear?There is considerable drive by the

authors of national energy policy tooffer the nuclear industry incentivesto begin building new nuclear power

plants. Nuclear power, once consideredto be the answer to the worlds energyneeds, producing electricity toocheap to meter has proven itself

to be outrageously expensive and

Revolutionary SimplicityAlternatives to conventional energy production

HSU students pedalto power the stage at HSUs first annual Car-Free Day,Photo by Bart Orlando

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unsustainable. No new nuclearpower plants have been constructedin the United States since the Three

Mile Island disaster in 1979. Due tosafety concerns five plants have been

shut down in California alone, yet notone has been fully decommissionedand cleaned up. Locally, HumboldtBay Power Plant is currently housing396 high-level radioactive spent

fuel rod assemblies contained in anoversized swimming pool.

The Yucca Mountain Project in

Nevada is touted as the answer toour radioactive waste problems. It isan engineering challenge thats far

from being complete. Designing astorage system that will last 10,000

years is considerably complex. Itsalso a multi-billion dollar endeavor,

that requires trucking nuclear wasteon American highways and throughour densely populated cities. With thecapacity to store 70,000 metric tons,

Yucca Mountain is not big enough tohandle all of the radioactive waste weare currently sitting on.

What are thealternatives?Some policy makers are pushingto build nuclear power plants with

the capability to electrolyze water,thus producing hydrogen to powerfuel cells. This is a deliberate act toconfuse nuclear hydrogen as being

clean. Essentially, hydrogen is anenergy storage medium and in order

to be renewable it must be derivedfrom a renewable source.

The Schatz Energy ResearchCenter (SERC), a leader in fuel cell

technology, advocates the use of solarphotovoltaic, wind and hydropowerto produce hydrogen. SERC makesit clear that meeting the renewable

energy challenge requires more

efficient use of resources and makinglifestyle choices for a healthy future.

Many states including California,New Jersey, Massachusetts and

Texas have in place RenewablePortfolio Standards (RPS). Energyproducers are required to increasethe percentage of their renewableenergy production to meet set

standards. Solar utilities unable tomeet standards can purchase creditsfrom producers that have gonebeyond the requirements, thereby

creating incentive in the market for

companies to produce renewableenergy. Unfortunately, attempts atmaking RPS a component of nationalenergy policy have been purged from

the current legislation.

The potential for arenewable energyfuture is not lostProgress is all around us. Solar

panels on the roofs of neighborhoodhomes is becoming more common.Arcata, home of HSU, is currentlyundergoing energy-saving upgrades

and installing a 10 kilowatt solarphotovoltaic system on City Hall withincentives from the California Energy

Commission. The city, making thisinvestment in such a tight budget

year, shows the economic strength formoving to clean energy. The projectwill pay for itself in less than eight

years.

CCAT is working on a CommunityEnergy Audit Program for local homeand business owners who wish tolower their energy bills and identifyenergy-saving potentials. Well-

trained students perform the auditswhile gaining real-world experience,spreading knowledge of energyefficiency.

Beginning with the simple things,from our own homes, we can harvest

the low hanging fruit, turn off thelights and write to our governmentrepresentatives about the need forinvesting in renewable energy.

Any intelligent foolcan make things bigger,more complex, and moreviolent. It takes a touchof genius and a lot ofcourage to move in theopposite direction.E. F. Schumacher

The White House1600 Pennsylvania Avenue NWWashington, DC 20500

Comments: (202) 456-1111Switchboard: (202) 456-1414

FAX: (202) 456-2461

Phone: (202) 224-3841Fax: (202) 228-3954

TTY/TDD: (202) 224-2501Senator Barbara Boxer112 Hart Senate Office Building

Washington, D.C. 20510Phone: (202) 224-3553

e-mail: http://www.senate.gov/~boxer

Representative Mike Thompson119 Cannon Office Building

Washington, DC 20515Phone: (202) 225-3311

Fax: (202) 225-4335e-mail: http://www.house.gov

Senator Dianne Feinstein

United States Senate331 Hart Senate Office Building

Washington, DC 20510

Phone: (202) 224-3841e-mail: http://www.senate.gov/~feinstein

Armory Lovins: Rocky Mountain Institutewww.rmi.org

Schatz Energy Research Lab

http://www.humboldt.edu/%7Eserc

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By Eddie Tanner, CCAT Co-Director

Vermiculture is a method of composting that uses worms to break down organic wastes intothe richest organic topsoil on earth. The finished product can be used in the garden or inhouseplants. For anyone producing a constant stream of kitchen wastes, it is a simple and

practical composting method.

Vermicomposting bins are usually smaller than other compost bins, as worms dont need much spaceto live. Depending on how much waste you need to compost, a bin can range in size from one to threefeet square or larger. They do not smell when properly contained, so they can be conveniently kept

indoors.

Worms used in

vermicomposting are small, redand have a much faster lifecyclethan their large earthwormcousins. Red worms, often

called manure worms, flourishin a pure organic environmentand dont tend to migratefrom the worm bin. Red

worms survive in temperaturesbetween 45-85F, but prefer

temperatures in the 60s. Thisusually means keeping thebin in the shade during thesummer and inside when theweather gets too cold. Worms

can be found in old compost ormanure piles, or purchased atsome garden stores.

Worm bins can be made with any sturdy rectangular container by punching many small holes in thebottom and sides for aeration. Be sure to fit the bin with a tight lid. A user-friendly approach is to

divide the bin into two or three sections, each with at least one square foot of surface area. Add freshwaste to one section following the procedure belowuntil its full; then begin filling the next.Worms dont have teeth, so make your food scraps small. Worm castings are harvested by digging outthe oldest section. The worms in the finished compost can be returned to the bin. Castings can alsobe harvested by making the bottom of the bin out of 1/2" wire mesh. When the bottom of the mesh is

tapped, the finished castings will fall out. It is helpful to place a tray under the bin to collect nutrient-rich runoff. Place wine corks under the bin to allow excess liquid to flow out freely.

Vermiculture:composting with worms

Worm Bin Trouble-ShootingWhats the problem? Why is it happening? What to do?

The worms died Bin is too hot Add less food waste at a timeBin is too dry Water the binMaterial is too dense Add more shredded paper

Worms not eating Population is too small Add less food or

fast enough get a bigger bin

Too many flies Add thin layer of soil or ash

It smells putrid Too wet Dont add liquids.Instead, add shredded paper

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kitchenscraplayer

shreddedpaper &soil layer

plastic trayto collectexcess liquid

approx. 1'

plastic dividerwith holes forworm passage

wine corksfor aeration

approx. 1'

approx. 1'

finishingcompost

Using your Bin1) Add a 6" layer of shredded paper mixed with a small amount of soil or finished compost.2) Add compost worms (if not already present).

3) Add a thin 1-2" layer of food scraps.4) Mix in an equal amount of shredded paper.5) Repeat steps 3 and 4 until bin is full.6) Put un-composted material in a bucket.

7) Harvest finished compost from the bottom and retrieve any worms.

8) Add new bedding (shredded paper with some soil or compost).9) Replace un-composted material into bin.10) Repeat steps 3 through 5.

Compost worms dont like meat, dairy or citrus peels.Bread should be torn into small pieces and moistened.

Homemade Worm BinHere is one simple way to make your own worm composting bin.Start with a large plastic container and punch many small holes inthe sides and bottom. Secure lid not shown.

Diagram by Kyana Taillon

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By Jeffrey Adams, Maintenentce

For centuries, native peoples

have lived in a symbioticrelationship with the land onwhich they dwell. Intertwined

with a close understanding of the

ecology of place, native people adaptedtheir survival patterns to the patternsand cycles found in nature. At theheart of Native American culture is

an understanding of the connectionbetween healthy people and a healthyenvironment. Out of this symbiosis

settlement patterns emerged, designedfor local weather conditions, andutilizing local resources.

Presently in America, we are

experiencing a mainstreaming of thedesign and construction fields thatutilizes a cut and paste methodology.

Application of nearly identicalbuilding styles and construction

materials is employed in many diversebioregions. Little regard is given to

the natural conditions acting upon abuilding or the origin of the buildingmaterials. Instead, ease of constructionand bottom line profits to the

developers are paramount. Thoughtfuldesign and material choice by theconstruction industry could greatly

reduce ecological degradation.

This is not to say thatconstruction is the sole cause ofenvironmental damage or that current

architecture and design practicesdont also have their triumphs.Rather, we need to re-evaluate the

way our settlements interact with theenvironment, from resource extractionto decay, acknowledging all theembodied energy of the materials and

methods used. We must question ourpractices to see if there are ways wecan design our shelters and settlementsdeveloping concepts of conservation,

regeneration and cumulative impact.

Inspired by the philosophy of manyNative Americans, we must make

decisions with forethought of theeffects these decisions will have on thenext seven generations.

I have noticed a movement

continuing to spread from thecounterculture catacombs tomainstream America. We areundergoing a resurgence of

environmentally conscious design andconstruction as is evidenced in thegrowing fields of Ecological Design,

Natural Building, Permaculture andBiomimicry. Water, energy, heating andcooling, food and waste cycling can allbe met through ecologically integrated

buildings and landscapes. Inspirationfor such innovations primarily isderived from natural systems, but thisis only part of the solution.

Rather than trying to reinventthe wheel, we must look not only to

nature, but also to the experience andwisdom accumulated by the peoplewho have lived with a close connectionto the land since pre-historic times. Bystudying Native American architecture

and settlement patterns, we can beginto explore how to treat the naturalworld as a relation and work with,rather than against, the flows of nature

Native people had different

Designingwith theIntelligenceofNature

Dustin Jolley, CCAT project engineer, builds with bamboo. Photo by Bart Orlando


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shelter locations and types that

coincided with region, season,ceremony, and proximity to food andfiber resources. Variations in localclimate and habitat are reflected in

the wide diversity of Native Americanstructures. Each settlement area hadcharacteristics that made it uniquelyadapted to the natural environment

and the cultural practices of thepeople.

For example, the Yurok of

the Lower Klamath River region builtsemi-subterranean plank houses

for the winter and more temporaryshelters of willow saplings and pine

boughs for summer and fall. Bydigging themselves into the ground2-5 cold winter temperatures were

mitigated by the thermal propertiesof the earth. The excavated earth wasthen mounded around the dwellingto further protect against chilling

winds and internal heat loss. Planks of

redwood were used for the walls and

roof because of their local availabilityand natural resistance to rot.

Though commonly consideredhunters and gatherers, Natives

also actively manage their naturalresources. Strategies such as coppicing,burning, and selective harvesting wereemployed to maintain the health and

vigor of the natural environment whilepromoting abundance in the sourcesof their subsistence. These techniques

were beneficial to other species as well.Selective harvesting provided timber

for use in buildings while openingup the forest canopy making more

sun and water available to supporta diversity of species. This increasedthe amount of forage for wildlife

and humans. Coppicing is used topromote growth of saplings such aswillow, which is used for wattle anddaub construction, bent and lashed

as a frame for domes and huts, woven

into basketry and used to make fences,

drying racks, and more.All across North America and

the world, there are examples of peoplewho have adapted their dwelling and

settlement designs to their bioregionout of necessity and practicality. Inour age of globalization, we have theluxury of importing virtually anything

from virtually anywhere and havingsomebody else do it for us. However,this is as much a burden as it is a

benefit. We have to ask ourselves, isit worth it? If so, on what scale? And,

at what cost to the rest of humanityand the environment are we willing

to build our shelters? There is a lot tothink about and even more to learn,so we must start now if we hope to

make changes for the sake of ourdescendants and our planet.

For moreinformation...

Chiras, DanielThe Natural House

Nabokov, Peter

Native American Architecture

Gale Encyclopedia of North

American Indians

Van der Ryn, Sim

Ecological Design

Mollison, Bill.Permaculture Designers Manuel

Benyus, Janinewww.biomimicry.org

List of books on natural buildng:www.rimjournal.com/mudhouse/

booktech.htm

Solar Living InstituteP.O. Box 836

Hopland, CA 95449www.solarliving.com

Volunteers participate in straw bale construction

Modern homesnot only threaten

the health ofthe planet, they

threaten the healthof those theyare intended to

shelter.

Daniel Chiras,natural builder and author


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By Krystal Rogers, CCAT Co-Director

Free workshops, live musicand good times were hadby all at the second annual

CCAT Week. The eventwas a success with over 300 visitorsthroughout the week, many ofwhom had never been to CCAT. The

week began Monday, October 27with nearly 80 temperatures withpopcorn popping from CCATs

parabolic solar cooker, and endedwith cool 45 breezes, pumpkinsand crazy costumes for Halloween.Guided tours were held daily, solar

cooking was demonstrated in theafternoons, five to seven workshopswere held daily and live music

mingled throughout the week.All day, CCAT was buzzing with

CCATWeek

HSU students learn to knit at a workshop during CCAT Week.

Abel Kloster, CCATs vegetable gardener, gives an introductionto permaculture workshop. Photo by Bart Orlando

Jeff Adams, maintenance, conducts a rocket stove demonstra-

tion. Photo by Bart Orlando

The Second Annual


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GetInvolvedwith

CCATCCAT Week was created in thefall of 2002 to highlight thepurpose of the CCAT organizationand to give university studentsand community members a tasteof what CCAT has to offer.

Feel free to participate in theseactivities anytime:

WorkshopsWeekly workshops are free andopen to the public

ToursCCAT holds free, guided toursweekly or you may take a self-guided tour anytime duringbusiness hours.

WorkdaysOn Friday afternoons, volunteers

help make CCAT look beautifuland work on projects.

PotlucksEvery month, everyone is invitedto share a meal at CCAT.

CoursesReceive credit at HSU byenrolling in classes taught atCCAT.

LibraryCheck out a book from CCATsextensive library collection.

Visit CCATs website atwww.humboldt.edu/~ccat orcall (707) 826-3551 for moreinformation.

Lumby, CCAT groundskeeper, shares the art of music during CCAT Week

popcorn munching, discussion, laughter, music, tours and dancing. CCAT Weekprovided a peaceful sanctuary to relax, a learning center to develop new skills, a

hub to meet new people and a dancing floor to let loose. Halloween, the last dayof the week, was a festive grand finale with massage therapy in the living room,thermal curtain making in the yurt, organic gardening outside, cooking with herbs

in the kitchen and a live bluegrass band provided a knee-slappin good time in thebackyard along with hula-hooping, pumpkin carving and a costume contest.


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By Kendra Cecil, CCAT Co-Director

& JML, CCAT Groundskeeper

Who are the Bioneers?Bioneersa term

coined to signifybiological pioneers

is a non-profit organization aimed at

restoring the Earth and communitiesthrough the means of environmentalprograms and multimediacommunications. Aiming tosolve our environmental crises,

Bioneers integrate social, political,cultural, ecological, medicinal andindustrial solutions. Members of

Bioneers come from all walks oflife, strengthening and expandingthe networks of environmentalvisionaries to bring together work

based in social justice with thegoal of a sustainable future. Theyembrace that everything in life is

interconnected. In order to improvethe environment, we must changethe world, looking deep into theheart of nature to apply solutions

that are condusive to all life.

What about the 2003Conference?The movers and shakers of every

pro-Earth, pro-justice

faction imaginablegathered this October atthe Marin ConventionCenter in San Rafael to

take part in the annualBioneers conference to

offer progress reports,compare notes from the

field and absorb hope.

The conference involved

speakers from all overcoming together toeducate others about thesolutions to our most

difficult environmentaland social problems, emphasizingthe difference one person can make.

The success stories Bioneers sharedwith thousands of people gave hopeto those striving for pro-socialenvironmental change.

So many speakers gave enlighteningstories of courage and hope that

their experiences can not besummed up. The educationalexperience of the BioneersConference is immeasurable. The

inspiration that all of us from

CCAT obtained at the conferencewill encourage us throughoutthe year to strive to uphold the

Bioneers mission as well as CCATsby educating the public about theimportance of sustainable living.

It is our hope that next year HSUcan be one of the lucky universitiesaround the nation to satellitebroadcast the Bioneers Conference

directly to the campus providingevery student and communitymember access.

Bioneers Conference 2003:

Revolution from theHeart ofNature

~Maude Barlow, co-founder of the Blue Planet Project andthe author of Blue Gold: The Battle to Stop Corporate Theftof the Worlds Water

Clean water will be the oil of the future. Wateris becoming a globalized market commodity forcorporations to privatize and sell; making water a humanneed that can be used for profit, instead of a human

right. As the primary cause of death in most developingcountries is overwhelmingly water-borne disease, water-rights are literally a life or death issue. Bottled water

companies are backed by the World Bank and are gainingcontrol of the worlds water resources. Little control overwater rights if given to local communities in third worldcountries.www.canadians.org

A few highlights from the conference:


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~Percy Schmeiser, a Canadian farmer

who was sued by Monsanto whentraces of their genetically modified corncontaminated his fields, ruining 50

years of selective breedingThe damage the Canadian

farm industry has suffered due tocontamination is great, as Canada

can no longer export any canolato the European Union. The lowercourts ruled that regardless of howgenetically modified genes ended up

in his plants, Monsanto now ownssaid crops and any the productsof fields with even aprobabilityof

contamination, creating a dangerous

precedent. Fortunatly, the Canadian

Supreme Court has decided tohear the case in January 2004.

www.percyschmeiser.com

~Paul Stamets, top mycological expert,author and preserver of mushroomspecies from Washington old-growth

forestsBioremediation potential

in the fungi world is incredible.

Recent tests show that oystermushrooms degrade hydrocarbonssuch as oil spills at an amazingrate, outperforming the fields top

technologies. Certain species will

break down PCBs and other extremely

damaging and difficult to removeenvironmental toxins. Other speciesof mushrooms: clean and kill E. coli

bacteria from water, posses anti-viral and anti-bacterial properties,build soil and biodiversity, breakdown highly-polluted soil, combat

chemical weapons and can attractand kill insects. The endless solutionsprovided by mushrooms will belost if we continue to destroy their

habitat in old growth redwood forests.

www.fungi.com

~Oren Lyons, a member of theOnondaga Council of Chiefs, author/editor of Exiled in the Land of the Free:Democracy, Indian Nations and the

U.S. Constitution and one of the mostrespected indigenous leaders today

The original democratic

principles of this country were directlymodeled after the Native AmericanCouncil of Nations. Its importantto have unity between movements,

making political decisions based

on the health and welfare of futuregenerations.

~Janine Benyus, a life sciences authorwith a background in forestry

Biomimicry, a new approach to

technology which mimics naturesdesigns to solve problems, wasdescribed as an innovation inspiredby nature. It is a science that respects

nature for recognition of what worksand what is appropriate by usingthe design of animals, plants andmicrobes to reinvent technology. We

can learn how to harness energy, howto grow food, how to make materials,and how to conduct industry without

taxing the environment. Biomimicrycreates such solutions as: moreefficient solar cells inspired by leaf

structures, shatterproof ceramics

from mother of pearl studding,more powerful fiber optics from thedesign of a flower, and strong fibers

woven like spider webs with littleenergy input...and the list goes on.

www.biomimicry.org

~David Suzuki claimed everythingrevolves around the biosphere andthere is no division between humansand the environmentwe are the

very air and the water that have beenhere since the beginning of time.www.davidsuzuki.org

~Van Jones talked about the injusticof the social justice system and gavealternatives to the U.S. incarceration

industry.www.ellabakercenter.org

~Devra Davis talked about the battleagainst pollution and the connectionof pollution rates with the increase ocancer.

www.whensmokeranlikewater.com

~Fred Kirschenmann talkedabout the problems with industrial

agriculture and how to move towardsustainable agricultural methods.Those societies that succeeded in

the past are those who are ready toperceive future challenges and makechanges to prepare for future needs,he said.www.leopold.iastate.edu

For moreinformation aboutBioneers, visit

www.bioneers.org.

Organisms havemanaged to doeverything we want todo, without guzzlingfossil fuels, polluting the

planet or mortgagingtheir future. Whatbetter models couldthere be?

Janine Benyus


16/206 AT Transfer

Holistic HygieneNatures solutions to every-day health

By Charles Heinberg, CCAT Tour Guide Coordinator

When I was eight years old, I was diagnosed with Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder. As asolution, doctors prescribed Ritalin, a mind-altering drug. This substance, which has chemical

properties similar to speed, is supposed to have a calming effect on ADHD patients. Over a periodof a decade, this drug caused me to feel out of control, fuzzy-minded and slow. Ritalin was not only the wrongbiological solution for me, but the wrong social solution, as well.

As a result, the past years Ive spent dedicating my time to finding naturally-occuring solutions to my

health concerns. I learned that peppermint and passionflower are calming agents that helped me focus. I wasinspired to seek out herbal alternatives to conventional medicine. Here are some of natures solutions to commonailments.

Arthritis: Preventative medicine works the best.Parsley, bananas, pecans, avocados, wheat germ andgreens will supply the proper amount of vitamins and minerals to your diet. Lots of antioxidants, vitamin C andbeta carotene are beneficial anti-inflamatories. Ginger is also a powerful anti-inflammatory agent. Recent studieshave found that leeches may reduce arthritis pain and stiffness. You can also try stinging the affected area withstinging nettles, but please do this at your own risk!

Bad Breath: Powder some cloves, apply to toothbrush and let themagic begin. Cloves also make a great rinse when you steep about six of

them in four cups of water. Chewing on mint or fennel is also a nice after-dinner pallet cleanser.

Body Odor:Dilute lavendar, tea-tree or peppermint oil with waterand apply to the underarms and highly affected areas. Applying apple cider

vinegar changes the pH levels, inhibiting the growth of bacteria. Sage tea reportedly reduces overall sweating.

Foot Follies:For fungus, apply fresh aloe juice to the affected area twice daily. Apple cider vinegar isalso an antifungal agent. Soak feet in a solution containing one part water and one part cider or just apply thecider with a cotton ball, being careful to get between toes. For odor, steep cinnamon bark in water for about 45

minutes and give your feet a refreshing soak. For blisters, soak the affected area with a wet black or green tea bag.The powerful tannins in these teas are also good alleviations to foot odor. For corns, grind licorice sticks withmustard or sesame oil until you have a paste you can apply and cover with a bandage.

Hangovers:Drink lots of water to get the body re-hydrated. Ideally, youll do this the night before,preventing a hangover in the morning. B-vitamins will also help metabolize leftover alcohol. Try to eat as much

nutritious food as you can force down.

Mouth, Teeth and Gums:Brushing and flossing twice a day is essential to proper dentalhygiene. If you lose a filling and you cant immediately get to a dentist, ball up a little beeswax and mold it intothe tooth. For toothaches, place a whole clove inbetween cheek and tooth and chew as much as possible. Applythe open side of a slice of onion to an infection for antibacterial action. Green and black teas also make great

mouth rinses since they contain tannic acid, an antibacterial agent.

Warts: Slice garlic thinly, place and tape over the wart, replacing once a day. Wrap affected area in ducttape to smother the wart.


17/20AT Transfer

By Katie Harbaugh, AT Transfer Co-Editor

We are on Wiyot land. The Wiyot along with the Hupa, Yurok, Klamath, Kuruk, Tolowa,Chilula, and Whilkut are the original inhabitants of Humboldt County. For thousands of

years North Coast tribes have developed physically, culturally, and spiritually with the land.At CCAT we strive to foster community, derived from a socially and environmentally

responsible lifestyle. These goals cannot be achieved without the inclusion of indigenous peoples. Inthe interest of being appropriate, we must look to the wisdom of indigenous cultural practice as an

excellent model to guide our own social and technological endeavors.If we are to become a community of higher consciousness it is essential we bridge the gap with

our neighbors. I highly encourage Humboldt residents to actively acquaint themselves with the history,

current actions and people of our neighboring tribes.

Oh Great Spirit,Of the Indian People,Hear my wordsFor they are words that comeFrom the heart, soul and mind.

Oh Great Spirit,Be my mindBe my eyesBe my earsBe my heartBe my soulBe within meSo that I may walkWith dignity and pride.

Oh Great Spirit,Of the Indian People,Know of me.For I am of your people.I am Indian,

An Indian of the Circle of LifeA prisoner of WarIn my own Land!

Oh Great Spirit,Of the Indian people,Hear my wordsFor they are for you.They are of you.You are my way of Life

In the Circle of Life.

Community Connections

The Circle Of LifeA poem by Larry Kibby, Wiyot Nation

For more information:

Wiyot Nation1000 Wiyot Dr.Loleta, CA 95551

Phone: (707) 733-50551(800) 388-7633Fax: (707) [email protected]

www.wiyot.com

Garret McSorely, Krystal Rogers and Charles Heinberg

proudly sport CCAT 25th anniversary t-shirts

CCAT Co-Directors, Krystal Rogers, Eddie Tanner andKendra Cecil


18/208 AT Transfer

HEIFHSU Energy Independence Fund:A Responsible Solution to Our Energy Problems

By Krystal Rogers, CCAT Co-Director

As a result of the energy crisis

higher education is sufferingstatewide. Currently students

pay more for less. Thisprofoundly affects the

quality of educationeach student receives.Students now experience

an increase in class sizeand a decrease in facultyand courses.

The HSU EnergyIndependence Fund(HEIF) offers a tangiblesolution to this problem

by ensuring that students wont coverfuture costs of irresponsible energymanagement. HSU will become energyself-reliant by implementing renewable

energy technologies like photovoltaicgrid inter-tied systems to produce itsown electricity. Additionally, the HEIF

will fund renovation of existing facilities with energy conservation upgrades. A student initiated $10 perstudent per semester fee will create the Fund. Money from energy savings will go toward other HEIF projects.

The HEIF offers students numerous opportunities to gain real world experience. The Fund is designed to

integrate and implement student projects from a variety of majors. Also, outside matching grants will besought by students to reduce the fee duration. Students will feel a sense of pride and empowerment knowingthey are contributing to not only a healthier environment, but also to a higher quality education and an

increased reputation for HSU.

CCAT is one of the few places on HSU campus that still offers unequaled opportunities for students to gain

real life experience doing hands-on projects despite significant budget cuts. Similarly, the HSU Energy

Independence Fund will offer students opportunities to apply the knowledge learned in the classroom.

If approved by the Student Fee Advisory Commitee, a student referendum will be held for the HEIF spring

semester as part of the Associated Students general election. If passed and approved by the president and the

chancellor, the HEIF will go into effect fall semester 2004. Project proposals would be accepted for review by

the HEIF student majority board as soon as summer 2004 and initial projects could be implemented Spring

2005.

Eddie Tanner, CCAT Co-Director, demonstrates pedal power

Photo by Toni Carnelli


19/20AT Transfer

By Eddie Tanner, CCAT Co-Director

Thinking about my time at CCAT, my mind fills with theimages of the people Ive shared this space with. I see peoplesmiling and relaxing, people sharing knowledge, eyes filledwith wonder at the possibility of a healthier society, and

others moving fast to actualize their visions. I think aboutthe thousands who have visited CCAT in the last year, and Iknow that many of these people have been inspired by whattheyve seen. We at CCAT reach out to promote an ecological

and equitable society, but it is all of us together that will takecharge and make it happen.

Many people come to CCAT not realizing that an easyalternative to our wasteful lifestyle has been thriving here forover 25 years. Many of them leave wondering why, in all thistime, this alternative has not become the mainstream. Why

do we so commonly see such a gap between our values andour practice? Why do we lack the will to change? I feel like

we are constantly led to believe that our individual actionsare insignificant on the whole. Yet, if theres one thing that

my time at CCAT has confirmed, its that this belief is untrue.When I leave CCAT I will work hard to keep my values inpractice, and I encourage others to do the same.

I want to give thanks to Holly and April, to Kendra andKrystal, to Jared and Garrett, to Molly, and to the countlessother employees and volunteers, past and present, who have

put their beliefs into action at CCAT and have inspired me tokeep at it!

Turning a New Leaf

By Garret McSorley, CCAT GroundskeeperThe Campus Center for Appropriate Technology hasbecome the center of my education at Humboldt StateUniversity, and soon it will become my home. I am

honored and excited to be a part of CCAT. The CCAThouse is to be moved about seventy-five feet down thehill to a new foundation during my time as a co-directo

I am committed to keeping the CCAT program runningstrong during this transition. From my experience hereknow it will be a successful community effort.

I grew up in southern Orange County. I attended CalPoly in San Luis Obispo my first three years of college,majoring in mathematics. Drawn by the beautiful NortCoast and its reputation as an environmental and socia

responsible campus, I transferred to HSU as an art majoin 2001. I soon switched to environmental science andwas captured by the interdisciplinary, hands on learning

opportunities at CCAT.

I follow a long line of hard-working co-directors,including Eddie Tanner, an inspiring individual who ha

helped me in preparing for this position. Its wonderfulto be working with people of all different majors andbackgrounds, all teaching each other with the commongoal of creating healthy communities.

Please come up to CCAT and visit us!


20/20

Arcata Educational FarmSupport local, organic, sustainable agriculture at the Arcata Educational Farm (AEF). AEF provides fresh fruits and

vegetables to Community Supported Agriculture (CSA) and Farmers Market customers. AEF is a student run 1.6-acreorganic farm located in Arcatas Bayside Park. Classes are offered through HSU. Drop by the Farm anytime, volunteers

are always welcome: head down Bayside just after the roundabout; turn left at the purple sign. Phone:(707) 825-1777

Wild Urban Gardeners

Wild Urban Gardeners is a community agriculture group promoting the cultivation of native plant species, edibles,and organic gardens as an alternative to resource intensive lawns. Learn to depave your property, start composts,

grow your own food and share in the tool lending library. For more information e-mail Wild Urban Gardeners at

[email protected].

Redwood Peace & Justice CenterThe RPJC is a non-profit community program dedicated to fostering peace and

justice via community involvement. Space and resources are available to localorganizations and community members to aid in the advancement of social,

and environmental justice. To get involved stop by the RPJC Monday through

Saturday 12-6, 1040 H St., Arcata. Phone: (707) 826-2511, www.rpjc.net

Library Bike ProgramThe Library Bike Program utilizes a check out system in which communitymembers rent used restored bikes for $20. Money is refunded upon return ofbike. Workshops and classes are offered in bicycle maintenance. Check bikesout in a variety of locations in Arcata, such as Wildberries Marketplace on

G and 13th Street in Arcata. For more information call Bill at (707) 822-3759.

Northcoast Environmental CenterThe NEC is a non-profit group at the forefront of the Northcoastenvironmental movement. Their monthly publication ECONEWS

documents local and national environmental matters and events.

For More Information visit the NEC at 575 H St. in Arcata.Phone: (707) 822-6918, www.necandeconews.to.

Youth Educational ServicesY.E.S. supports Humboldt State University students in creating andimplementing volunteer programs, which provide service to communitymembers in need. Visit the Y.E.S. house on campus at House 91,Humboldt State University. Phone: (707) 826-4965. E-mail: [email protected]

Get Involved In Your Community

Campus Center forAppropriate TechnologyCCAT, HSUArcata, CA 95521

Non-Profit Org

U.S. Postage

PAID

PERMIT No. 78

Arcata, CA 95521

Kendra Cecil,CCAT Co-Director

campus center for appropriate technology newsletter, fall 2003

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