News Roundup — Feb. 15, 2019
February 15, 2019
These are a few stories we found this week that may be of interest to institute regulars. If you have a news tip, please send it to lowtechinstitute@gmail.com.
Author: lowtechinstitute
We bring nonindustrial subsistence technology to (over)developed societies. We exist at the nexus of ancient, ethnographic, and modern subsistence. We aim to 1) identify ancient and contemporary nonindustrial technologies appropriate for use in modern, small-scale, self-sustaining infrastructure; 2) create do-it-yourself, resource-light solutions to sustainability problems; 3) provide our findings to the public for free use; and 4) create platforms to share information related to sustainability, especially solutions derived from ancient or ethnographic sources. We prize simple solutions over complex ones and eschew needless complication.
Bee Report — Midwinter Check
February 13, 2019
After the polar vortex visited us with -30°F temperatures, we warmed up to the mid 40ºFs, and I took the opportunity to check on our bees. At this time of year, the bees are not hibernating, as many people think. They form a cluster around the center of the hive and shiver themselves together to … More Bee Report — Midwinter Check
The Low Technology Institute Offers Sustainability Skill Share, June 1 and 2 — Registration Open
February 12, 2019
Want to learn a new skill that helps to sustain your life and our world? The Low Technology Institute offers you the opportunity through its new series of courses, the Sustainability Skill Share. On June 1 and 2, students of all ages will be supported in learning hands-on skills from veteran instructors and sustainable living … More The Low Technology Institute Offers Sustainability Skill Share, June 1 and 2 — Registration Open
Basic Stances – Materials
February 6, 2019
The following is an excerpt from the forthcoming novel EcoGuerrillas. Like agriculture, every aspect of our material culture is subsidized by fossil fuels. The idea of “energy slaves” allows us to conceptualize the degree to which we are dependent on cheap and abundant fuel to produce things and use appliances. In 1940, R. Buckminster Fuller … More Basic Stances – Materials
Basic Stances — Industrial Agriculture
February 5, 2019
The following is an excerpt from the forthcoming novel EcoGuerrillas. Industrial agriculture is the antithesis of the three tenets laid out by the institute: it concentrates all resources for human benefit alone, purposefully ignores the lessons of natural systems mortgaging future stability for gains today, and it is incredibly complicated. Agriculture puts one species in … More Basic Stances — Industrial Agriculture
Come See Us at the Garden Expo this Weekend
February 4, 2019
The institute will be tabling at the Wisconsin Garden Expo this Friday to Sunday in Madison. Please block out some time to come to this event, which has workshops, seminars, demonstrations, and hundreds of vendors. You can find us at Booth 109 in the nonprofit area. Items for Sale At the booth, we’ll be selling … More Come See Us at the Garden Expo this Weekend
Small-Scale Hydropower?
January 28, 2019
Hydropower has a mixed environmental record. Large projects like dams that impound entire rivers are coming down across the west, as their impact on fish hatcheries and other ecosystems is now better understood. Furthermore, in addition to carbon-free power, one of the benefits was supposed to be flood control, but we are now seeing that … More Small-Scale Hydropower?
Making Wooden Skis — Video Link
January 24, 2019
We’ve gotten almost a foot of snow and are in for another dumping this weekend here in southern Wisconsin. It is a good time of year to take care of indoor projects but it is also important to get outside to enjoy the weather. It makes the long winter more bearable if you can find … More Making Wooden Skis — Video Link
Marie Kondo, Minimalism, and Stuff
January 22, 2019
Marie Kondo has been exploding across social media and the news since her Netflix show Tidying Up with Marie Kondo was released around new year. January 1st is when so many of us try to start new habits, and the timing of this show was not random. Indeed, at this time last year, I read … More Marie Kondo, Minimalism, and Stuff
MOSES Organic Ag. Conference Potato Poster
January 15, 2019
Institute staff will be taking part in the poster contest at the MOSES organic agriculture conference this February. The Midwest Organic & Sustainable Education Service (MOSES) is a nonprofit with a mission to educate farmers and growers about organic practices. As you likely know, we concluded a study on potato-growing method in 2018 and we … More MOSES Organic Ag. Conference Potato Poster
