VPT Online: Regeneration: Resources

Resources:
Natural Building/Architecture | Permaculture/Landscape Design | Publications | Renewable Energy

Natural Building/Architecture

	Cobb Hill Cohousing Cobb Hill is a cohousing community comprised of people learning to live lightly on the earth while forming a connection to a community, the land, and a working farm. They strive to live joyously while remaining conscious of our impact on the health of the planet and our responsibilities to those who share life upon it. Twenty-three households are clustered on a hillside in rural Vermont. Their community includes a working organic farm, environmentally built houses, the Sustainability Institute and numerous farm-related enterprises (Cobb Hill Cheese, maple syrup, bees, sheep, etc.). Click here if you’d like to explore a membership at Cobb Hill. Their website also includes many resources and useful links.
	Natural Design/Build PO Box 20, Plainfield, VT 05667 802-454-1167 bfg@naturaldesignbuild.us Natural Design/Build (NDB) works with material that is local and low processed. They have studied many traditional building methods that are now being reincorporated into modern construction. NDB is also a part of a movement that is designing new methods inspired by ancient ones. They employ building methods that are healthy for the process of building, last a long time, and provide healthy, inspiring spaces. NDB is pioneering emerging solutions for todays issues on building toxicity, local economy and longevity.
	Seventh Generation 60 Lake Street, Burlington, VT 05401-5218 802-658-3773, 800-456-1191 Seventh Generation is the nation's leading brand of non-toxic and environmentally safe household products. With distribution in thousands of natural product and grocery stores nationwide, they've become the authority when it comes to products that protect your health and the planet. They've also won over 15 major awards that recognize our efforts to preserve the environment. Seventh Generation derives its name from the Iroquois belief that, "In our every deliberation, we must consider the impact of our decisions on the next seven generations." Every time you use a Seventh Generation product you are making a difference by saving natural resources, reducing pollution, keeping toxic chemicals out of the environment and making the world a safer place for this and the next seven generations. Click here to see the ways that you make a difference every time you use a Seventh Generation product. On their website you can learn about about home safety, living green, green design and other resources.
	William Maclay Architects & Planners 4509 Main Street, Waitsfield, VT 05673 802-496-4004 William Maclay Architects and Planners, P.C. is an architecture and planning firm specializing in the design of buildings that take care of human needs and aspirations while incorporating energy and resource conservation, optimal indoor air quality, healthy building design technologies and environmentally responsive land use planning. William Maclay Architects and Planners' projects are designed to fit each unique place and client. Their goal is the design of buildings that are a pleasure to live and work in, enhance the surrounding environment, and are lasting in value. Services provided include feasibility analysis, planning and architectural design for all phases of residential, commercial and institutional projects.

Permaculture/Landscape Design

	Elmore Roots Nursery 631 Symonds Mill Road, Wolcott, VT 05680 800-427-5268 or 802-888-3305 fruitpal@elmoreroots.com Elmore Roots Nursery, established in 1981, in Elmore, Vermont, provides examples of what can be grown successfully in our northern climate. Hundreds of varieties of pear, plum, pie cherry and apple trees flower and fruit heavily on their hillsides. Purple, golden and black raspberries as well as blueberries fruit in the summer. Grape and northern hardy kiwi vines are laden with ripe, exotic tasting fruit clusters in September and October. Visit the store where you'll find natural plant care materials to help with feeding, deer protection, disease and insect prevention. When you see the fruits, nuts and flowers thriving on the windy, cold hillside, you will understand why we say, "If it grows in Elmore, it will grow where you are." Click here to take a virtual tour of the gardens and orchards.
	Flack Family Farm 3971 Pumpkin Village Road, Enosburg Falls, VT 05450 802-933-7752 dflack@together.net Flack Family Farm, in the Vermont hills, is a biodynamic farm using organic practices. Natural minerals and planned grazing with American Milking Devon cattle rejuvenate the soil, sequester carbon and yield nutrient dense foods and medicines including milk, grass fed meats, eggs, fermented vegetables (sauerkraut and kimchi / kim-chi), and herbal tinctures. Flack Family Farm offers educational opportunities, farm internships, farm visits, and seminars on nutrition, growing and preparing nutrient dense food and diversified farming and fermentation.
	Green Mountain Permaculture 949 West Shore Road, Isle Lamotte, VT 05463 802-928-3648 claude@claudegenest.com An hour north of Burlington and an hour south of Montreal, this permaculture designed property rests on 3.5 acres content with 275 feet of prime west shore beachfront on beautiful Isle Lamotte. Green Mountain Permaculture offers full two week PC curriculum with organic meals and dorm accommodations in their classic barn, camping in the food forest or on the private beach, and select rooms in a 150 year old farmhouse. Contact them for dates of upcoming workshops, courses and seminars.
	The Intervale Center 180 Intervale Road, Burlington, VT 05401 802-660-0440 The Intervale Center supports financially viable and environmentally sustainable agriculture. They manage 354 acres of farmland, nursery, compost production, trails, and wildlife corridors along the Winooski River in Burlington, Vermont, and share what they do and what they learn with others around the state and throughout the world. The Center's goals are to grow viable farms, preserve productive agricultural land, increase access to local, organic food, compost and other soil amendments, and protect water quality through organic waste management and stream bank restoration. Click here for a list of Independent Farms operating in the Intervale, on land leased from The Intervale Center. You can make your own peace and quiet happen at the Intervale by taking a walk on the paths, riding your bike and connecting to the Burlington bike path, or simply enjoying the scenery and wildlife along the river or fields. For a map of the Intervale, click here. Mostly during the growing season, there is a variety of events and activities taking place in the Intervale. For a calendar, click here.
	John Todd Ecological Design, Inc. PO Box 497, Woods Hole, MA 02543 info@toddecological.com John Todd Ecological Design, Inc. can design or build to suit for any size project from homeowner natural pool design to non-profit facility toilet design, up to resort complexes, educational facilities, and even large municipal wastewater treatment needs. Below is a listing of services and individual projects offered by John Todd Ecological Design. Services: Ecological Restoration Environmental Planning Workshops Lake Management Natural Wastewater Treatment Sustainable Water Management Agricultural Eco Parks Individual Projects: Natural Swimming Pool Oceanfront Natural Wastewater Treatment Watershed Management Aquatic Restorer Educational Eco Machine
	Permaculture Activist PO Box 5516, Bloomington, IN 47407 812-335-0383 In 2007, the Permaculture Activist celebrates 22 years of support from their readers, the co-designers of a regenerative human culture. In North America's leading (and the world's longest-lived) permaculture periodical, you'll find information about: permaculture design, edible landscaping, bioregionalism, ecovillage design, cooperative action, aquaculture, natural building, earthworks, forestry, energy, soils, agriculture, urban sustainability, renewable energy, regeneration & restoration, plant nurseries, seed sources and many practical solutions to the challenges of Real Life. Here are just a few of the things that you’ll find on their website: read articles, watch free PC videos, obtain information about the Permaculture Design Course, and get links to Environmental Websites, Databases, and Directories.
	The Permaculture Research Institute 31 Rulla Road Sisters Creek 7325, Tasmania, Australia Ph: 61 (0)3 6445 0945 admin@tagari.com The Permaculture Research Institute (PRI) is an international non-profit charitable organization working with communities worldwide to expand the knowledge and practice of integrated sustainable agriculture. Using the whole-systems approach of Permaculture Design, The Institute provides solutions for permanent abundance by training local people to become leaders of sustainable development in their communities and countries.
	Round River Design LLC 36 Crombie St, Burlington, VT 05401 Michael@RoundRiverDesign.com Round River Design, LLC is committed to practicing regenerative ecological design. Through a whole systems approach and through strategic collaborations, they are developing and implementing solutions to the ecological, economic, and social challenges that face our communities. Round River Design is a full service consulting firm. Click here for all design services offered.
	Tagari Publications 31 Rulla Road Sisters Creek 7325, Tasmania, Australia Ph: 61 (0)3 6445 0945 admin@tagari.com "Tagari" is a Tasmanian Aboriginal word meaning, "those of us who are gathered here" or "us mob". They began in 1978 as a community of people who worked and lived on eighty acres of swamp land in Stanley, Tasmania, researching and experimenting with Permaculture concepts. The development of sustainable design principles began here and together with the establishment of the Permaculture Institute, was the catalyst for the birth of the Permaculture ethic, which has since spread worldwide. The Permaculture Design Course is for anyone interested in gaining skills and perspective for sustainable living and productivity. Click for details on the next course.
	Teal Farm 410 Camels Hump Road, Huntington, VT 05462 802-434-4749 TFinfo@tealfarm.com Teal Farm is a future-looking farm, ecological preserve, and residence seeking to prototype perpetual agriculture and energy systems capable of meeting regional food and energy needs within the tumultuous conditions of global warming, fluctuating energy supplies, and an oil-dependent global economy. Teal Farm comprises a 1300-acre northern hardwood watershed, with streams, ponds, and high mountain pastures. The farm buildings are currently under renovation to run entirely on a state-of-the-art integrated renewable energy system and to express the art of ecological design at its best. Agricultural activities include extensive permaculture orchards, annual gardens, seed-saving, and a grazing partnership with Maple Wind Farm, a grass-fed meat producer. Teal Farm is a living laboratory and model, intended to create a physical platform for collaboration and innovation around issues of global relevance. Teal Farm is a project of LivingFuture, a non-profit foundation and project collaborative whose mission is to create conditions perpetually conducive to life, and to expand human creative capacity.
	Whole Systems Design 66 Dean's Mountain, Moretown, VT 05660 802-496-3128 design@wholesystemsdesign.com Whole Systems Design develops and designs learning landscapes and inspirational settings. They plan and install sustainable food systems such as edible landscapes and ecological agricultural systems. Whole Systems Design constructs and designs garden buildings and biologically-integrated hardscapes. They also integrate water, heating, cooling and electrical systems within site developments. Whole Systems Design aims to design places so that lines between the 'human' and the 'natural' disappear. Their practice is a systems approach to developing whole human habitats (integrated landscape-building systems).
	Yestermorrow 189 VT Route 100, Warren, VT 05674 802-496-5545, 888-496-5541 designbuild@yestermorrow.org Yestermorrow Design/Build School inspires people to create a better, more sustainable world by providing hands-on education that integrates design and craft as a creative, interactive process. Yestermorrow’s courses are specifically designed to demystify the designing and building processes using hands-on, experiential learning to teach students the art and wisdom of good design and the skill and savvy of enduring craftsmanship as a single, integrated process. Yestermorrow is unique in its professional field. Since 1980, nationally-recognized instructors have been teaching all aspects of the building arts and trades to present and future members of the design/build team: student, homeowner, designer and builder. Courses are intensive and engaging, challenging students to solve complex design problems through the integration of the design and construction processes. They offer a low student-to-instructor ratio, allowing individualized instruction and personal attention. Click here for a listing of current course offerings.

Publications

Chelsea Green Publishing
P.O. Box 428, 85 N. Main Street, Suite 120, White River Jct., VT 05001
802-295-6300

Founded in 1984, Chelsea Green Publishing is regarded as the preeminent publisher of books on sustainable living. With well over 400 titles in print, its best-selling titles include:

Books on the politics of sustainability including the National Bestseller "Don't Think of an Elephant,” "The Man Who Planted Trees,” "The Straw Bale House,” Eliot Coleman's "The Four Season Harvest” and "The New Organic Grower.” A number of inspirational non-fiction trade titles, including "Gaviotas,” "This Organic Life,” "Believing Cassandra” and "A Cafecito Story.”

Chelsea Green titles have received numerous awards, including ALA and Booklist Notable Books of the Year, the John Burroughs Medal, James Beard Award finalist, Garden Globe Award. Click here to visit Chelsea Green’s bookstore.

Green Living Journal
Ellen@greenlivingjournal.com

Green Living has been publishing environmental news since 1990. Their focus is on the practical and positive: most articles focus on how the reader can help the environment or improve their health.

Ellen Shapiro is the South Burlington-based publisher of the Champlain edition of Green Living Journal. She has a masters' degree in business administration, worked in investments for an international financial giant, and lived an intense urban life before discovering the green joy that is Vermont.

Renewable Energy

	LivingFuture 410 Camels Hump Road, Huntington, VT 05462 802-434-4749 LFinfo@livingfuture.org As a not-for-profit foundation and project collaborative, LivingFuture's mission is to mobilize human genius toward the design of a future that is physically, culturally, and perpetually conducive to life. Such a far-ranging mission casts the spirit of innovation squarely in an ethical context, calls for new skills of collaboration across disciplines, and encourages design and thinking that render current systemic problems such as global warming, species extinction, and social inequity, obsolete.
	NRG Systems PO Box 0509, Hinesburg, Vermont 05461 802-482-2255 info@nrgsystems.com Since 1982, NRG Systems has been making products to help their customers measure and understand the wind. They take great pride in delivering precise, reliable, and proven wind assessment and turbine control equipment. NRG has a commitment to developing the best technology, improving our world and protecting the environment. Wind is changing the way power is produced…NRG Systems is there. Click here to find out how the wind produces electricity, facts and figures about wind energy and more.
	Radiantec P.O. Box 1111, Lyndonville, VT 05851 1-800-451-7593 info@radiantec.com Radiantec can help you to use the sun's energy. First, Radiantec Company will work with you to help you decide what type of solar heating system is right for you considering your climate, building site, budget, and other factors. You might want just simple domestic hot water, which would make sense in any climate and with any building style. On the other hand, you may decide on a complete solar heating system that can provide 95% of your heating and hot water needs; or something in between might make the most sense. After you decide what's best for you, Radiantec Company will design the system into your project and give you a complete material specification and price quotation. Once approved, they will deliver the system in preassembled kit form for installation along with detailed instructions that can be understood by a competent, do-it-yourselfer. A contractor or heating professional would certainly have no difficulty.
	Renewable Energy Vermont PO Box 1036, Montpelier, VT 05601 802-229-0099 info@revermont.org Renewable Energy Vermont (REV) is working to bring about an intelligent transformation from a foreign fossil fuel based economy to an economy increasingly based on our own renewable energy. Here's how: Strengthening VT Renewable Energy Businesses - Vermont needs a strong renewable energy industry to provide the equipment, expertise and leadership needed to transform Vermont's energy supply. REV is working within the renewable energy industry to build business networks, partnerships, and provide professional development training and support. State Energy Policies - REV is the only organization dedicated solely to working toward increased renewable energy use in Vermont. REV is continually working to see that Vermont enact policies and legislation that promote renewable energy. PSB Proceedings - REV is working to ensure that the VT Public Service Board enacts public energy policy that supports local renewable energy. Education - REV is committed to providing renewable energy education to the schools and communities of Vermont. REV is raising public consciousness about the many benefits of the hydro, wind, biomass, solar, and geothermal energy produced in Vermont. REV as a Resource - REV is comprised of renewable energy companies, institutional and academic partners and concerned citizens of Vermont. REV member businesses are leading experts in helping homes and businesses generate their own clean power and heat. Contact REV to locate your local renewable energy professional. REV members are available to speak to schools and civic groups on the many benefits of renewable energy.
	USA Solar Store PO Box 133, Perkinsville, VT 05151 solar@usasolarstore.com USA Solar Store’s main goal is to bring renewable energy and sustainable living to everyone. Their next goal is to assist in the development of the cottage industries and services and training necessary to wean ourselves away from fossil fuel addiction. Here you'll find lots of great information to help you get informed about making the switch from energy efficient lights to the latest in appliances, to solar panels and battery systems, composting toilets to water heaters, and everything in between. USA Solar Store holds periodic workshops right at their stores on Solar and Wind installation for the do-it-yourselfer or for people who just have an interest in how it all works. A lot of people are also interested in making a career in the renewable energy industry and workshops give them an affordable entry into the world of alternative energy products, design and proper installation procedures. They also cull out potential installers from these groups. Free course material is presented and collateral course materials are available to students at cost. Call for the current schedule. Click here for a store directory.