Design phase re-designed

I've been searching the Internet for interesting things relating to Tiny House design and I've not seen anything significant and new to include here.  I know that the Internet is vast in scope and resource so the problem must be with me.  However, Laura and I have begun talking about re-designing our design.  What I mean to say is that since we are not restricted by the 120 square foot rule, the sky's the limit.  Of course, we wouldn't want to just go crazy because then all we would be doing is trading one monstrosity for another.  Remembering why we started this project...

Laundry Pod for use in a Tiny House

Here's a new idea that you might like.  The Laundry Pod.  I found this on Facebook because the Tiny House Blog posted it on their Facebook page.  It's a hand powered/man powered washing machine for washing tiny loads of laundry.  It's pretty cool for light use.

Pumping ions: gyms generate clean energy from muscle power | Eartheasy Blog

This is too cool to pass up. I found this link while reading on the Eartheasy.com website blog about creating our own power from exercise machines. Of course, like so many of these interesting ideas, this concept is still in it's infancy and needs some real engineers to work out (hahaha) the mechanics of how to convert and capture the energy that we expend while riding an exercise bike or an elliptical, but it's possible. I would guess that this really cool idea will not take off because most people don't want to fool around with the mechanics of the collection. Most will just as soon jump on the equipment and workout. I would consider this "working off" my energy consumption requirements. Shoot, if'n this could charge my cell phone or laptop, I'd be real close to zero emissions in no time. Of course I'd have to add a space in the Tiny House for an elliptical or spin bike to be used as a generator, but the additional space would be well worth the modification for self sufficiency.

Building a Composting Toilet

Derek Diedricksen is an inventor and author of Relaxshax blog, discussing a topic that is very personal to all of us.  Derek has been world famous for his You Tube videos like the one in the second half of this post.  "Deek" has a real good time creating and sharing both projects and his videos on You Tube that most of us would never consider.  I have seen a number of his videos and each one will leave you smiling if not laughing out loud.  You can more of Derek's adventures on You Tube by searching for videos relating to Tiny Yellow House.

After two years of eco-living, what works and what doesn't...

Susan Carpenter has written an very informative article titled, "After two years of eco-living, what works and what doesn't" for the Los Angles Times that has been picked up by a number of newspapers including the Advocate Messenger here in Danville, KY.  This article is very well written and is based on first hand experience providing clear results on some clever ideas for sustainable living.  I like this article for the clarity and perspective it brings to each of the items that have been addressed and I highly recommend reading this one.

Thanks for stopping by.  Let's get out there and make it a great day!

Micro Hydro-Power Bucket

Yup, I have another post for today because this is simply too cool to let it go without showing you guys!  This project is a little expensive but you can build a back up power source for about $400.

I found this news on The Tiny Life blog where Ryan Mitchell has been sharing some really great stuff. Ryan lifted it from the Vancouver Hack Space and this video is just under three minutes but it looks pretty good.  Special thanks to Ryan and those people at the VHS.

As a side note, Ryan also has some great design ideas posted that enable someone to use all the space in your Tiny House.  Pretty creative.  I especially like the idea for the location of a tub, if'n I was going to have a tub that is.  Check it out!

Thanks again for stopping by.  Let's get out there and make it a great day!

Now here's something you don't see everyday...

I was reading my daily email from Mother Earth News when I came across a reference to a book that may be of interest to many involved in Tiny Houses.

This book is titled Holy Shit, Managing Manure to Save Mankind by Gene Logsdon.  I looked this book up at Amazon.com and it is available from them as well.  It looks like it could be pretty good and a direct reference for those of us interested in maintaining a Tiny House off the grid, without connections to the giant utility companies.  You might want to check it out...

Thanks again for stopping by.  Let's get out there and make it a great day!