In a message dated 1/4/2008 2:00:49 AM Central Standard Time, [log in to unmask] writes: > I'm uncomfortable with the idea of living in "a liquid _hydrocarbon_ > (http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Hydrocarbon) that is commercially > manufactured from > _petroleum_ (http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Petroleum) ." Benzene is used in > the production of polystyrene and that creeps me out too. > > I'm not, > "looking for kudo's from the granola and windmill society and the > amalgamated brotherhood > of Tofu, Birkenstocks, and Panama red" That's OK ; you just answered "why" of "who what where and why" for structures; so you want an environmentally friendly green structure; Hat bale and something called "Cobble " are two popular building methods; cobble is more or less adobe . ..you need however for the long run a dry climate ..and a concrete foundation ..but you mix straw and clay mud together with a bob cat on a driveway (this is particular as to which and how much mud you use and which straw) plus you can add type s lime, gravel and so on; place into a form; or mold into blocks; then here is that word again you "stucco" but cobble has a long setting time I will forward the title of the cobblers bible and also one on Hay Bale when I get out back to my studio .....but you still could do poured walls with slip forms using lime mortar (which is green) or use even natural cement, but with all this stuff TEST....if it was easy and cheap and worked well everybody would be doing it ....I too would be concerned about polystyrene if I was exposed to it; but encapsulated under stucco I don't see it as a problem .....Py ************** Start the year off right. Easy ways to stay in shape. http://body.aol.com/fitness/winter-exercise?NCID=aolcmp00300000002489 -- To terminate puerile preservation prattling among pals and the uncoffee-ed, or to change your settings, go to: <http://listserv.icors.org/archives/bullamanka-pinheads.html>