Dan Chiras has dedicated over 30 years to studying sustainability and applying his knowledge of solar energy, natural building, and green building to his own residences. For the past decade, he has shared his practical insights through writing, lectures, and workshops. His lifestyle is characterized by a turn towards natural resources like the sun and wind to meet his family's needs, famously ceasing to pay electric bills in 1996.
Action for a Sustainable Future
This book helps students make sense out of the complex issues of environmental science. It encourages students to explore underlying themes common to all environmental problems and to consider a whole new generation of creative, long- lasting solutions. Through numerous examples, it gives students a sense of the solutions to the complex mix of environmental challenges facing North America and the rest of the world community.
Shows the vast potential for passive heating and cooling and explains in methodical detail how today's home builders can succeed with solar designs.
Human Biology, Sixth Edition, provides students with a clear and concise introduction to the general concepts of mammalian biology and human structure and function. With its unique focus on health and homeostasis, Human Biology enhances students' understanding of their own health needs and presents the scientific background necessary for students to think critically about biological information they encounter in the media. The completely revised content and exceptional new art and photos provide students with a more user-friendly text, while excellent learning tools maximize comprehension of material.
Focusing on homeostasis, this updated edition of Human Biology is tailored for undergraduate non-science majors. It explores human anatomy from cellular structures to organ systems, emphasizing the interplay between humans and their evolutionary and ecological contexts. Dr. Chiras encourages critical thinking about the scientific process, while the emphasis on health allows students to evaluate their own well-being and adopt healthier lifestyles. This comprehensive approach makes complex biological concepts accessible and relevant to everyday life.
A Complete Guide to Healthy, Energy-Efficient, Environmental Homes
The Natural House is a tour of the construction, costs, and pros and cons of fourteen natural building methods. Straw Bale, Rammed Earth, Cob, Cordwood, Adobe, Earthbags, Papercrete, Earthships…whatever the method, the common goal is to create a house that is economical, energy efficient, nontoxic, soothing to the soul, kind to the environment, and pleasing to behold. This comprehensive sourcebook offers in-depth information that will guide your search for the perfect sustainable dream home. It is a must for home builders, contractors, and architects.Author Dan Chiras shows how you can gain energy independence and reduce your environmental impact through passive solar heating and cooling techniques, solar electricity, wind power, and micro-hydropower. He also explains safe, economical ways to obtain clean drinking water and treat wastewater, and discusses affordable green products.While he's an unabashed advocate of natural building techniques, Chiras takes care not to romanticize and to alert readers to avoidable pitfalls. His detailed, practical, and ecologically sound advice can save tens of thousands of dollars, whether you are buying, building, or renovating a natural home.