The PeaceWeavers, a non-profit educational organization, will host its 6th Annual Natural Building Colloquium, called “Building With Spirit,” from July 26th through August 1st at the Thunder Mountain Retreat Sanctuary in Bath, N.Y. The sanctuary, located at 8125 Crouse Road, will be the site of workshops, how-to demonstrations and presentations on topics pertaining to natural building, like alternative fuels, log cabin construction, living roofs, building with hemp and a host of other topics.
The event aims to better our environmental impact by teaching individuals about more sustainable building and living practices. The sessions will be taught by experts in the fields of green building and renewable energy, hoping to reduce the greenhouse gas emissions that plague the environment.
Currently, residential, commercial and industrial buildings account for 48 percent of the annual greenhouse gas emissions, according to a Systemic Evaluation and Assessment of Environmental Performance report. Moreover, the construction of a new home produces five tons of waste, creating the need for greater awareness of these sustainable building initiatives. “Natural building aims to reduce impact at the source thus decreasing the role that the building sector plays in global warming,” said Kevin Connors, principal architect of “Building With Spirit.”
This event will teach participants all about resource-efficient methods of construction and using renewable materials, like earth or straw, that doesn’t create more pollution or consume more fossil fuels. Participants won’t just learn about these things, however — they get their hands dirty with personal experience using these building styles. “‘Building With Spirit’ provides an excellent foundation for people to expand their knowledge and enthusiasm for participation in what has grown to be a multi-trillion dollar global restoration economy,” Connors said.
The event isn’t all work and no play though. At night, participants break for a nice meal and a chance to do yoga, listen to music, or just bond with the other people with whom they’re spending the week.
Since the event takes place completely in the great outdoors, participants should arrive between 1PM and 5PM on Sunday, July 26th to set up their campsite. Opening ceremonies will begin at 5PM, followed by dinner. Registration costs $725 for adults, $525 for college students and $325 for kids aged 5 to 17. There are discounts for registering before July 15th! For more information or to get a registration form, head over to the PeaceWeaver’s Web site for the colloquium.
(Photo courtesy of Paula Connors, the PeaceWeaver’s director of outreach for Buffalo.)