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Ecocomposite ('e-kO- käm-'pä-zit) n.
|| <Gr oikos
house + L com together + ponere to place> ||
A composite is a solid material composed of two or more substances having
different physical characteristics and in which each substance retains its
identity while contributing desirable properties to the whole, an ecocomposite
is:
1. a combination of all natural materials, such as a split cane fly
fishing rod
2. a combination of natural or recycled fibers with natural or recycled matrix
material, such as wood fiber and recycled plastic lumber
3. a combination of synthetic materials which is nontoxic and easy to fully
recycle
David A. Bainbridge
Associate Professor, Sustainable Management
United States International College of Business
Alliant International University (AIU), San Diego
The Search for Sustainability
The Straw Bale Revolution
In 1985 I did some consulting work on energy efficiency in housing for pigs
(they are as sensitive as we are and get irritable if they are hot or cold). I
ran across a couple of articles on straw bale buildings, which my former boss
Jon Hammond had been advocating in the 1970s. I had recently learned about the
problem of rice straw disposal and this time around it made sense. I wrote the
first of many articles on straw bale buildings in 1985 and it was published in
1986 in the international journal Agriculture, Ecosystems, Environment. I
also began talking about straw bale buildings and writing articles at every
opportunity. I thought it might take 25 years to jump-start the straw bale
revolution, but it took less than 10. The permaculture movement played a
critical role in the early years as integrated ecological design was just common
sense to these pioneers.
In 1989 we held the first straw bale building workshop in Oracle, AZ (not far
from the multi-hundred million dollar folly Biosphere II). I wrote the first
crude book in 1991 with the help of Bill and Athena Steen and an improved
version in 1992 all on newsprint to keep the cost low. Steve MacDonald, Matts
Myhrman and Judy Knox were also on the straw bale trail in Arizona and New
Mexico and after Matts visited the historic straw bale buildings of Nebraska we
all were energized. In 1992 Matts and Judy launched The Last Straw - the
journal of straw bale construction, which was their labor of love for many years
and has played a pivotal role in the revolution. They also began teaching
outstanding workshops around the country. By 1994 when Chelsea Green published
our book “The Straw Bale House”, with the added insight of David Eisenberg,
the worldwide movement was increasing. This book has now sold almost 100,000
copies and helped people around the world discover the beauty and elegance of
straw bale building. David Eisenberg has almost single-handedly taken on the
Herculean task of bringing sustainability and alternative building materials
into the international building codes. Today there are building codes for straw
bale buildings in many cities, states and countries; and there are now 8 major
books or publications on straw bale building and a number of good videos. A
1500 square meter straw bale building was recently completed in Australia, and a
1600 square meter winery is under construction near Healdsburg, California. High-rises
will follow.
By 1995 I was partly burned out from work on straw bale and had assumed a new
position teaching at United States International University (now
Alliant International
University) where developing a
curriculum and program in environmental studies based on problem solving
required 70-90 hours week after week. My role in straw bale diminished, but I
remain active as time allows. Students at USIU (now AIU) built a straw bale amphitheater
and several have worked on straw bale projects.
Towards the Era of Ecocomposites
An ecocomposite material is made of natural materials that are non-toxic and
biodegradable. Early composites were almost all ecocomposites and would
relatively quickly degrade into compost. Imagine what's left after a birch bark
canoe is left in a field for ten years compared to a fiberglass boat (a modern
composite). Ecocomposites have been used for thousands of years, including such
things as sinew backed bows, birch bark
canoes, snowshoes,
and straw/clay buildings. Modern work on ecocomposites has increased in recent years but most
engineers and material development specialists are unfamiliar with traditional
materials such as linen (flax),
hemp and natural resins (cashew
nutshell resin) and recent developments
such as waste based plastics made from chicken
feathers. Ecocomposite materials
for packaging and protecting sensitive equipment during shipping can also be
made using natural materials such as puffed millet (popcorn has occasionally
been used) and natural binders such as starch, shellac or hide glue. Modern
ecocomposites that are still used and gaining favor include linoleum
(which has solid
wear resistance),
natural fiber panels used in cars
(Grown
to Drive?) and paneling and trim used in architecture and
interior design. More
Info.
Today, with the Internet and world wide web I expect the ecocomposite revolution
will proceed even more rapidly. Come join us!
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