Composting For All - Book Review

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Nicki Scott released the second edition of Composting For All in 2004; obviously this is a popular publication within the UK, and it is certainly affordable. Here is one booklet that practices what it preaches - the cover is printed on 80% recycled material and the inside pages are printed on 100% recycled paper. I thought the front cover's image of mom, dad and young girl happily tending to a compost bin near their bountiful garden and lush yard was quite cute.

Thirty-two pages and seventeen chapters (including the introduction and resource sections) are filled with sketches and illustrations by Bob Gale. This short booklet explains what composting involves in a simple way and terms like vermiculture and aerobic bacteria become less confusing. Learn how to begin composting safely wit little hassle. Discover old and new composting methods from hot and cold composts, fermentation methods and vermiculture. He even discusses compost activators (those that increase decomposition process) and how to reuse an old chest freezer to make a worm bin. The booklet closes with a very small reference section for readers to contact eleven associations and publications to further their journey in waste reduction.

I enjoyed his discussion about the amazing array of life forms are supported by composting activities, and the final product that encourages healthier green spaces, gardens, balcony and roof gardens and flowerboxes in our communities. This results in a wonderful bio-support system to help the other critters that share our world, and healthy plants that clean our air.

The suggestion that most appealed to me was substituting leaf compost for peat requirements in our gardens. I had no idea that many commercially bagged compost actually contain peat. Environmentalists will tell you how important it is to avoid using peat-based products, and alternatives such as ground coconut husk have been around for some time.

Cities concerned with stressed landfills offer compost bins or worm bins to help people handle organic waste. Unfortunately the training available for citizens to use is not always readily available. This is what makes books like these so valuable to our society.

Nicki Scott has authored two booklets, one book and a video on composting and other methods we can all employ reduce waste. He has served as the chairperson for the Community Compost Network in the UK.

Author: Nicki Scott
Illustrator: Bob Gale
Publisher: Green books (UK)
ISBN: 1-903998-23-9

~ Lillian Brummet: co-author of the books Trash Talk and Purple Snowflake Marketing, author of Towards Understanding; host of the Conscious Discussions radio show (http://www.brummet.ca/)

Feng Shui For Architecture - Book Review

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Feng Shui for Architecture: How to Design, Build and Remodel to Create a Healthy and Serene Home
By Simona F. Mainini, Dr. Arch.
Founder and President of Feng Shui Architecture, Inc. Beverly Hills, CA

Feng Shui for Architecture by Simona Mainini is a handbook for builders, homeowners, professional designers, and architects. There is valuable advice for each group to be found within its covers, not the least of which is her desires to "assist homeowners and professionals in designing houses with 'good' Feng Shui from the start instead of trying to put a bandage on problems or make patchwork corrections after the fact."

Ms. Mainini is a graduate of Milan, Italy's Polytechnic School of Architecture and interned with Eric Lloyd Wright in Los Angeles, CA. She studied with Master Larry Sang founder of the American Feng Shui Institute, where she also became a teacher. This book can be used as a reference for home/office design and furniture or as a check list for those of you who are planning to build or buy.

After an interesting discussion on the history and development of feng shui the subject turns to what feng shui can and cannot do, how to choose a consultant and a short discussion on western styles of feng shui that have become popular of late. The relationship between architect and feng shui practitioner can be fraught with misunderstanding. The author provides some valuable insights on this relationship. After all, both professionals want the same result, a beautiful building that functions well and provides an environment conducive to productivity and health.

In the following chapters the applications of feng shui to architecture are outlined. From the beginning step of selecting the site through designing the interiors, the building energy, customizing the building, to construction and timing are covered. Qi, the basic life force practitioners work with, is often difficult to explain. Here it discussed in terms that are easy to understand and connections are made to other culture and even modern physics. Yin and Yang, the forces that we balance in the environment, and the 5 element transformations, one of the ways we accomplish this balancing and the 8 trigrams/lo shu are also covered.

Concepts presented in the book are illustrated with photos and real case studies. This format makes it easier for the reader to relate to the information. You are not just told to do this or not to do that, but what might happen if you do. After covering topics such as land elevations, soils, plantings, water features, the different types of shas (negative energy), building shapes, doors, square footage, various rooms in the house, and more, Ms. Mainini gives a quick peak into more advanced theories such a 8 mansions, which matches occupants with specific buildings and flying stars, which take into consideration the element of time.

This is a handy and well written book for anyone interested in traditional feng shui and its application. If I had to make a criticism it would be that the black and white photos were not as sharp as I wished for. But that is indeed a very small thing. Go find this book and read it today.

Diane Kern has been trained in the ancient art of Feng Shui in the traditional method. The knowledge has been transmitted through 13 generations from Masters to student via an apprenticeship of extensive study and practical field experience. Ms. Kern was included in a small group of students selected by her Master for advanced training. She is a member of an international team of experts, Alliance Feng Shui, whose resources can be called upon to accomplish your goals.

Ms. Kern assures the privacy and confidentiality of clients. Your name will not be used for advertising or referrals. The culture of integrity, respect and discipline instilled by her Master ensures you a productive working relationship and attention towards successful completion of your goals.

http://dianekern.com/