Building With Nature; Professional Networking Newsletter

Carol Venolia, Publisher/Editor

If “progressive construction” can be defined as pushing the tools and techniques of conventional builders in the direction of less environmental destruction, then Building With Nature’s material goes beyond progressive, into the forefront of visionary thinking about construction. This bimonthly newsletter, now entering its second year, offers essays, directories of resources and organizations, and a calendar of events. Carol Venolia is particularly interested in finding the “elegant solutions” that bridge the potential gap between the interests of low-toxicity and resource efficiency in buildings.

While much of the material may be too far on the fringe for the tastes of some mainstream builders, others will find it inspiring and even challenging. The philosophical essays about the interrelationships between buildings and the earth are accompanied by more practical material on particular styles of earth-friendly and healthy-house construction. The newsletter provides a wide range of coverage and viewpoints. At one extreme, an essay on forestry practices in the May/June 1992 issue suggests going back to the use of “two-person saws and horse carts,” an idea that just doesn’t seem relevant to the needs of contemporary builders.

On the more practical side, the newsletter is full of nuts & bolts information about low-toxic (Ms. Venolia points out that the term “non-toxic” just isn’t realistic) construction. For people suffering from what has been termed environmental illness (EI), the Nov./Dec. 1991 issue provides a useful summary of “low-toxic building materials,” and suggestions about individualized testing for potential problems. For owner/builders interested in healthy and environmentally-friendly construction some elegant solutions have been covered, such as David Easton’s rammed earth buildings in the Jan./Feb. 1992 issue.

As a networking newsletter, Building With Nature has a lot to offer. Carol Venolia gets around in this country, and shares her many contacts freely. While weighted a bit towards the west coast, her network is spreading to eco-builders, and their supporters, nationwide. If you’re interested in joining the healthy homes movement, or if you appreciate some mind-stretching philosophizing about house-building, Building With Nature may be just what you’re looking for.

Building With Nature; PO Box 369; Gualala, CA 95445. $45 per year for bi-monthly, 16 page newsletter. Some advertising accepted.