Major savings also come from extensive use of recycled materials. Lumber for interior walls, plywood for the loft, sinks, tubs, etc. could all be salvaged or bought inexpensively at yard sales. Besides lowering costs, these alternative building methods are also environmentally friendly. The poles are a renewable resource native to the region and require minimal processing and shipping. Straw is another locally available and renewable resource featured in this project.
Straw bales provide superinsulation to reduce utility costs.
Sandbag foundations are used here as an alternative to concrete. Earth is another prominently featured material because it is user friendly and probably causes less environmental impact that any other material. It is interesting to note that adobe floors in the Taos Pueblo in New Mexico have lasted over 600 years. This eliminates having to replace linoleum and carpet every 15-20 years. These natural materials also create a healthier indoor climate by avoiding off-gassing of toxic chemicals.