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| Students till a plot on the grounds of the Lyle Center for Regenerative Studies. |
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| A university student checks to make sure a large solar panel is pointing toward the sun at the Lyle Center. |
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| A young visitor eats his peanut butter sandwich in a hut made of rice bags during the Earth Day celebration at the Lyle Center for Regenerative Studies in 2006. |
The John T. Lyle Center for Regenerative Studies is hosting a timely series of eco-friendly workshops for the average Californian. In conjunction with the Real Goods Solar Living Institute, a long-time leader in hands-on environmental education, the Lyle Center offers a diverse, cumulative week of sustainable living workshops from July 31 to August 6, with all classes running from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m.
These workshops offer tips on how to work with nature rather than against it, using simple strategies and easily obtainable materials. Courses are as follows:
- Introduction to Natural Building?From July 31 to August 1, attendees will focus on creating natural buildings using natural materials, particularly straw-bale construction and other alternative building materials.
- Ecological Urban Gardening?On August 2, attendees will learn how to create an effective and ecological garden space in the city, using sustainable urban gardening methods such as planters and rooftop boxes.
- How to Make and Use Biodiesel?On August 3, students will explore an effective alternative to fossil fuel. Biodiesel is made of raw or used vegetable oil or animal fats and can be used in diesel engines.
- Water Recycling?On August 4, workshop attendees will receive an overview of aquatic sciences and learn more about alternative wastewater treatment and storm water capture and storage.
- Introduction to Grid-Tied PV Systems?On August 5-6, students will learn how to effectively beat rising energy costs by installing a photovoltaic solar energy system that ties directly into home electrical grids.
A changing world creates new challenges, and the Lyle Center specializes in proposing effective responses that support a healthy living environment. To register for the Solar Living workshops, visit www.solarliving.org or call (707) 744-2017. For additional information, contact the Lyle Center at (909)869-5155. Workshops cost $120 per day, or you may sign up for the entire series and receive $100 off.