Re-Using Shipping containers for building

Here is a post I saw recently on using shipping containers, with some interesting photos and explanatory text:

http://jodyforehand.wordpress.com/2011/02/11/ship-me-a-building-used-shipping-containers-as-architecture/

Its worth checking out.  Although not officially "GREEN"  it does fall into the category of recycling and helping to save the planet by re-using, upcycling items that have become waste products and no longer useful and are creating immense landfill problems.

This is the same type of concept that lies behind earthships (which are built with used types).


EXTRACT:

"....first, to use these as occupied buildings, you have to insulate them, heat and cool them, add electricity and add plumbing. All of those elements will encroach on the already cramped dimensions if you have to fit these elements within the exterior skin, but it can be done. The walls between units can also come out, and the ceilings and floors can be removed to create multiple volume spaces, but any more extensive demolition of the framing begins to break down the cost effectiveness of the system as well as the “green” benefits of reusing these containers......"

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Here are a few more useful links I found for further reading: 
Twelve amazing shipping container houses -  http://green.yahoo.com/blog/daily_green_news/8/twelve-amazing-shipping-container-houses.html
http://www.shipping-container-housing.com/shipping-container-drawing.html
http://www.greenhomebuilding.com/articles/containers.htm
http://www.fabprefab.com/fabfiles/containerbayhome.htm
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Shipping_container_architecture

Repotting container plants

The most encouraging way to grow container plants is to start off in small containers and repot as the plants become root bound.

If you make your own compost, choose an area nearby to do the repotting.

Repotting indoors always makes more mess than you intend.

First choose a suitable container that's bigger than the existing one and isolate enough mature compost to nearly fill it. Then gently squeeze the sides of the existing plant, loosening the soil in the existing plant. Usually the plant will come out easily.

Careful not to disturb the roots too much, gently squeeze and release some of the old soil, making the root base more loose.

Place some mature compost in the bottom of the new container with a couple of small stones and place the plant on top of this. Gently support the plant so that the stem is not damaged. Then whilst supporting the plant fill up the container on all sides with mature compost. Finally add some loose mature compost to the base of the stems for a fresh covering.

Its best to water a plant before repotting to avoid stress and to avoid planting during the heat of the day. In the evening, is best and gives the plant the whole night to recover and settle in.

At the time of repotting you can also do necessary maintenance such as pinching back, taking cuttings, dividing the plant if necessary and removing old leaves and flowers.

Taking care to repot to a size just bigger than the last allows the plant to thrive without much disturbance and not feel dwarfed in a huge container before its ready for it.

Another reason for repotting occasionally is to provide fresh natural nutrients from mature compost instead of adding artificial fertilizers.

Yesterday I repotted a cherry-tomato plant as it was stuggling to grow with the constant strong wind outside. I put it in a bigger pot and brought it indoors, to the kitchen window. I also popped in a growing clove of garlic for a companion.

Growing our own food - naturally

The importance of growing our own food is vital for so many various reasons:

• No unnecessary packaging therefore no additional, unnecessary landfill (Plastic trays, plastic film wrap, price labels etc).

• No irradiation to make the food last longer, look fresher even though its old - straight from the garden to the table
• Fresh food from the garden - no expiry dates and no wastage - pick only what you need and leave the rest for another day. More vitamins and nutrients because its fresh. More tasty therefore less seasonings to spice it up.

• No preservatives

• Variety not whats in the shop

• No genetically modified fruit and veg in your garden. Buy only naturally produced seed.

• Natural seed that produces natural seed.

• No pesticides - use natural / biodegradable methods and companion planting

• Peelings straight to your own compost heap / chickens. Enhance your soil with your own natural organic compost.

• Utilise the seeds from the plants you pick. Eat some, send some back to the garden

• If you produce more than you can eat, share with friends and family and neighbours.

• Too much even once you share, then make your own jams, preserves, pickles, frozen etc and you still have more to share.

• Re-use every possible container you get from the shops to grow seedings. Keep every glass jar bottle for the jam and pickles you are going to make.

• Grow as large a variety of plants as you can, even things you dont like yourself.

• Grow lots of herbs - they are natures medicine and can be used for human and animals. Onions, garlic and nasturtium contain natural antibiotics. Chilli's and peppers contain lots of Vit C. Herb tea's straight from the garden are low in tannins.

No matter how small an area you have access to you can produce some much fresh food you will be astounded. Even using container growing or hydophonics. A little daily care, good soil, water and light and you are growing healthy food.

We are what we eat.