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Newsletter #2

We're back at it again with some more neat tidbits we think you'd like. Issue #71, the comeback issue, is still in the workshop. Until then please follow the links and the bread crumbs we've left to what's fascinating us nowadays. As always, we hope The Last Straw can be a platform to share and explore ideas of a better world through the lens of building methods and materials. Join us as we bring a critical perspective to conventional practice, imagine alternatives, and connect designers, builders, and dreamers. Let us know what you think and if you're working on something you think we should share!

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The Rocky Mountain Natural Building Conference
Last month many of the superstars and young lions on the natural building movement converged in Moab, Utah to share stories, give updates, and play with mud! We attended and will cover this event in our upcoming issue, but this article gives you some hints.

What's a Colloquium? (movie trailer)

Speaking of the superstars of the natural building movement, this brief movie sheds some light on the origins of the revival. Young and old talk about where the movement's been and where it might go, all with a backdrop of awesome projects in progress and folksy tunes. We've linked the trailer here, but the full movie is free to watch on Vimeo.

An Open Letter from Greta Thunberg and Vanessa Nakate
Greta and Vanessa wrote a plea for major media outlets to talk about the climate crisis with real urgency. Here they emphasize how politicians are failing us and how important is it for everyone to realize what's at stake.

Building Sustainability Podcast: Circular Economy in the Built Environment
This episode of Jeffrey Hart's natural building-and-more themed podcast focuses on the importance of repairing and renovating existing buildings as part of a circular, regenerative economy. Jeffrey's guest, Duncan Baker-Brown, also emphasizes how builders and designers need to do this now and not rely on COP26 to lead meaningful change.

A Message from the Future of Paradise
We're all about imagining alternatives to dominant paradigm of infinite industrial growth, and this short film beautifully illustrates one alternative. After being ravaged by wildfire, a community in California comes together to rebuild in a way that supports people and the planet.

Let us know if you hear of cool projects, interesting news, or if you're up to something we should share!

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