![The Persian ice house, or how to make ice in the desert](https://i0.wp.com/fieldstudyoftheworld.com/wp-content/uploads/2017/05/DSC07975.jpg?resize=100%2C65&ssl=1)
![Rammed earth construction at a future ecocenter](https://i0.wp.com/fieldstudyoftheworld.com/wp-content/uploads/2017/01/DSC07754-e1490491952519.jpg?resize=200%2C200&ssl=1)
Rammed earth construction at a future ecocenter
Rammed earth is a popular sustainable building technique, and the key to building a quality rammed earth structure is understanding the materials.
![Building a permaculture community at Bosque Shambala in rural Mexico](https://i0.wp.com/fieldstudyoftheworld.com/wp-content/uploads/2016/10/14364709_979167975528036_3311381735331091303_n.jpg?resize=200%2C200&ssl=1)
Building a permaculture community at Bosque Shambala in rural Mexico
Bosque Shambala is a growing community that can show Mexicans a self-sufficient alternative to crowded and competitive city life.
![Earthships and off-grid living on Taos mesa](https://i0.wp.com/fieldstudyoftheworld.com/wp-content/uploads/2016/09/14067476_959455930832574_1217666717381862327_n.jpg?resize=200%2C200&ssl=1)
Earthships and off-grid living on Taos mesa
Earthships have become the symbol of off-grid living, but the key to successful off-grid living lies in understanding design principles and the environment.
![Silent challenges of Indian reservations](https://i0.wp.com/fieldstudyoftheworld.com/wp-content/uploads/2016/06/DSC03975.jpg?resize=200%2C200&ssl=1)
Silent challenges of Indian reservations
I recently volunteered at an Indian reservation and learned a lot about the problems of Native Americans and reservations – and something about solutions.