permaculture

["Marsha Hanzi" <hanzibra@svn.com.br>]

Hello Ava--

Yes, the cactus slime is really very efficient, and is  as simple as that.
I will forward your letter to a Brazilian NGO (Tibá) which works constantly
with these questions.  I think they will be able to give you  more details
as to quantities, etc.  They told me that jyust by throwing some cactus pads
into a water tank they were amazed to see that the tank in fact became
waterproofed.

Best wishes!
Marsha Hanzi
Instituto de PErmacultura da Bahia
http://www.geocities.com/oliarte


----- Original Message -----
From: Ava Devenport <essenheal@iname.com>
To: permaculture <permaculture@franklin.oit.unc.edu>
Sent: Tuesday, April 11, 2000 4:00 PM
Subject: Plant based latex


> I have been doing a self-funded research project over the last year for
the
> Southwest Solar Adobe School in New Mexico.  Basically, I've been working
> with milkweed (asclepias incarnata), a plant that I have found to be
> extremely hardy and versatile, high in latex content.
>
> My purpose regarding this research is to develop a 'green' stabilizer and
> waterproofing agent to replace the asphalt emulsions and Portland cement
> that is used in Adobe brick and Rammed Earth construction, both
high-energy
> consumptive, as well as chemically allergenic.  Milkweed proves to be a
> plant that can be cultivated, thus adding to the agricultural community as
> an alternative crop.  Previous and ongoing research has been utilized by
> the Natural Fibers Corp., using the floss as an insulation material
> (milkweed has a long history of this use), the latex has been proven
> hypo-allergenic and the possible source as a domestic rubber replacement
in
> making latex gloves, etc., and the seed meal left over from the pod and
> fiber has proven it can be used as an alternative for methyl bromide to
> control nematodes that damage potatoes, tomatoes and peppers.
>
> I am now collecting other research.  Has anyone on this list been using
any
> type of plant based materials for waterproofing, adding solar mass, etc.?
> I would appreciate the opportunity of gleaning any insights you may have
> available, any trials you've done or consider doing, and any results you
> have compiled, good or bad.  I do know that they have been using some
> Prickly Pear Cactus in parts of Mexico, but know one I've communicated
with
> has had any data other than "chop it up and add some of the slime to your
> clay".  Thanks to all, I appreciate it.
>
> Blessings,
> Ava
>
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