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VOLUNTEER IN BRAZIL AT A PERMACULTURE FARM

Tag: sustainable living

  • Celebrating the Atlantic Forest and Mountain Culture in the Heart of Nova Friburgo: Agroforestry, Environmental Education, Volunteering and Adventure Sports

    Celebrating the Atlantic Forest and Mountain Culture in the Heart of Nova Friburgo: Agroforestry, Environmental Education, Volunteering and Adventure Sports

    [vc_row css=”.vc_custom_1739379399395{margin-right: 30px !important;margin-left: 30px !important;}”][vc_column][gap size=”30px” id=”” class=”” style=””][/vc_column][/vc_row][vc_row css=”.vc_custom_1740408802641{margin-right: 30px !important;margin-left: 30px !important;}”][vc_column width=”1/2″][swmsc_text_block id=”” class=”” style=””]Is it possible to connect Agroforestry, Environmental Education, Volunteering and Adventure Sports? Read this article and find out if so!

    The month of May invites us to take a closer look at one of Brazil’s greatest natural treasures: the Atlantic Forest. On May 27, we celebrate National Atlantic Forest Day — more than just a tribute, this date is a call for awareness and collective action for the preservation and regeneration of nature that still survives among the mountains of southeastern Brazil.

    And if there’s one place where this call is taken seriously, it’s at Eco Caminhos, our ecofarm located in the mountainous region of Nova Friburgo, Rio de Janeiro.

    🌿 A Living Forest That Needs Care

    The Atlantic Forest is home to around 72% of Brazil’s population and has already lost over 85% of its original vegetation. Even so, it remains one of the most biodiverse biomes in the world, with unique species of fauna and flora. Nova Friburgo is part of this ecosystem and therefore demands special attention.

    Preserving what’s left and restoring what’s been lost requires practical action, ecological education, and a new perspective on how we produce, consume, and live. At Eco Caminhos, we practice active environmental regeneration through agroforestry systems that mimic the natural functioning of forests, eco-friendly bioconstruction using local materials, and permaculture as both a philosophy and a lifestyle.[/swmsc_text_block][gap size=”30px” id=”” class=”” style=””][/vc_column][vc_column width=”1/2″][swmsc_image_gallery border_radius=”0″ border_width=”0″ border_color=”#e6e6e6″ image_margin=”40px” image_size=”full” columns=”1″ grid_type=”masonry” image_text=”none” hover_icon_color=”#ffffff” hover_icon_bg_color=”#f8b54e” title_text_size=”20px” title_text_color=”#555555″ caption_text_size=”16px” caption_text_color=”#777777″ caption_border=”off” id=”” class=”” style=”” image_ids=”27340,27339″][/vc_column][/vc_row][vc_row css=”.vc_custom_1739379399395{margin-right: 30px !important;margin-left: 30px !important;}”][vc_column][swmsc_image_gallery border_radius=”5px” border_width=”0″ border_color=”#e6e6e6″ image_margin=”20px” image_size=”full” columns=”3″ grid_type=”none” image_text=”none” hover_icon_color=”#ffffff” hover_icon_bg_color=”#f8b54e” title_text_size=”20px” title_text_color=”#555555″ caption_text_size=”16px” caption_text_color=”#777777″ caption_border=”off” id=”” class=”” style=””][gap size=”30px” id=”” class=”” style=””][swmsc_text_block id=”” class=”” style=””]🌱 Eco Caminhos: Environmental Regeneration and Social Transformation

    Caring for the Atlantic Forest is not a campaign — it’s our daily routine. At our farm, we don’t just admire the forest — we work daily to regenerate it.

    We are an ecofarm founded on permaculture principles, nestled in the mountains of Nova Friburgo. Here, we live and promote an integrated approach to sustainability that includes:

    Our work goes beyond the land: we positively impact the local community, promoting social inclusion, environmental education, and offering opportunities for youth and adults to reconnect with nature in a practical and transformative way.[/swmsc_text_block][swmsc_image_gallery border_radius=”0px” border_width=”0″ border_color=”#e6e6e6″ image_margin=”20px” image_size=”full” columns=”2″ grid_type=”masonry” image_text=”none” hover_icon_color=”#ffffff” hover_icon_bg_color=”#f8b54e” title_text_size=”20px” title_text_color=”#555555″ caption_text_size=”16px” caption_text_color=”#777777″ caption_border=”off” id=”” class=”” style=”” image_ids=”27341,27343,27344,26962″][gap size=”30px” id=”” class=”” style=””][/vc_column][/vc_row][vc_row css=”.vc_custom_1739379399395{margin-right: 30px !important;margin-left: 30px !important;}”][vc_column][swmsc_image_gallery border_radius=”5px” border_width=”0″ border_color=”#e6e6e6″ image_margin=”20px” image_size=”full” columns=”3″ grid_type=”none” image_text=”none” hover_icon_color=”#ffffff” hover_icon_bg_color=”#f8b54e” title_text_size=”20px” title_text_color=”#555555″ caption_text_size=”16px” caption_text_color=”#777777″ caption_border=”off” id=”” class=”” style=””][gap size=”30px” id=”” class=”” style=””][swmsc_text_block id=”” class=”” style=””]🏔️ Free Mountain Festival: Sports, Culture, and Nature in Harmony

    This year, the Free Mountain Festival added even more meaning to May. Held at Espaço ARP and in the mountains of Nova Friburgo, the event celebrates outdoor life and mountain culture with activities like trekking, climbing, trail running, along with environmental talks, cultural exhibitions, and open-air cinema.

    More than a sporting event, the Free Mountain Festival proved that it’s possible to combine adventure, art, culture, and environmental responsibility — creating experiences that both inspire and raise awareness.

    Eco Caminhos strongly believes in this type of initiative. Seeing so many people connect with nature and exchange knowledge reinforces our belief that change is already underway — and can gain even more strength through unity and purpose.

    Check out the event website: https://freemountain.com.br/[/swmsc_text_block][swmsc_image_gallery border_radius=”0px” border_width=”0″ border_color=”#e6e6e6″ image_margin=”20px” image_size=”full” columns=”2″ grid_type=”masonry” image_text=”none” hover_icon_color=”#ffffff” hover_icon_bg_color=”#f8b54e” title_text_size=”20px” title_text_color=”#555555″ caption_text_size=”16px” caption_text_color=”#777777″ caption_border=”off” id=”” class=”” style=”” image_ids=”27345,27346″][gap size=”30px” id=”” class=”” style=””][/vc_column][/vc_row][vc_row css=”.vc_custom_1740408854358{margin-right: 30px !important;margin-left: 30px !important;}”][vc_column width=”1/2″ css=”.vc_custom_1740579636539{margin-right: 100px !important;padding-right: 50px !important;}”][gap size=”30px” id=”” class=”” style=””][gap size=”30px” id=”” class=”” style=””][swmsc_image link=”#” lightbox=”true” target=”_self” lightbox_type=”image” align=”left” alt=”” title=”” border_radius=”0px” id=”” class=”” style=”” src=”27342″][/vc_column][vc_column width=”1/2″][gap size=”30px” id=”” class=”” style=””][swmsc_text_block id=”” class=”” style=””]🌍 Sustainability in Practice: Our Local and Global Role

    Eco Caminhos is a space for ecological and social transformation. We welcome volunteers, apprentices, and tourists from all over the world who come to learn, teach, and live a new way of connecting with the Earth. By regenerating the soil, planting trees, building homes with earth, and living in community, we are writing a new narrative for the planet — and it starts here, in the Atlantic Forest.

    We believe that preservation doesn’t happen alone. It takes partnerships, events, education, and the active presence of the community. That’s why we celebrate every movement that values our mountains, our forest, and our mountain culture.[/swmsc_text_block][/vc_column][/vc_row][vc_row css=”.vc_custom_1731520578623{margin-right: 20px !important;margin-left: 20px !important;}”][vc_column][gap size=”30px” id=”” class=”” style=””][swmsc_text_block id=”” class=”” style=””]🤝 The Future Depends on Our Choices

    The Atlantic Forest needs more than protection — it needs engaged, connected people willing to change the way they live. That’s what we seek at Eco Caminhos. And that’s why every visit, every festival, every volunteer, and every tree planted matters.

    If you believe in this path, come visit us. Join us as a volunteer, apprentice, or guest. Help regenerate the forest and build a fairer, more sustainable, and nature-connected future.
    🌐 www.zieplay.com[/swmsc_text_block][vc_single_image image=”27074″ img_size=”large” css=””][/vc_column][/vc_row]

  • Taioba: The Green Treasure of Agroforestry

    Taioba: The Green Treasure of Agroforestry

    Taioba, a leafy green native to South America, is a key player here at Eco Caminhos farm due to its health benefits and usefulness within agroforestry. This plant can be found in kitchens across Brazil, Africa, and Trinidad and Tobago. In this article, we will explore the wonders of taioba, from its ecological role to its culinary applications.

     

    taioba leaves in a crate with natural cob walls in the backgroung

     

    Taioba and the Agroforestry System

    Taioba (Xanthosoma sagittifolium) serves various functions within agroforestry systems. Amidst the diversity of plants, taioba not only thrives, but also helps maintain soil moisture and protect against erosion, thanks to its large leaves. Taioba leaves act as a living mulch, helping to keep the soil fluffy and moist. This characteristic is essential for protecting tree roots and providing shade for small coffee seedlings, creating a more favorable environment for their initial development.  Its presence contributes significantly to the health of the ecosystem, promoting biological diversity and agricultural sustainability.

    In the pictures to the right you can see our agroforestry systems (SAF) at different stages. In the newly planted SAF (left), it is easy to see how taioba creates shade for the coffee seedling below. The more mature SAF (right) shows inhame which serves a similar role as the taioba amongst a larger diversity of more mature plants. Be warned that the inhame leaf, while similar in appearance and function within agroforestry to the taioba, is not safe for consumption; however, inhame root is edible and delicious. 

    agroforestry system with inga, banana, taioba, and coffee
    See how taioba interacts with other plants in a five month old agroforestry system
    a mature agroforestry system with eucalyptus, banana, inhame, lemongrass, and coffee. Developed using permaculture systems
    The inhame plays a similar role to taioba here in this mature agroforestry system

     

     

    Health Benefits & Preparation

    In addition to its functions within an agroforestry system, taioba is a rich source of essential nutrients. Rich in vitamins A and C, calcium, and iron, taioba offers significant health benefits, including strengthening the immune system, promoting eye health and maintaining healthy bones and teeth. Furthermore, its low calories make it an excellent food to include in balanced diets.

    However, taioba requires proper preparation because it contains oxalic acid. Oxalic acid is also found in foods like spinach and other leafy green vegetables. When consumed in large quantities, oxalic acid can cause irritation to the mucous membranes. Proper preparation of taioba, mainly through cooking, nullifies these adverse effects, making it safe for consumption. Traditionally taioba leaves are consumed cooked in stews, soups, or pies. When cooked, this leafy green has a mild and pleasant flavor.

     

    Taioba Refogada (Stir-fry) Recipe

    Ingredients:

    • 1 bunch of taioba (1o leaves)
    • 2 cloves of garlic
    • 2 tablespoons of olive oil
    • Salt to taste

    Steps:

    1. Wash the leaves well under running water to remove any dirt or residue.
    2. Remove the stalk and cut into strips or pieces.

    3. Saute garlic in olive oil over medium heat until fragrant.
    4. Add in the taioba and salt to taste.
    5. Stir occasionally, until the taioba has reduced to about half of its original volume.
    6. After the taioba has reduced to 50% of its original volume, turn the heat to low.
    7.  When the taioba has cooked down to a texture reminiscent of cooked spinach, it’s ready to serve and enjoy!

     

  • Apprentice Program

    Apprentice Program

    Eco Caminhos permaculture farm since its foundation has received people from Brazil and across the globe to share experiences and teach people about agroforestry, bioconstruction and Eco Tourism.

     

     

    Since the beginning we also gave room to receive those we lack opportunities and resources to invest in learning opportunities. In fact our main mission is to make the world just a tiny bit more sustainable and just for everyone. We like to give you an inside of how our apprenticeship program works and give you an update about the development of our apprentices this year.

    How do we attract and select apprentices?

    We promote the apprenticeship program on our media channels and in our personal network. People can candidate themselves online. After a first screening where we check mindset, willingness to put their hands in the dirt,mental and physical health we invite them for 2 interviews. In the interview we verify first the expectations of the candidate. We want to check if the candidate understands the real conditions at the farm. A simple environment, hard work, healthy food and being outside most of the time. Also we emphasize the fact that we are in the mountains requires good physical preparation and mental preparation. We also explain the simple conditions of the farm to not set false expectation.  For us motivation and simplicity is more important than a beautiful CV.  With all the information thales (responsible for communication), Bart (managing director) and Dutra (general coordinator) decide which apprentice should come.

    Older apprentices and more woman in our apprenticeship program

    Until 2023 we called the program our young apprenticeship program and had a maximum age of 26. But we realized in 2022 that people above 26 were excluded from this opportunity. Sometimes a more mature person who has tried the job market and did not succeed to find happiness or financial stability is eagerly searching for opportunities like these. Another aspect we have worked on intensively this year is to bring more female candidates to the farm. In Brazil there is still a resistance for woman to work in the agriculture or construction sector. We believe this a shame as woman often fulfill crucial roles at our farm. And this year we succeeded to receive 3 female apprentices. 2 are currently active at the farm and 1 is on the way.

    Length of the apprenticeship program and test period

    The minimum commitment for an apprenticeship program is 3 months. We have a test period of a month. After 1 week we do a first evaluation. We check basic things such as working hours punctuality, work motivation, colleagues respect, cleaning and integration with the team. Also we have a zero drug and alcohol policy at the farm. Providing orientation at first week with several workshops, trainings and meetings we make sure the apprentice can integrate well in the program. After one month there is a crucial evaluation.  25% of candidates step out before the first month. For the 75% that stay there is a possibility to extend for another 9 months. For apprentices who conclude a 1 year program successfully we help them to get a job. And in case of Rodrigo and Wallace we contract them ourselves. Rodrigo already works with us for 3 years and has become a respected employee at the farm. We foresee the same path for Wallace who is contracted this week.

    What can apprentices learn?

    Our apprenticeship programs offer people the opportunity to learn about permaculture, agroforestry, bioconstruction and ecotourism. This is not just working in this areas but we offer theoretical training, we frequent give instruction session during the work periods. We do reflections on the things will build and grow to stimulate people to observe and react which is a crucial aspect of permaculture. Now possibly the biggest learning opportunity is that the people grow as human beings. In our individual world people can hide their flaws easily hidden in an apartment in big cities. We can run away from all our problems. At the farm not. We have no other choice than to face our flaws. Our community members, roommates or fellow residents will show us a mirror.

    Conditions for apprentices

    All apprentices are offered accommodation, food (mainly organic from own production),  and a stipend. This all with the help of a number of generous sponsors. We want to make sure that everyone is able to have all the basic needs. Health care in Brazil is free. Still often the healthcare system offers very limited services. Eco Caminhos makes sure that we use all means, network to offer the best health care services for all our workers. In the future we hope to be able to offer health care insurance. But that is still a bit too expensive for us. Apprentices also get 2 months per year holidays to recover from the hard work and to be able to  visit family and friends.

     

    Lets present our apprentices to you.

     

    Sarah, 37 years, Fortaleza, Ceara

    Sarah has been an incredible input to our farm. With an incredible mindset and work ethic. Always giving it her best. Sarah wanted to come to the farm as she learned a lot about agroforestry but wanted more practical experience. At the farm she works in agroforestry, taking care of the caddle and milking the cows, composting and general maintance. Sarah committed for 3 months as she has to go back to Ceara for commitments that has made. We already offered her a job opportunity for 2024.

    Natalia, 38 years, Buenos Aires, Argentina

    Argentina is a big economic crisis, many Argentinians are coming to Brazil to seach for opportunities. Natalia has been travelling for 4 years and thinks it was time to settle somewhere. Natalia has little experience with farming or bioconstruction. She has adapted really well. Natalia main jobs on the farm are cooking the lunch 3 days per week for the entire crew, she takes care of the caddle and milks the cows and she also likes to work in bioconstruction. As Sarah Natalia also has committed for 3 months.

    Wallace, 33 years, Xerem, Rio de Janeiro Brazil

    As mentioned before Wallace is being contracted this week thanks to his great contribution to the farm. We know Wallace from the time that Bart (founding director) was running an orphanage in the suburbs of Rio de Janeiro. Wallace announced his interest in the apprenticeship opportunity. He’s at Eco Caminho since December of 2022. Working in bioconstruction, maintance, Taking care of the cadle and milking the cows, gardening, driving and irrigation. We are very happy with Wallace at the farm. He is always ready to help wherever we need him and for this reason has become an important member of the crew. Wallace will be after Rodrigo the 2nd apprentice that we will contracting. He is very happy with his promotion and motivated to stay.

    Amadeus, 18 years, Germany/Brazil

    Amadeus is a Brazilian German who worked with us as a volunteer for 1 year. We have been very impressed by the progress he has made during one year. Amadeus worked mainly in agroforestry and his skills and motivation have developed impressively. He matured a lot, created work ethics and also socially developed incredibly. Became friends with the entire crew.  Asked us before his year was over if he could come back in the apprenticeship program and stay for a few years at the farm. We were very happy. Although he does not have the  profile of being in need we believe his presence is very important also for other apprentices. For this reason the Eco Farm will pay for his stipend. We expect him to become an agroforestry specialist in time. He is coming back in the beginning of 2024.

    Leandro 19 & João 17 years, Xerem, Rio de Janeiro

    João & Leandro stayed with us for a month. Both also lived as small children in the orphanage Casa do Caminho where Bart was the manager. Both are special and have a learning disorder. They contacted us and asked for help as both where homeless. We were very motivated to help them and the entire crew gave it their best to make them feel at home and to train them. It required a lot of patience of the team. After 6 weeks we had to end the apprenticeships of the boys. This because basic rules as the boys did not respect the basic rules of the farm and lacked motivation to learn all the techniques on the farm. It fell us very hard to let them go but we simply lack the human infrastructure to help these boys further. We like to share not only the success stories but also the difficulties we face.

    Julio, 45 years, Esperanza, Argentina

    Julio arrived yestersay from Argentina. He has experience in gardening and used to have his own vegetable garden. He also came to Brazil to find a better future and to learn more about permaculture, agroforestry and bioconstruction. We wish him an incredible apprenticeship experience with us.

    Apprentices to come…

    We have Jessika coming form Duque de Caxias, Rio de Janeiro in the next month. She will be working in the kitchen, bioconstruction, agroforestry, maintenance and animal care.

    Want to support our apprenticeship program?

    We are already generating sufficient income to cover its operational costs. However the expenses for our apprenticeship program are not covered by our income. Over the passed years several individual donors have helped us to finance this program and transform the life of individuals who just need an opportunity in life. Would you like to support someone?

    Would you like to support an Apprentice?

    Please contact us if you want more information what it cost to sponsor an apprentice and where you can make your donation.

    [ninja_form id=1]

     

  • Canadian students build a park in Nova Friburgo school.

    Canadian students build a park in Nova Friburgo school.

    Coming from Canada direct to the neighborhood of Cordoeira – participate in an action in local school, build park and participate in bioconstruction and agroforestry project in partnership with ‘Eco Caminhos’.

     

    In partnership with the social program OFFGRID we are pleased to welcome a group of students from sainteanne school in Canada to help us build a playground in a school in Nova Friburgo – Padre Rafael Municipal School, in the Cordoeira neighborhood.

    They came to help us with a lot of love, passion, enthusiasm and happiness spreading throughout our community and also giving us a hand in the mass in our permaculture project at Eco Caminhos.
    They are from many parts of the globe we have Hungarians, Russians, Spanish, Indians, Chinese, Italians, English and French all together on a mission that began on Monday, 6, where they will remain until March 22.
    This is a great opportunity for them to learn a new language like Portuguese and also about different cultures and customs.

     

     

    Bart points out that the experience is rich for both students coming from other countries and young Brazilians:

    “Here they have the opportunity to know a foreign language and understand that young people on the other side of the world are equal, are only from another culture, with different race and language, but have many similar things and make us believe that the world is much smaller than we imagine”.

    The financial resources for the construction of the School Park were part of a donation from the students and they are acting as volunteers. It’s a wonderful gesture!

    The OFFGRID project is a bilingual project that follows the vision of development of children and young people through humanized sustainable habits and skills.

    João Guilherme Wermelinger, dentist who participates in the ‘Off Grid’ project at Padre Rafael school said he is full of expectations:

    “I’m sure it will be days of discovery, hope, diversity and inclusions, served by altruism and also empathy”.

     

    The seven young students from different corners of the world are accompanied by a teacher and will also produce a documentary on sustainable tourism, which is part of the completion of their school program.

    In addition to the interventions and benefits of the school in Cordoeira, students will have agroforestry experiences, will learn about Bioconstruction, as well as leisure activities such as trails, and walks in waterfalls of the city.

     

    Opportunities like this are extremely important both for young foreigners who come to make an exchange in Brazilian lands and for the young people here, who start to see more possibilities for a better future, the importance of taking care of our environment using sustainable practices for the greater good of the community and the planet in which we live. It is a fact that this immersion will provide a new worldview to these young people and we believe that we are following the right path in search of a better future.

  • More Sustainable Doesn’t Have to Equal Less Comfort

    More Sustainable Doesn’t Have to Equal Less Comfort

    A family shares their experiences staying in Eco Caminhos’ newly-built Eco Lodge

    By Liuan Huska, eco-experience volunteer

    (Read more about the Huska family’s year-long travels through South America on their blog, Slow Camino.)

    “If you want to be nice to the environment, go ahead and build a shack in the woods, dance half-naked around the fire, and cut yourself off from the system.” This is the essence of what my husband, Matt, told me in one of our many discussions around my environmental ideals and modern reality.

    In my ideal world, I want to have a positive rather than negative impact on the earth. But the reality is that we live in a global society structured around high energy consumption, disrespect for nature, and depletion of natural resources. It’s hard, on your own, to escape living in this system.

    Given this reality, the idea of sustainable living has often been tied to the idea of sacrifice. To be kind to the planet, we think, we must sacrifice our conveniences, our meat, our flights, and our creaturely comforts like a warm house in the winter. We assume that reducing our carbon and ecological footprint means we have to go backwards along the trajectory of human progress. We have to regress to a more primitive, less comfortable, way of life.

    I still think we need to dramatically shift our understanding of a “good life” toward less materialism and consumption. But living at the Eco Lodge here at Eco Caminhos has made me question the equation of MORE SUSTAINABLE = LESS COMFORT.

    What is Eco Caminhos and the Eco Lodge?

    The Eco Lodge at Eco Caminhos.

    Eco Caminhos is a permaculture farm in the mountains north of Rio de Janeiro, within the Atlantic Forest ecosystem. Their focus is on bioconstruction (using sustainable, local, and natural materials to build) and agroforestry (integrating trees and mimicking forest systems in crop growing). They also welcome a range of people to participate and learn, including local Brazilian apprentices, short- and long-term international volunteers, and families like us.

    The Eco Lodge is the third major bioconstructed building that Bart Bijen (the founder of Eco Caminhos) and his team have taken on. When you enter the gates of the farm, located on outskirts of Nova Friburgo city, you can see the Eco Lodge perched at the top of a steep, zigzagging road into the property. It is a beautiful structure – rustic wooden outlines, stone base, earth-toned walls, vines from the green roof hanging down, and an expansive glass-lined living area opening out to a recycled-wood deck that takes in the sweep of the mountains and the Cardinot valley.

    The building in-progress. You can see the natural stone, cob, and wood.

    Since we started traveling South America three months ago, the Eco Lodge is by far the most luxurious accommodation we’ve stayed in. It is also, amazingly, the most sustainable. The building is made almost entirely of sustainable materials: locally sourced rocks, recycled wood, and cob walls consisting of a mixture of clay, sand, grass, and manure (almost all found on the property). There were some elements that had to be obtained from farther away, for example, hardwood beams (which are certified as not coming from the Amazon rainforest), various fixtures, drywall for the upstairs room partitions, and wood finishes.

    Connected to the farm’s solar net zero energy system, all the electricity we use in the Eco Lodge is renewable and carbon-free. The induction stove is electric and the hot water is powered by a solar boiler, so the building uses no natural gas. Our water supply is filtered after coming from higher-elevation mountain springs, and our waste water goes into a black-water and grey-water banana filter system directly below the house.

    The wastewater system uses banana plants for filtering.

    How does it feel to stay in the Eco Lodge?

    Warmer

    We stayed in a condo not far from Eco Caminhos for the first month of our time in Brazil, during July and August. Though this was an upper-class neighborhood, the home was built in typical Brazilian style—concrete walls, tile roof, and drafty. (Concrete, though cheap and convenient, has a huge carbon footprint.) Winters in this area are mild by Midwestern US standards, with temperatures dipping into the 40s Fahrenheit, or about 5 degrees Celsius. But without indoor heating or insulation, this translates to considerable discomfort. On some of the coldest days we wrapped ourselves in blankets, put on dance music, and did everything we could to keep warm.

    The Eco Lodge, with its thick earthen walls, holds heat in the winter and keeps cool in the summer. Despite some rainy, chilly days here, we haven’t felt nearly as cold as we did in the other Brazilian houses we’ve stayed in. Our kids have also really enjoyed tending the wood-burning fireplace, which is equipped with a fan that distributes the heat throughout the house.

    The fireplace keeps the Eco Lodge nice and warm, and also helps dry the clothes faster!

    As the world adjusts to more extreme weather, we can take inspiration from houses like these. The Eco Lodge is built with attention to the local microclimate, such as the position of the sun, the shadows of the mountains, how the water flows downhill, and wind patterns. Taking cues from nature, the goal is to work with, rather than against, the elements. By building smartly and consciously, we can preserve human comfort without further damaging the ecosystems that support us.

    Small adjustments to rely on renewable energy

    Solar energy is just that—coming from the sun. The farm produces solar energy through 16 panels installed on the roof of an all-purpose pavilion and uses solar boilers for heating water. But on days when it’s not sunny, these panels are not producing enough for everyday use. The available battery storage technology is still too expensive and ineffective to warrant the investment. While the goal is to become totally energy-independent, for now the farm is connected to the larger electricity grid. It puts solar energy into the grid when there is excess and relies on the grid when more is needed. This amounts to a net-zero energy balance.

    We take a visit to the solar water boiler above the house. It is an amazing contraption!

    For the solar water boiler, most of the time the hot water tank is not connected to the grid. There is often enough sun during the day to sufficiently heat the tank for warm showers. But if it’s a cloudy day and we want to shower, we have to remember to switch on the breaker for the water boiler to connect it to the grid and let it warm for a few hours. Otherwise, it’s a VERY refreshing cold shower. We’ve preferred to stay dirty on days when we forget.

    This is an example of the kinds of small changes we will need to make as we shift our energy systems away from fossil fuels to wind and solar energy. Like the people of Uruguay, who are leading the way in an energy transition that doesn’t sacrifice human comfort, we might have to organize our more energy-intensive tasks around the periods when wind and sun are most abundant. For me, these small shifts are totally worth the benefits of not releasing more carbon into the atmosphere and further polluting the air we breathe.

    Connected to the Earth

    The morning view from an upstairs bedroom window.

    We wake up at six in the morning to daylight breaking through the curtains and bird calls. I rub my eyes, put my feet on the acacia wood floor, and pull aside the curtains to see what views Mother Nature is gifting today. Sometimes it’s a lush world of drizzly mist, sometimes it’s bright sunshine and a breeze, sometimes it’s fluffy clouds that blanket the valley below. Often, I open the windows to look out over the green roof and take a couple minutes to breathe the crisp mountain air.

    Our kids enjoyed playing right in front of the wall-to-wall windows. Amazing view!

    After getting dressed for a day of work on the farm, I walk down the spiral staircase to see my kids playing in front of the wall-to-wall glass windows that open out to the terrace. I never get tired of this stunning view. My toes touch the cool tile and I shuffle over to the open-concept kitchen to eat breakfast.

    After breakfast, we walk the farm road up to Colmeia, where the day’s farm activities begin. This is one of my favorite parts of the day. We step out right into the middle of the farm, not quite knowing what the day holds. Maybe it will be an encounter with a cow, a good conversation with other volunteers, a reflective time planting corn among the zucchini seedlings, or the satisfying manual labor of collecting cow manure or digging a trench to start a bioconstructed toolshed.

    After a full day of work and learning, I often stop by the fields on the way home to pull a head of lettuce and some green onions to make a salad to go with dinner. Maybe we’ll have some roasted cauliflower from the fields as well, or lentils with farm-grown collard greens. It’s lovely to live so close to the food we’re eating and understand the love and respect that has gone into growing it.

    Sunset over Focinho do Porco Mountain, viewed from an Eco Lodge window.

    As the sun sets, I look over the mountain ridges encircling the Eco Lodge. There’s Focinho do Porco (Pig’s Snout), my favorite, towering over the rest in the distance. It’s a special experience to stay in a place like this, sheltered by the wood, stone, and earth that has formed right in this area over decades and millennia. I know we won’t always be in such a beautiful place, but I hope to recreate this feeling of connection to the earth in whatever places we end up calling home.