The impact we have on the earth's ecosystems can no longer go ignored. The way we live, the choices we make has an 
enormous influence on the quality of life for
The Art of Natural Building
generations to follow. The rapid degradation of our environment is compromising not only our survival, but the survival of most other living beings on the planet Earth. http://www.greenhomebuilding.com
As caretakers of this planet, we humans must take a serious look at how we acquire and utilize available resources for materials and energy. Building with nature means:
being aware of how much embodied energy exists in the materials that we use, so that we don't unnecessarily squander fossil fuels and contribute to global warming. building compactly so as to not waste materials and energy.
using materials that are biodegradable or recyclable.
designing our homes in ways that use the sun & the earth to heat & cool.
utilizing forms of renewable energy wherever possible.
A green building, also known as a sustainable building, is a structure that is designed, built, renovated, operated, or reused in an ecological & resource-efficient manner. They meet certain objectives such as
protecting occupant health;
improving employee productivity;
using energy, water, and other resources more efficiently;
and reducing the overall impact to the environment.
Building sustainably supports the human 
spirit while honoring the Earth & all her beings. We seek ecological methods to design & build homes, buildings, landscapes & lives in a thoughtful, respectful and beautiful way.
Web sites
http://www.strawhomes.com/
Home of The Last Straw Journal... excellent newsletter and info on natural building.
http://www.cobcottage.com/
Cob Cottage Company, emphasizes small scale owner-built homes, based out of Coquille, Oregon, workshops and information on cob and natural building.
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Cob_%28building%29
Cob [building] as defined by Wikipedia.
http://naturalbuildingnetwork.com/
A worldwide directory of natural builders worldwide, and more.
http://www.greenhomebuilding.com/natural_building.htm
A good introduction to natural building systems, with definitions provided for natural building techniques and various "Ask the Experts" sections.
http://www.foxmaple.com/
Fox Maple School for Traditional Building techniques, particularly timber frame, based in Maine, workshops in the New England and other locations.
http://www.grisb.org/
Geiger Research Institute of Sustainable Building - Publications, links.
http://www.emeraldearth.org/
Connect to Michael Smith and the Emerald Earth community in Northern California; workshops, workdays, several completed buildings.
http://www.caneloproject.com/
Bill and Athena Steen are authors, builders, instructors who have mastered particularly beautiful earthen finishes. Based in southern Arizona.
http://www.cobincornwall.com/
Cob in Cornwall, UK professional builders. See their projects, check their new book on cob
http://www.sgnb.com/
Seven Generations Natural Builders. Workshops in Vermont, California, Virginia, and Oregon.
http://www.barefootbuilder.org/
Cob workshops in the south-eastern region, based in Tennessee.
http://www.housealive.com/
Articles, newsletter and information on natural building. Workshops in Northwest and Mexico; based in Jacksonville, Oregon.
http://www.cityrepair.org/
Active non-profit in Portland, Oregon that uses natural building as a means for reviving and activating urban communities.
http://www.cobworks.com/
Canadian professional builders, Cob houses, workshops in British Columbia.
http://www.kleiwerks.org/
International workshops in natural building.
http://globalcircle.net/buildingmaterials.htm
Home Planet – Various natural building systems, resources, sustainable living, and more.