(continued from page 44) that have found popularity here. Several houses have been constructed with AAC, which is autoclaved aerated concrete, or locally known as Aerblock. This is a very durable, malleable, and light-weight material that is quite versatile in its use. Rastra blocks are ICF's (insulated concrete forms) that are made from recycled materials, and these have been used quite a bit here.
One of the more unusual materials being used for building is papercrete, which is made by re-pulping waste paper in a slurry of water, then adding some sand and Portland cement to make it more solid and durable. Papercrete can be fashioned into building blocks, poured into forms, or used as a plaster for strawbales or earthbags.

What makes much of this alternative building possible at this end of the San Luis valley is the fact that our county government has not implemented strict building codes. Neither the local ranchers, many of whom have been here for multiple generations, nor the transplanted denizens want such control over their building choices. Our County Commissioners have talked about installing building codes, but there is considerable resistance to it.

Hopefully it will remain this way, since we clearly need to evolve lifestyles and habitats that contribute to the well being of all of God's creaturesÉand we need to do so in a manner that preserves the natural resources for centuries to come!