In order to get a better understanding of some of the more sustainable technologies available, I took out some books from the public library including this one on rocket mass heaters. Rocket mass heaters are slow release radiant heaters that use dried firewood as fuel. The system uses a narrow, well insulated chamber to maintain a clean, hot fire. Because the fire burns sideways at very hot temperatures, the design actually burns the smoke leaving almost pure steam and a little mineral ash. What makes it unique is that they provide quick radiant heat and steady stored heat. The system is easy to lay out and install, it can be designed and built using “local, earth-based recycled, and reclaimed resources” ( p.2). A lot of the structure can be built using cob and an old metal barrel. The major appeal of rocket mass heaters is that it can offer a great heat source while living off-grid. I found the book easy to read with reasons why one would choose a rocket mass heater and directions on how to make one. I think these are a cool technology because not only are they easy to make, they burn significantly less wood than traditional fireplaces/woodstoves and produces less CO2. A lot of homes on reserve rely on wood stoves and upgrading to something like this would be a lot cheaper than installing a new central heating system while still remaining sustainable. The book even had information on building codes and navigating them in Canada. It was very comprehensive and enlightening.