The Chalet Leitchelbach -like this page- is currently under construction and taking group reservations for instruction. To further the below long winded (thanks for reading by the way) cause Chalet Leitschebach offers theoretical and practical instruction either at our site (for little to no cost) or yours (site permitting) for individuals or preferably small groups.

These include but are not limited to:

Natural insulation options and methods
Clay and lime plasters how to make, mix, pigment and apply your own or store bought
Cord wood walls
Moroccan Tadelakt
Lath and reed walls
Natural white wash and how to make it waterproof
Radiant heat floors/walls
Grey water recycling
Composter building and how to use it
Rainwater collection systems

As the cost differential between standard and green supplies narrows, going green is becoming standard practice rather than a fad.

When it comes to 'green' or ecological home improvement one hears many reasons not to do it:

"It's much harder"
"It takes so much longer"
"It's too expensive in labor and materials"
"I have no idea where to start or how to do it"
"I am NOT bringing dirt INTO my house"
"It won't last as long"
"No one wants brown walls"
"Won't it just fall off after a year or two?"
And so many many more...

My answer is fairly simple "If an ecological mindset is part of the project process from the beginning, then there are only reasons to do it."

Green renovation in general is not more difficult or more expensive, it lasts longer, won't just fall off the walls and allows for more creativity rather than less.

It is very clean process in that few to no chemicals or harmful materials are used and environmentally as most materials can simply be disposed of in the garden or more importantly reused.  

Do you know what goes into modern building supplies, paints, carpets and coverings?  Do you want to know?  With a green mindset you control exactly what goes into your living sphere. Depending on the project you will wind up with substantially less indoor air pollution than conventional new homes and renovations.
Chances are you are going to live in your home for many many decades.  Using natural materials only makes sense.

Sure, building green can be challenging; but for almost every problem there is a creative solution.  

Planning and knowledge are key! A green home renovation project big or small should give thought to not only initial cost, embodied energy and composition of materials but also to the long term health of the inhabitants.