Lowimpact.org have developed a number of online courses in our range of topics. We worked with specialists to provide 2-3 hours of video content for each course, backed up with text, images, charts and diagrams – everything you need to get started and to succeed in the topic of your choice.
The courses are now free. Below is a list of our current courses in alphabetical order.
Straw-bale building
This straw-bale building online course contains a range of documents and videos by the UK’s top straw-bale builder, Barbara Jones.
The course covers all aspects of straw-bale building, from foundations, walls and roofs to tools, internal fittings and plastering, with lots of tips and inside information. View this course >
Natural soaps
This natural soaps online course is all you need to get a background in soap and soap-making, learn to make a range of different soaps and even set up your own soap-making business.
The course represents excellent value – as well as the entire text of our book, Make Your Own Natural Soaps, there are over 100 minutes of videos to accompany every aspect of the book, so that as well as reading about the processes, you can watch videos of exactly how it’s done. View this course >
Solar electricity
This solar electricity online course is for anyone interested in the theory or practice of obtaining electricity from the sun. It covers everything you need to know if you are thinking of installing your own system, and provides all the background information you need if you are having a system installed by a professional.
The course represents excellent value – there are over 200 minutes of videos to accompany pdf documents containing text and diagrams, so that as well as reading about the processes, you can watch videos of exactly how it’s done. View this course >
Weaving
Weaving is a great way to create beautiful handmade items for your home and wardrobe without the need for any existing craft skills. It is a simple technique in its most basic form and very versatile.
Use your weaving to make scarves, pictures and even clothing. Although not a requirement, if you spin too you have the added bonus of being able to create things from the very beginning, sheep to scarf! Weaving is something that both adults and young people can enjoy. View this course >
Spinning course
This spinning online course is about how to spin yarn: but not only that. It looks at the wide choice of fibres available and helps you to choose the right spinning tool for you.
The course represents excellent value – as well as 13 pdf booklets, there are over 120 mins of videos to accompany every aspect of the booklets, so that as well as reading about the processes, you can watch videos of exactly how it’s done. View this course >
Low-impact money
This free (massive, open) online course at Masters-level will enable you to understand the past, present and future role of money in society. Are you concerned with the banking system? Bemused or fascinated by Bitcoin? Starting a local currency?
Whereas most courses on money are intended for people with an economics background or banking future, this course is for people who are interested in understanding money from a social innovation perspective – it prepares the ground for answering how to create a better future by reshaping money and currency. View this course >
Compost toilet
This online course contains over 3 hours of video, plus an entire e-book on how to build, purchase, use and maintain a range of different compost toilets.
This course explains how to build a range of different compost toilets, from the very basic to luxury models. It includes the large-scale – a toilet block for a campsite; and the small-scale – a toilet extension for a house, plus retrofitting a compost toilet indoors. View this course >
