Earth friendly homes

Properly done, strawbale homes offer an affordable, earth friendly way of building. I saw one close to where I live don with the small bales and the r-value is estimated to be about 60-70. I'd like to do one with the large square ones as the r-value is supposed to be 100 plus. I heard of one in our province. They said it was a bit difficult to get approved, but they have it completed. It can be done if you have enough money as did the people that built it. It is still difficult but getting easier. Earthbag building is good but not in the northern climes as it get rather cold and the r-value of non pumice earth bags is low. Our land in the Philippines has nice clay and rice straw is readily available. The clay might be difficult for earthbag building but adobe bricks are enticing. I can't wait to spend some time there to try. If I can find some local clay where I live, I might try a small structure in my back yard. All a guy needs is the time and the resources.