Article on Ghana using Coconut Palm as a Sustainable Material

http://www.bioone.org/doi/abs/10.2112/04-0371.1?journalCode=coas

Article on Alanu Coco Peats

This site was interesting to see the process in which the material was made into what looked like fiber sheets, or padding that can be used as insullation for buildings as well as out door applications.

http://www.alamucocopeats.com/strength.html

Article about the productivity of the Tree

This link has information of books on the material, and how great this wonder tree really is for the world of sustainablity.

http://botany.suite101.com/article.cfm/the-coconut-palm--probably-the-worlds-most-productive-tree

Some interesting info on coconut palm

This article talks about how the tree is used by the people where the tree grows naturally

www.dtmag.com/Stories/Weird%20Stuff/04-05-whatabout.htm

Here is a link to a sustainable product made of Coconut Palm tree

www.plyboo.com/durapalm.html

I thought it was really interesting that I finally found a company that manufactured sustainable products with this materials.

Coconut grass??

In some research I found out what how the actual coconut is sustainable in design. I would have never thought of it but the almost hair like material on the exterior part of it is actually used for packing material, and insulation. I would assume that it would take a lot of them to insulate a house but if you think about it, for where these trees grow, mostly in a tropical environment, a house wouldn't need that much. Now, in order to get the material off, you need to peel off the external skin and pull it appart until you reach the core, which contains the milk. Just another thing that this tree has to give for the community it grows in.

Personal views

From what my research, vacations especially to the Carribbean, I have seen first hand what the locals use the Coconut palm for in there habitats. Some would say that the reason for the palm to be sustainable is because you can use the entire tree for something, an almost no waste use for it. The outer layer of the tree, or the husk, is used for roof sheeting, flooring, furniture, etc, it is the most durable part of the tree. The inner part, or the core, is used for eating, I actually tried it, not so bad, hearts of palm. The leaves, or the top, is used for things of a lesser importance, for instance baskets, clothing, insulation, etc. That is the entire tree. Locals after they use the tree, I noticed that they plant a new one after. So this is helping the argument"Is it sustainable".