About Us

The Last Straw is a platform to share and explore ideas of a better world through the lens of building methods and materials. In the face of climate crisis and increasing alienation from each other and the Earth, we believe another world is possible.

Our goals are to bring a critical perspective to conventional practice, imagine alternatives, and connect designers, builders, and dreamers. We offer both an uncomplicated introduction to alternative building, and a rigorous review of the latest developments. We learn from the past and present to help each other build a more autonomous future

For over 25 years, The Last Straw was the only international journal dedicated to natural building and ecological design. It was started as a collective effort by straw bale builders Matts Myhrman and Judy Knox in Tucson, Arizona in 1992. Since then twenty-four editors, three publishers, and countless contributors have continued the long conversation about alternative ways of building and living.

The magazine began during the natural building revival of the 90’s, but a publication like this is needed now more than ever. In the fall of 2020 a group of friends got together to bring new life to The Last Straw. Catch up on where The Last Straw has been and join us in imagining the world we want to live in!