Paolo Ermani is someone who decided to live in tune with nature and help others do the same. From a young age, Paolo has had a strong connection to the environment and renewable energy. After working and learning from various projects across Europe, he decided to return to Italy to fulfill his dream: living in close contact with nature, minimizing his ecological impact, and sharing his expertise.

Today, Paolo is a multidisciplinary expert: a trainer, farmer, writer, and consultant who works as a facilitator and motivator for projects focused on energy planning, environmental issues, and sustainable living.

Ecological Renovation and Heating

Paolo lives in Montebamboli, in Tuscany, Italy. His home is a brilliant example of eco-friendly renovation. Instead of building from scratch, Paolo chose to refurbish an old structure, making it highly energy efficient. He installed triple-glazed windows and thermal insulation, using natural materials like lime and hemp. These upgrades help the house maintain a comfortable temperature without needing traditional heating.

Thanks to this setup and a wood-burning stove fueled by wood collected from the nearby forest, Paolo keeps his home warm without cutting down trees or using polluting energy sources, and all without spending a penny on heating.

Energy Independence

Paolo has thought of everything, including water management. He installed rainwater collection tanks to harvest water from the roof, using it to water his garden and for household needs like flushing toilets. Besides rainwater, he also collects greywater from sinks, which helps reduce water waste and allows it to be reused for domestic purposes.

To generate hot water, Paolo set up a solar collector that harnesses the sun’s energy, providing hot water all year round for showers, cooking, and laundry. As for electricity, Paolo produces part of it through solar panels, while for the rest, he relies on providers that supply renewable energy only.

The Self-Watering Garden

Paolo’s home is a real haven where nature is the star, and each day is marked by the peace and quiet that only an unspoiled environment can offer. One of Paolo’s most exciting projects is his self-watering garden, created with Alessandro Ronca, an expert in renewable energy. Together, they published the bestseller "The Self-Watering Garden: Low Maintenance, Low Water Gardening in the Countryside and Cities."

This garden minimizes water use while ensuring abundant crops, thanks to an underground pool that supplies water to the plants. Paolo grows vegetables like broccoli, cauliflower, and spinach, securing fresh, organic food all year round. He also uses a solar drying system to naturally preserve food, reducing his reliance on external resources even further, and allowing him to store dried goods for use throughout the winter.

A New Perspective on Money

For Paolo, money isn’t the goal—it’s just a tool to build a more conscious and free life. This mindset led him to create a community and a project that encourages people to rethink their relationship with material goods, prioritizing personal and community well-being.

Paolo believes that change is within everyone’s reach, as long as they have the right tools to achieve it. His story shows that living in self-sufficiency isn’t just for those with significant financial resources—it’s a path open to anyone who wants to reduce consumption and work in harmony with nature.

Paolo Ermani’s Projects

Paolo is involved in numerous projects promoting sustainability, self-sufficiency, and alternative lifestyles. One of his most notable initiatives is the "Ufficio di Scollocamento", which helps people rethink their relationship with society, work, and the financial system, offering alternatives to live more in harmony with nature and personal values.

Paolo is also a co-founder of the Parco delle Energie Rinnovabili (PeR), a center where sustainable technologies and renewable energy are tested. He regularly organizes courses and workshops here, offering practical tools for those looking to live more eco-friendly and self-sufficient lives.

In a Nutshell

Paolo Ermani’s story shows that living in harmony with nature is not only possible but also accessible and rewarding. In his slice of paradise at Monte Bamboli, Paolo has created a self-sufficient ecosystem that uses renewable energy, collects rainwater, and minimizes waste. Through his experience, which he shares in books, seminars, training sessions, and consultations, Paolo inspires us to envision a greener, more just future for everyone.