The majority of the western world is not taught to be naturally self sufficient. Farmers are the lucky few who may have no trouble adapting to a post scarcity society. However farmers have been exploited, and are taught to maximize yields for profit at any cost. Also, commercially they only … Read more
Many concerned citizens are looking for ways to reduce household costs and that are also less destructive to the environment in which they call home. Raising chickens to lay eggs is a wonderful way to get organic eggs that are cheaper and tastier than those trucked in to the supermarket. … Read more
If you already own a home that you love but are concerned about how your living impacts the environment, there are a few upgrades you can preform to reduce the amount of energy used on a daily basis and make your house into a more sustainable, green home for as … Read more
Aquaponics can be an intimidating concept for the home gardener but it really is no more difficult than caring for an average fish tank with the added benefit that you could eat both the fresh garden produce and the fish. Aquaponics is a sustainable food production system that combines the … Read more
That new paint smell may be giving you more than a short-lived headache. Common household paints contain more than 300 known toxic chemicals including gas compounds, especially glycol ethers, which are emitted from wet and dry paint. These gas compounds are known as Volatile Organic Compounds (VOCs) and contribute to … Read more
What is self-reliant living? Throughout history, indigenous peoples, subsistence farmers, religious groups and back-to-the-land utopians have all demonstrated their definition. Broadly put, self-reliance simply means taking care of the vast majority of one’s basic material needs: food, water, shelter, clothing, medicine. The current wave of self-reliant pioneers in the US … Read more
Most of the highly developed spaces that human beings create and inhabit are not exhibit biodiversity: large industrial farms, sprawling lawns, concrete-covered city blocks. When we go outside, in nature, we see examples of biodiversity and that is one reason that natural spaces are so valuable; they demonstrate to us … Read more
Eco-friendly living isn’t always so straightforward. Small efforts do add up and make a difference. Here’s 5 easy ways to reduce your carbon footprint. Eat local. The local food movement is one of the best and easiest ways to reduce your carbon footprint. Reducing the transportation costs of the food … Read more
Windmill electricity is a green, renewable energy sources that has been around for many years but like all sources of renewable energy, it has begun to rapidly make its way into modern day living. From reusable batteries made popular in the in 1980′s to the new solar panels now making … Read more
Over 270 000 organic farmers have stood up and sued Monsanto, a corporate agricultural giant. This was done with the help of the Organic Seed Growers and Trade Association. The paperwork was submitted on the March 30th, 2011. Organic Farmers Monsanto is a huge multinational agricultural biotechnology corporation, founded in … Read more
Rainwater harvesting is the collection and storage of rainwater; in countries or regions that have low rainfall it’s a significant method of supplementing water supplies. In many less developed societies rainwater is often the main source of drinking water,[1]so rainwater collection is vital. Catchment structures dating back to 3000 BC … Read more
The definition of greywater is (excuse the pun) something of a grey area. The Environment Agency in the UK describes it as ‘wastewater from showers, baths, washbasins, washing machines and kitchen sinks.’ Some exclude washing machine and kitchen sink water, or call it ‘dark grey water’, but as long as … Read more
Fuel poverty is a fact of life for many people in developing nations. They’re often reliant on buying expensive kerosene or coal, or gathering wood and dung to burn over open fires. In countries which benefit from a lot of sunshine, solar cookers are a practical and low cost alternative … Read more
One of the most promising renewable energy sources is that of geothermal power. With the flexibility to be used in many ways, from large and complex power stations to small and relatively simple pumping stations, electrical power from geothermal energy has the potential to be one of the most sustainable … Read more
Mention solar energy and we think about panels on our roof generating electricity or hot water. But have you ever thought about cooking with the heat of the sun’s rays? For many people in developing countries solar cookers are a cheap and practical alternative to cooking with other fuels. Solar … Read more