Grey Water Trial: Flushing Sink Water
I thought it would be a good idea to catch our sink water to use to flush the toilet. Here’s what I’ve learned…
OFF GRID
Helpful tips for living without electricity, without municipal water supply and sanitation services.
Wild Foraging: Mayapples
I was so excited when I finally learned what the umbrella-like leaves that are popping up all over the forest floor are. Especially that they have edible fruits!!
Earth Oven
Over the weekend we got to watch a couple demonstrate how to bake in an Earth Oven. I was fascinated by the entire thing, and asked a ton of questions. Here’s everything I learned about how to make your own earth oven and use it to bake delicious breads!
Hand Washing Clothes – Easiest Method
Today I did all of our laundry by hand. It was actually kinda fun! And I learned a few things that will help it go more quickly next time.
Save Money and Conserve Water With Low Flow Faucet Adapters
Here’s one cheap and easy step we’ve taken to reduce our water usage in preparation for going off grid.
Considering Non-Electric Alternatives: Part One
What we’ll run on solar power, what we won’t, and some alternatives we’ve considered for off-grid cooking, refrigeration, and water.
Smart Meter Controversy *UPDATE*
Too many people know nothing of the dangers of this new technology that is quietly being installed in every home across the United States. Get informed! *Update* How we refused the Smart Meter.
How To Dry Purslane and Turn It To A Powder
Learn how to use this super food as a nutritional and delicious replacement for cornstarch!
The Best Hand Pump For A Deep Well
Not all hand pumps are created equally. Some are only for shallow wells. Some cannot be used alongside a submersible pump. And some have a lot more options than others. I’ve done my homework, and have decided upon my favorite hand pump for emergency back-up…
Wild Carrots, Queen Anne’s Lace, And Deadly Hemlock
Learn to spot the difference between a wild edible and a dangerously poisonous weed. Then try these recipes for wild carrots and Queen Anne’s Lace Jelly!
Scrambled Eggs with Purslane. Huevos con Verdolagas
A delicious way to use purslane, a nutritious, edible weed you might have growing in your garden!
Purslane: A Weed You’ll Find Most Useful
This “weed” is super nutritious, and is packed with Omega-3 fatty acids and tons of essential vitamins. Not only that, but it tastes great, too!! Here’s what I’ve discovered about purslane, and why I won’t be pulling it out of my garden beds anymore!
Are Wild Strawberries Edible?
I’ve always heard that wild strawberries were poisonous, so I’ve been telling my kids not to eat the ones we have growing in our yard. But then I read somewhere that they were actually delicious and safe… so which is it? Here’s what I’ve learned…
No More Couch Potatoes: The Benefits of Going TV-Free (and How to Do It!)
I am so glad the day finally came… You know, the whole DTV switch day.