I want to thank Robert, a follower to this blog site for contributing this link to the article from The New York Times, June 29, 2009.
http://www.nytimes.com/2009/06/29/us/29rain.html?th&emc=th
Did you know that in some Western States it is illegal to capture rain water from your own roof? That the rights to virtually every raindrop was given away over a century ago?
Please read this article, it really is fascinating.
Thank you Robert for this contribution to the site. Remember one stated purpose of this blog is to offer an interactive discussion about subjects of interest, so please contribute when you can through comments and links.
Brett
Tuesday, June 30, 2009
Update - Bill Gregware - Editorial
As promised I sent an E-mail to Bill Gregware concerning posting his article "Rich Man's Energy Game" (Sunday American, June 26, 2009).
Bill was kind enough to respond to me, however he needs permission from the Editor, posting probably will not happen but a link to the paper might. Fair Enough.
I am waiting for that link, and once I have received it I will post so that you may go directly to the site.
I invited and hope that Bill will share other articles with us in the future.
Brett
Bill was kind enough to respond to me, however he needs permission from the Editor, posting probably will not happen but a link to the paper might. Fair Enough.
I am waiting for that link, and once I have received it I will post so that you may go directly to the site.
I invited and hope that Bill will share other articles with us in the future.
Brett
Sunday, June 28, 2009
An Important and Timely Editorial I want to Share With You
Today I read a most interesting editorial titled "Rich Man's Energy Game" by Bill Gregware (Sunday American, June 26, 2009).
Mr. Gregware writes in a very clear article, how the rich are taking advantage of Federal and State rebates and grants for alternative energy renovations and construction in their mansions and vacation homes on taxpayer provided money.
Taxes collected from both the rich and the poor should not benefit the wealthy who can take advantage of rebate laws.
Mr. Gregware provides several poignant examples of this waste of taxpayer money on wealthy individuals. The editorial is straight-forward but not mean-spirited.
I will be contacting Mr. Gregware asking permission to post his entire editorial on my blog.
Keep in mind I am not attacking or criticizing anyone with money or success, however, do you really think that Larry Hagman (Dallas, I Dream of Jeanie fame), who has made millions of dollars in his lifetime, needs to be compensated nearly 50% of the $700,000.00 solar panel system he has installed on his 40+ acres in California? I wonder if the money that Mr. Hagman makes from the sale of excess power, gets returned to California and Federal taxpayers, or at least donated to charities?
In many of the articles I have posted, I have spoken about the high cost of the technology and alternative energy products sold today. I have also written about companies that offer to install and maintain solar panels on your rooftops for a monthly fee.
I stated and stand firmly, "why trade one energy czar for another"?
Prices need to fall on solar panels, batteries, wind turbines and other "alternative energy technology" products before the average household can take advantage of them.
But what can one do if one does not have the money for the alternative energy products today?
I have focused on passive solar because there are many easy do-it-yourself projects that any home can take advantage of, at cost effective prices, usually only materials and your own labor.
Additionally, I have written about sustainable living practices that will help develop a self-reliant attitude and practices, rain water harvesting, storage and use for example.
Starting a home or community garden will help offset higher prices at the markets due to fuel or food price increases while providing a more nutritious vegetable or fruit for you and your family.
Many families are rediscovering home gardening. Learning how to bake from scratch and to preserve fruits and vegetables grown in your own garden will help any family save money and feel and be more self-reliant.
Are you unable to have a garden? Buying local produce from a Farmer's Market will help someone trying to support a family living in a rural economic community, while providing us with fresh produce, eggs, honey, preserves, bread and dairy products (organic milk, yogurt, cheese).
Brett
Mr. Gregware writes in a very clear article, how the rich are taking advantage of Federal and State rebates and grants for alternative energy renovations and construction in their mansions and vacation homes on taxpayer provided money.
Taxes collected from both the rich and the poor should not benefit the wealthy who can take advantage of rebate laws.
Mr. Gregware provides several poignant examples of this waste of taxpayer money on wealthy individuals. The editorial is straight-forward but not mean-spirited.
I will be contacting Mr. Gregware asking permission to post his entire editorial on my blog.
Keep in mind I am not attacking or criticizing anyone with money or success, however, do you really think that Larry Hagman (Dallas, I Dream of Jeanie fame), who has made millions of dollars in his lifetime, needs to be compensated nearly 50% of the $700,000.00 solar panel system he has installed on his 40+ acres in California? I wonder if the money that Mr. Hagman makes from the sale of excess power, gets returned to California and Federal taxpayers, or at least donated to charities?
In many of the articles I have posted, I have spoken about the high cost of the technology and alternative energy products sold today. I have also written about companies that offer to install and maintain solar panels on your rooftops for a monthly fee.
I stated and stand firmly, "why trade one energy czar for another"?
Prices need to fall on solar panels, batteries, wind turbines and other "alternative energy technology" products before the average household can take advantage of them.
But what can one do if one does not have the money for the alternative energy products today?
I have focused on passive solar because there are many easy do-it-yourself projects that any home can take advantage of, at cost effective prices, usually only materials and your own labor.
Additionally, I have written about sustainable living practices that will help develop a self-reliant attitude and practices, rain water harvesting, storage and use for example.
Starting a home or community garden will help offset higher prices at the markets due to fuel or food price increases while providing a more nutritious vegetable or fruit for you and your family.
Many families are rediscovering home gardening. Learning how to bake from scratch and to preserve fruits and vegetables grown in your own garden will help any family save money and feel and be more self-reliant.
Are you unable to have a garden? Buying local produce from a Farmer's Market will help someone trying to support a family living in a rural economic community, while providing us with fresh produce, eggs, honey, preserves, bread and dairy products (organic milk, yogurt, cheese).
Brett
Wednesday, June 24, 2009
Food Under Attack - Coast to Coast
It seems that from the east coast to the west coast food providers are under attack. In an article in the June 2009 National Geographic entitled "The End of Plenty: Special Report - The Global Food Crisis", author Joel K. Bourne says "that the world is consuming more food than farmers have been producing for the last decade", and he asks, "What will it take to grow more"?
Recently I watched an interview with comedian Paul Rodriguez (representing local farmers and farms) discussing water rights in a central California food producing valley. California's central valley growing region is one of the most productive farming areas of the country and grows almost one-third of America's produce.
Farmers are being restricted water access for farm irrigation because the water canals are breeding grounds for a particular endangered fish. I am all for doing what we can do to protect endangered species, however, I believe that food production, and the rights and well being of the farmers and workers that feed America deserve better. America cannot afford to lose any more farms or productive lands.
America's growing use of corn-based ethanol has diverted more and more fields away from human consumption to a false sense of energy independence through bio-fuel. As more farmers switch to corn crops for ethanol, subsidized by the US Government, land use for soybeans and other smaller grains is reduced significantly. One interesting note is that China, the largest user of soybeans, is now buying soybeans from Brazil and not the United States.
Water tables are depleted as water is diverted to desert cities or pumped for commercial purposes, or poisoned with agricultural residues.
Meanwhile "thirty-six conservation groups, farm organizations, local governments, and others have joined together requesting that Congress and the Obama administration take quick action to address the crisis facing dairy farmers (June 2009, Country Folks - New England Farm Weekly"). It seems "severe and prolonged low milk prices are well below the farmer's costs of production", and dairy farms are closing by the thousands in the New England States.
At any moment severe weather conditions can wreak havoc in the Midwest, our the nation's breadbox. An over-abundance of rain, hail, drought, and poor soil practices all can create another dust bowl, or massive crop failures without much warning.
It is for this reason that I suggest to all that can to start home or community gardens, plant fruit/nut trees, and berries. If you are in a community that allows you to have backyard chickens then do so. Learn how to can and preserve foods, build a backyard food dehydrator, and harvest rainwater for irrigation, gray water use or even consumption, so that you do not have to rely on city or well water in emergencies.
Keep a supply of basic food stuffs in case of natural or unnatural emergencies. Last week we had floods in Texas, tornadoes in Illinois, and fires out west. Whether the emergency is one that has you flee or stay put, make sure that you have the most basic first-aid, water, food, medicine, and clothing supplies packed and ready, in the most adverse conditions it could take days for state or federal help to arrive.
Remember that now is the time to prepare, before any emergency, so that you can remain calm and sure in your survival and sustainability.
Brett
Recently I watched an interview with comedian Paul Rodriguez (representing local farmers and farms) discussing water rights in a central California food producing valley. California's central valley growing region is one of the most productive farming areas of the country and grows almost one-third of America's produce.
Farmers are being restricted water access for farm irrigation because the water canals are breeding grounds for a particular endangered fish. I am all for doing what we can do to protect endangered species, however, I believe that food production, and the rights and well being of the farmers and workers that feed America deserve better. America cannot afford to lose any more farms or productive lands.
America's growing use of corn-based ethanol has diverted more and more fields away from human consumption to a false sense of energy independence through bio-fuel. As more farmers switch to corn crops for ethanol, subsidized by the US Government, land use for soybeans and other smaller grains is reduced significantly. One interesting note is that China, the largest user of soybeans, is now buying soybeans from Brazil and not the United States.
Water tables are depleted as water is diverted to desert cities or pumped for commercial purposes, or poisoned with agricultural residues.
Meanwhile "thirty-six conservation groups, farm organizations, local governments, and others have joined together requesting that Congress and the Obama administration take quick action to address the crisis facing dairy farmers (June 2009, Country Folks - New England Farm Weekly"). It seems "severe and prolonged low milk prices are well below the farmer's costs of production", and dairy farms are closing by the thousands in the New England States.
At any moment severe weather conditions can wreak havoc in the Midwest, our the nation's breadbox. An over-abundance of rain, hail, drought, and poor soil practices all can create another dust bowl, or massive crop failures without much warning.
It is for this reason that I suggest to all that can to start home or community gardens, plant fruit/nut trees, and berries. If you are in a community that allows you to have backyard chickens then do so. Learn how to can and preserve foods, build a backyard food dehydrator, and harvest rainwater for irrigation, gray water use or even consumption, so that you do not have to rely on city or well water in emergencies.
Keep a supply of basic food stuffs in case of natural or unnatural emergencies. Last week we had floods in Texas, tornadoes in Illinois, and fires out west. Whether the emergency is one that has you flee or stay put, make sure that you have the most basic first-aid, water, food, medicine, and clothing supplies packed and ready, in the most adverse conditions it could take days for state or federal help to arrive.
Remember that now is the time to prepare, before any emergency, so that you can remain calm and sure in your survival and sustainability.
Brett
Friday, June 19, 2009
Sustainable Living - Part 2
Sustainable living - home style. Owning your own home offers the best opportunity for beginning a self-reliant, self-sustaining lifestyle today.
Depending on where you live you can take advantage of any natural heating, cooling, sunlight or water resources to help eliminate costs and live more sustainably.
Take a walk around your property. Do you have southern exposure on your property? What is the axis of your house? Does the front door face South? East? West or North? Each offers different methods and approaches to energy and light capture. Are there tall trees on the property that might block sunlight from the house?
Is there an area that has good morning and afternoon sun for a small garden? Where does the water run off from your gutters? Is there a location close to that run-off where you can put a rainwater harvesting storage container? And if so, where would that be in relationship to the garden area location?
Do you have a spot in the yard with adequate sunlight for two or three fruit trees? If not perhaps there is enough room to plant a berry bush or two. What types of trees currently are on the property? The property that my wife and I live on have many Sugar Maple Trees that can be tapped for syrup. (In the New England area many homes tap their own trees for sale and home use).
When I lived in Southern California, almost every house I lived in had a least one Lemon Tree, or Avocado, or Plum. One house I lived in had a wonderful old Walnut Tree. Here in Connecticut, Apples, Pears, and Peaches thrive. When I lived in Colorado and while spending time in New Mexico friends and I would gather Pinion nuts (seeds) from the Pines.
The point I am making is that no matter what region of the country we live in, there are regional fruit and nut trees to add to your sustainable backyard.
What are the regulations in your community for backyard chickens? Chickens are easy to keep and fresh eggs are part of every self sustainable home. In my home we keep chickens for eggs and entertainment, free-ranging outside the barn. Some people will also keep chickens for meat (my neighbor for one), my wife and I will continue to just enjoy our chickens for eggs.
No matter where you live a greenhouse is beneficial to a self-reliant and sustainable home.
Greenhouses small and large can be built easily and inexpensively using materials available at every Home and Garden Store.
Being able to provide food from gardens, fruit and nut trees, chickens (other livestock) is essential to the long term security for you and your family. Being able to can, dry, or freeze home grown food is empowering.
Being able to collect and store rainwater as a backup to your water system for irrigation, cooling or fire protection, help to relieve the stress on wells, reduces electrical costs for pumping or commercial water bills.
So take the time to do an inventory of your home, your regional resources and local regulations for chickens. Plan to do one thing at a time in this walk toward self reliance. This will keep you focused and make it easy to complete one step at a time. An easy start is to make a call to your local town or city center and ask about regulations for chickens. Its a good and easy way to start the blood flowing for change.
Brett
Depending on where you live you can take advantage of any natural heating, cooling, sunlight or water resources to help eliminate costs and live more sustainably.
Take a walk around your property. Do you have southern exposure on your property? What is the axis of your house? Does the front door face South? East? West or North? Each offers different methods and approaches to energy and light capture. Are there tall trees on the property that might block sunlight from the house?
Is there an area that has good morning and afternoon sun for a small garden? Where does the water run off from your gutters? Is there a location close to that run-off where you can put a rainwater harvesting storage container? And if so, where would that be in relationship to the garden area location?
Do you have a spot in the yard with adequate sunlight for two or three fruit trees? If not perhaps there is enough room to plant a berry bush or two. What types of trees currently are on the property? The property that my wife and I live on have many Sugar Maple Trees that can be tapped for syrup. (In the New England area many homes tap their own trees for sale and home use).
When I lived in Southern California, almost every house I lived in had a least one Lemon Tree, or Avocado, or Plum. One house I lived in had a wonderful old Walnut Tree. Here in Connecticut, Apples, Pears, and Peaches thrive. When I lived in Colorado and while spending time in New Mexico friends and I would gather Pinion nuts (seeds) from the Pines.
The point I am making is that no matter what region of the country we live in, there are regional fruit and nut trees to add to your sustainable backyard.
What are the regulations in your community for backyard chickens? Chickens are easy to keep and fresh eggs are part of every self sustainable home. In my home we keep chickens for eggs and entertainment, free-ranging outside the barn. Some people will also keep chickens for meat (my neighbor for one), my wife and I will continue to just enjoy our chickens for eggs.
No matter where you live a greenhouse is beneficial to a self-reliant and sustainable home.
Greenhouses small and large can be built easily and inexpensively using materials available at every Home and Garden Store.
Being able to provide food from gardens, fruit and nut trees, chickens (other livestock) is essential to the long term security for you and your family. Being able to can, dry, or freeze home grown food is empowering.
Being able to collect and store rainwater as a backup to your water system for irrigation, cooling or fire protection, help to relieve the stress on wells, reduces electrical costs for pumping or commercial water bills.
So take the time to do an inventory of your home, your regional resources and local regulations for chickens. Plan to do one thing at a time in this walk toward self reliance. This will keep you focused and make it easy to complete one step at a time. An easy start is to make a call to your local town or city center and ask about regulations for chickens. Its a good and easy way to start the blood flowing for change.
Brett
Monday, June 15, 2009
Sustainable Design Concepts In New Home Contruction and Renovations
If you are planning to build a new home or renovate your current residence, there are concepts of sustainable design that should be considered before any project begins.
Passive solar utilizes the heat energy from the sun to warm rooms, provides natural light for space lighting and can be used to provide additional support or backup for household hot water systems.
Rainwater harvesting involves collecting rain water from roofs and other structures and storing for landscaping, irrigation, and gray water use.
For over the last nine years I have sold millions of dollars worth of Smart Home systems to the high-end residential home market. By high-end I mean that the bottom price of these residences are about $7,000,000.00 (counting property value).
These homes incorporated low-voltage control of HVAC, Lighting, Audio and Video Systems through-out controlled, with one-touch keypad (touch panel) technology.
I saw very little to almost no considerations for passive energy, natural lighting, water collection, and other easy to assimilate concepts of sustainable or green living designs.
Ask your Architect about his or her experience with sustainable, natural lighting, and energy saving designs for your new home construction or existing renovation. If he or she doesn't have any ideas to offer, talk to another. I have worked with many Architects and it is my experience that until they lose it (a potential project), they don't get it (new ideas and technologies).
It is only when we take a personal responsibility for the quality of our home, community and planet that change will occur. If you are planning to build a new home or renovate your current residence, there are concepts of sustainable design that should be considered before your project begins.
Brett
Saturday, June 13, 2009
Ancient Engineering - Who's Who
I just saw a fascinating show about ancient engineering that inspired me to do some additional research.
The show focused mainly on one individual, Al-Jazari. Considered to be one of the greatest and most influential Mechanical Engineers of his time, Al-Jazari lived in the 12th century (CE) in a village currently found in Turkey.
In 1206 Al-Jazari compiled a book on Mechanical Engineering called Al-Jami Bain al-Ilm Wal-Amal Al-Nafi Fi Sinat'at Al-Hiyal (in Arabic).
In his book, Al-Jazari describes fifty different mechanical devices in six different categories including water-raising devices, water clocks, mechanical washing machines, the use of a crank shaft mechanism in a machine, casting of metal in sand, and much more.
The book is considered to be one of the earliest examples of a text book in Mechanical Engineering. Al-Jazari provided assembly and construction details of all fifty of his devices so that future generations would be able to easily recreate his designs.
Several of his designs for water lifting mechanisms are still applicable today and can be used by a homesteader with a pond or water access for irrigation and above ground water storage.
It is interesting to note that his drawings of gears used to couple vertical and horizontal spin is identical to gearing used in today's Wind Power technology.
Brett
The show focused mainly on one individual, Al-Jazari. Considered to be one of the greatest and most influential Mechanical Engineers of his time, Al-Jazari lived in the 12th century (CE) in a village currently found in Turkey.
In 1206 Al-Jazari compiled a book on Mechanical Engineering called Al-Jami Bain al-Ilm Wal-Amal Al-Nafi Fi Sinat'at Al-Hiyal (in Arabic).
In his book, Al-Jazari describes fifty different mechanical devices in six different categories including water-raising devices, water clocks, mechanical washing machines, the use of a crank shaft mechanism in a machine, casting of metal in sand, and much more.
The book is considered to be one of the earliest examples of a text book in Mechanical Engineering. Al-Jazari provided assembly and construction details of all fifty of his devices so that future generations would be able to easily recreate his designs.
Several of his designs for water lifting mechanisms are still applicable today and can be used by a homesteader with a pond or water access for irrigation and above ground water storage.
It is interesting to note that his drawings of gears used to couple vertical and horizontal spin is identical to gearing used in today's Wind Power technology.
Brett
Friday, June 12, 2009
Our Goats - Pippi & Gretel
Pippi & Gretel, Mother and Daughter.
Goats are extremely smart and mischievous. It seems that whenever we left the property Pippi and Gretel would be securely behind their fences, smiling, almost winking to us; upon our return we would find both happily eating our fruit trees or enjoying the "greens" of the day from our vegetable gardens.
Our original thought was that our two new homestead members would with great gusto dine upon the poison ivy that grows about the back part of our property. Actually, they loved it! We recommend goats for poison ivy control.
My wife is not partial to goats milk, while I do not mind the taste, my hope is to learn about making goat milk products such as soap, goat cheese, and goat milk yogurt.
Choosing to add goats to your homestead will add additional work. Goats are very strong and can be hard to handle so be prepared for at least one or two wrestling matches with them at some time. Remember too that no matter how cold in winter, hot in summer, or rainy in spring livestock becomes a responsibility that can not be overlooked or ignored. Think about all possible pro's and con's before adding any living creatures to your home.
Brett
Thursday, June 11, 2009
Chickens at play
Backyard chickens provide a fun addition to any home seeking a self-sufficient lifestyle.There is nothing quite like gathering a basket of fresh eggs from the coop for breakfast. Our egg yolks are a rich golden color and the egg whites are firm and delicious.
We have a number of different breeds that are free-ranging but return to their roosts in the barn before sundown. We also have several Guinea Fowls that have seemed to have taken over security for the flock from hawks and other predators with their god-awful calls.
Check with your own local regulations and see if it is possible to have chickens on your property. It is very easy to build a small coop and a young layer will provide around 3 - 4 eggs a week so 4 hens will provide a dozen eggs a week or more for a good 4 years.
It is not necessary to have a rooster in your flock to enjoy fresh eggs from your backyard chickens, you just won't be able to produce your own little chicks.
Brett
Wednesday, June 10, 2009
Sustainable Living - Part 1 continued
In this article I hope that one can discover ways to live sustainable no matter what or where their current living situation happens to be.
How can I start to live a sustainable lifestyle in an apartment in the city?
Here are some suggestions that might help as you answer that question.
1. Although I am not a big fan of florescent tube technology, a first step might be to replace all of your incandescent light bulbs with low voltage florescent bulbs. They are a bit more expensive to buy but will last much longer then incandescent, and will reduce total household wattage.
LED lighting technology is also making huge strides into the residential market. LED technology is being used to replace many of the nations signal lights because of the low wattage requirements and bright light output.
2. Have as many plants as possible within your living spaces and bedrooms. Plants will thrive on the CO2 build up in your apartment and act as a natural air purifier.
3. Buy ECO-friendly dish, laundry, and household cleaners. Use recycled paper products. Where possible use (washable) cloth products over paper. When shopping use your own cloth bags and carriers.
4. Buy only organic or local fruit, vegetables and dairy when possible. Support all organic farming and local farms by your purchasing power.
During the spring and summer seasons support your local Farmers Market and its Vendors. Artisan foods, local honey, maple syrup, preserved jams, and breads all support families that are providing good, wholesome natural products for all of us while trying to maintain a sustainable business.
5. Most New Yorkers are already great walkers. My brother has lived in NYC for many years and has never owned an automobile while living there. But if you are an apartment dweller and not living in a "walking" city, see if it's possible for you to use public transportation, bicycle, or creative carpooling for shopping and work.
6. I often suggest (even if you don't cook) of having at least a months worth of food basics in a pantry in case of any emergency. Even if your normal routine is take-out or dining out, having these food products requires no refrigeration and can be used to build basic meals in an emergency with just water.
Keep all of these "emergency" products in one cabinet or in a single box and at the end of a year cycle the canned goods through food shelters and food give-aways and purchase new.
Also, if you learn to, or already make homemade breads, cycle the flour and dry products when baking and replace with new.
20 cans of Soup (different varieties) (include a manual can opener)
1 box of Instant or Dried Milk
1 bottle of Olive Oil
1 bottle of Vegetable Oil
2 boxes of Protein Bars
5 lb bags of (dried) Lentil Beans
5 lb bags of (dried) Black Beans
10 lb bag of Rice
10 lb bag of All-Purpose Flour (in airtight container)
10 lb bag of Sugar (in airtight container)
1 box of Bakers Yeast
1 bottle of Honey
3 boxes (10 in a box) Oatmeal (instant)
Packages of dried Fruit
Assorted boxes dried tea
2 lbs vacuum-sealed Coffee (pre-ground)
Hot Chocolate dried mix
Box of salt/Pepper
Remember that we also talked about having at least 2 gallons of water per person per day stashed in a closet. The easiest way to do this is to buy the 2 1/2 gallon plastic water containers and have at least 6. This equates to 15 gallons of fresh water stashed or about 4 days water for two people.
Buy and stash a (camping style) two-burner cooker (small propane containers-keep six containers stashed)
Buy and stash (camping style) pot and fry pan and metal utensils.
So living in an apartment in the middle of a city is no excuse not to think sustainability or not to be prepared to feed yourself for a short period of time in an emergency.
Brett
How can I start to live a sustainable lifestyle in an apartment in the city?
Here are some suggestions that might help as you answer that question.
1. Although I am not a big fan of florescent tube technology, a first step might be to replace all of your incandescent light bulbs with low voltage florescent bulbs. They are a bit more expensive to buy but will last much longer then incandescent, and will reduce total household wattage.
LED lighting technology is also making huge strides into the residential market. LED technology is being used to replace many of the nations signal lights because of the low wattage requirements and bright light output.
2. Have as many plants as possible within your living spaces and bedrooms. Plants will thrive on the CO2 build up in your apartment and act as a natural air purifier.
3. Buy ECO-friendly dish, laundry, and household cleaners. Use recycled paper products. Where possible use (washable) cloth products over paper. When shopping use your own cloth bags and carriers.
4. Buy only organic or local fruit, vegetables and dairy when possible. Support all organic farming and local farms by your purchasing power.
During the spring and summer seasons support your local Farmers Market and its Vendors. Artisan foods, local honey, maple syrup, preserved jams, and breads all support families that are providing good, wholesome natural products for all of us while trying to maintain a sustainable business.
5. Most New Yorkers are already great walkers. My brother has lived in NYC for many years and has never owned an automobile while living there. But if you are an apartment dweller and not living in a "walking" city, see if it's possible for you to use public transportation, bicycle, or creative carpooling for shopping and work.
6. I often suggest (even if you don't cook) of having at least a months worth of food basics in a pantry in case of any emergency. Even if your normal routine is take-out or dining out, having these food products requires no refrigeration and can be used to build basic meals in an emergency with just water.
Keep all of these "emergency" products in one cabinet or in a single box and at the end of a year cycle the canned goods through food shelters and food give-aways and purchase new.
Also, if you learn to, or already make homemade breads, cycle the flour and dry products when baking and replace with new.
20 cans of Soup (different varieties) (include a manual can opener)
1 box of Instant or Dried Milk
1 bottle of Olive Oil
1 bottle of Vegetable Oil
2 boxes of Protein Bars
5 lb bags of (dried) Lentil Beans
5 lb bags of (dried) Black Beans
10 lb bag of Rice
10 lb bag of All-Purpose Flour (in airtight container)
10 lb bag of Sugar (in airtight container)
1 box of Bakers Yeast
1 bottle of Honey
3 boxes (10 in a box) Oatmeal (instant)
Packages of dried Fruit
Assorted boxes dried tea
2 lbs vacuum-sealed Coffee (pre-ground)
Hot Chocolate dried mix
Box of salt/Pepper
Remember that we also talked about having at least 2 gallons of water per person per day stashed in a closet. The easiest way to do this is to buy the 2 1/2 gallon plastic water containers and have at least 6. This equates to 15 gallons of fresh water stashed or about 4 days water for two people.
Buy and stash a (camping style) two-burner cooker (small propane containers-keep six containers stashed)
Buy and stash (camping style) pot and fry pan and metal utensils.
So living in an apartment in the middle of a city is no excuse not to think sustainability or not to be prepared to feed yourself for a short period of time in an emergency.
Brett
Monday, June 8, 2009
Sustainable Living - Part 1
For several months I have used the terms sustainable living, sustainable lifestyle, and sustainable products. But what do these terms mean?
By most definitions "Sustainable Living" refers to a lifestyle that attempts to reduce an individuals or community's "footprint" or impact on Earths natural resources. But it is much more then this to me.
To me sustainable living is an awareness, an empowerment, and a liberator.
In the following series I will talk about how anyone, young or old, rich or poor, city or country, busy or not, can live and benefit from sustainable practices.
OK now I'm going to say a "not so politically correct" thing here.
This is not about Global Warming, Being Green, or Political Left or Right Issues!
OK I said it, let's move on.
This is about the individual. The family. The neighborhood. The city. The state. The nation. Our world.
But let's start with the individual. It's a bit easier and I can write about real life experiences.
The first way to begin your journey of sustainability is awareness.
Becoming aware of a way of thought or a lifestyle one requires information about that lifestyle.
Find out what sustainable living is and how and why it is important for you, for your family, and for your community.
When the world conspires with fast foods, economic crises, disposable this and throw away that, does it make sense to try to do something different?
So the very first step is to...
Research. Make it pertain to you. Using your search engine, use keywords and questions that interest you. For example, even though I had numerous cookbooks in the house at the time, when I wanted to make bread from scratch for the first time, I turned to the Internet. Bread recipes. Then I just opened up websites until I found some that...well that spoke to me. It was as simple as that. Now I am making and baking my own bread.
But by definition making my own bread does little to reduce that footprint or reduce Earths natural resources. Or does it? Perhaps that bread truck is idling a minute less during his delivery because I chose to make my own bread or perhaps not.
What I do know is that I have taken the time to do something for me and those I love. I have stopped time for just a few moments of the day to do something ancient-- make bread.
I have gone to the market, planned and bought the recipe ingredients; organic flour, organic honey, oil, salt. Basic, real ingredients. That's it. No chemicals, no preservatives, wholesome.
I have learned to mix the ingredients, knead the dough, put away to rise (an hour only), punch down and knead again, let rise again, place in an oven and bake. That simple.
That simple. And I learned how to make and bake bread. That is sustainable.
We can and will take the same approach to each subject that we touch upon together.
We will discuss all aspects of sustainable living from alternative energy systems to keeping backyard chickens to canning and preserving food to home design and ideas.
Tomorrow I will continue this first part in our series of articles.
Brett
By most definitions "Sustainable Living" refers to a lifestyle that attempts to reduce an individuals or community's "footprint" or impact on Earths natural resources. But it is much more then this to me.
To me sustainable living is an awareness, an empowerment, and a liberator.
In the following series I will talk about how anyone, young or old, rich or poor, city or country, busy or not, can live and benefit from sustainable practices.
OK now I'm going to say a "not so politically correct" thing here.
This is not about Global Warming, Being Green, or Political Left or Right Issues!
OK I said it, let's move on.
This is about the individual. The family. The neighborhood. The city. The state. The nation. Our world.
But let's start with the individual. It's a bit easier and I can write about real life experiences.
The first way to begin your journey of sustainability is awareness.
Becoming aware of a way of thought or a lifestyle one requires information about that lifestyle.
Find out what sustainable living is and how and why it is important for you, for your family, and for your community.
When the world conspires with fast foods, economic crises, disposable this and throw away that, does it make sense to try to do something different?
So the very first step is to...
Research. Make it pertain to you. Using your search engine, use keywords and questions that interest you. For example, even though I had numerous cookbooks in the house at the time, when I wanted to make bread from scratch for the first time, I turned to the Internet. Bread recipes. Then I just opened up websites until I found some that...well that spoke to me. It was as simple as that. Now I am making and baking my own bread.
But by definition making my own bread does little to reduce that footprint or reduce Earths natural resources. Or does it? Perhaps that bread truck is idling a minute less during his delivery because I chose to make my own bread or perhaps not.
What I do know is that I have taken the time to do something for me and those I love. I have stopped time for just a few moments of the day to do something ancient-- make bread.
I have gone to the market, planned and bought the recipe ingredients; organic flour, organic honey, oil, salt. Basic, real ingredients. That's it. No chemicals, no preservatives, wholesome.
I have learned to mix the ingredients, knead the dough, put away to rise (an hour only), punch down and knead again, let rise again, place in an oven and bake. That simple.
That simple. And I learned how to make and bake bread. That is sustainable.
We can and will take the same approach to each subject that we touch upon together.
We will discuss all aspects of sustainable living from alternative energy systems to keeping backyard chickens to canning and preserving food to home design and ideas.
Tomorrow I will continue this first part in our series of articles.
Brett
In an earlier post about sustainable living, I wrote about the fun I am having learning to bake breads by scratch. I wanted to share with you this picture of my Sourdough Bread I baked this past week.If you want to have some reading fun, google sourdough bread recipes. The sites you find will range from scientific explanations for flour fermentation (smile) all the way to the mystical and magical, and even the romantic.
You will find that people share in the most loving ways their relationships with their sourdough starters. Sourdough starters become household members to cherish, and many writers will proudly remember the exact age of their starter.
Recently my wife and I stopped at a little bakery (actually a small addition built into the side of the family house) on the way to a family reunion. I noticed that the owner, Wendy, had several Sourdough breads on a shelf for sale. Being the curious person I am I started asking Wendy about her starter.
Wendy told us that her starter was passed down from her Mother, was 13 years old, and she brought me back to see a very large vat.
She took a loaf that she had in the back and cut me a slice. Her Sourdough bread was fantastic!
Light yet full body, a taste almost sweet if not for the slight tang from the soured dough.
Wendy offered two secrets to me and they have made a huge difference in my own sourdough bread.
After your starter has.....started........and you are on the weekly feeding schedules (schedules depend on how often you use your starter) use milk with your flour for feeding.
Also, Wendy suggested that I still use yeast in my Sourdough Bread Recipe to help the leavening process. In my earlier baking I tried to see if the "natural" yeast in the air was enough with the starter for a good rise (it obviously wasn't).
These two suggestions worked wonders for me. The above mentioned bread was the best that I have made to date. So thank you Wendy and two thumbs up!
Brett
Sunday, June 7, 2009
June is here and I am posting my first post of the month. I spent the last week researching companies and products that I will be featuring in upcoming articles.
Tomorrow starts our series on questions and answers to sustainable lifestyle products and living. I am planning these articles to be of value to any individual, couple, or family situation. You will find that no matter who you are, what you do, rich or poor, establishing a sustainable lifestyle will be a benefit to body, mind, and spirit.
Our first series of articles answers such questions as:
1. How much or how little money does it take to begin living sustainably, for example, can I start with just $500.00 in budget?
2. How sustainable can I be if I live in an apartment?
3. Is this just a crazy fad, or is it really life changing?
Enjoy these articles, comment on ideas, and share your own experiences and learning lessons.
Brett
Tomorrow starts our series on questions and answers to sustainable lifestyle products and living. I am planning these articles to be of value to any individual, couple, or family situation. You will find that no matter who you are, what you do, rich or poor, establishing a sustainable lifestyle will be a benefit to body, mind, and spirit.
Our first series of articles answers such questions as:
1. How much or how little money does it take to begin living sustainably, for example, can I start with just $500.00 in budget?
2. How sustainable can I be if I live in an apartment?
3. Is this just a crazy fad, or is it really life changing?
Enjoy these articles, comment on ideas, and share your own experiences and learning lessons.
Brett
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