DIY (“do-it-yourself”) has become so well-known that we now simply use an acronym to talk about it in everyday conversation. With the proliferation of YouTube videos, cooking GIFs, and websites like Instructables, access to step-by-step guides for almost anything is right at our fingertips. There are now communities, forums, and spaces where you can crowdsource…
The conventional approach to going solar is expensive. It’s an inefficient method that greatly increases the costs of going renewable, and it’s why less people are making the change. A holistic approach that includes changing our energy habits and appliances will win, saving us 70% of what the conventional approach to going solar would cost us. If…
There are lots of guides that lay out a step-by-step process for building solar energy systems. But there isn’t a lot out there that explains what to use the technology for. You see, it’s not as easy as just plugging in appliances like you would at home. I wrote more about the conventional way of…
Mismanagement of water and soil are the two biggest mistakes gardeners make. Both are so basic to life that the best gardeners know this, and put a lot of effort into getting better. How often have I heard from gardeners and farmers, “I have so much work to do”? They shun projects because they feel…
I took charge of my energy future by building simple small-scale solar energy systems that I use to run both my farm and garden. For too long, my approach was costly and out of my hands. Positive change didn’t come until I adapted to a cost-effective, simple approach. Although solar energy resonates with my values,…
If permaculture was an Olympic event, then Goddess Permaculture would be representing Ireland for sure. Wow. Notice how she shows you what nature looked like at the start. An empty field. Then, she planted a forest filled with life…flowers, birds, food, medicine, everything in what must be the most calming place for miles. Check out…
Toby has excellent videos that look at the origins of agriculture and civilization. Understanding agriculture and its roots really helps in understanding our world and cultures.
I had fun making my first video from start to finish. The ducks don’t follow direction well, and the dogs started eating my set, but we got the footage we needed! It’s amazing how much food and cardboard we have diverted from the dump. Not only did we divert it, but we get the best…
Soil is the ultimate sink for carbon in the atmosphere. It can store all the carbon dioxide we have released into the atmosphere. Check out this recent article in the NY times on what we are learning about soil. I’m happy to finally read something that doesn’t demonize livestock. Livestock can be part of the…
