sustainable living

Choosing a Hand-Cranked Grain Mill

I just spent two hours researching and choosing a hand-cranked grain mill. Here are a few of the mills I considered and which I ended up going with in the end.

Uncovering a New Spring on The Property

I think I’ll use this spring to feed a pond I plan to dig in the marshy area at the bottom of the hill.

Choosing The Best Snowblower

Whatever corporate hack decided to go overboard with silly bells and whistles should be thrown into a volcano so they can get back to making high quality machines. Bottom line: This may be the best snowblower for the price, but it isn’t perfect.

Comparing Woodsplitters

Heating with wood can be as high or low tech as you choose. I favor technology to save labor. You’ll have to choose: woodsplitter or maul.

Off Grid Water Part 3 – Home Water Treatment Devices

Primarily, because of the perception by significant number of people that municipal water is not acceptable when coming out of the tap there are thousands of water devices and treatments marketed to the general public.

The Biodiesel Fuel Processor: Your Main Machine

When you make biodiesel you need some equipment. Most of it is buckets and assorted little stuff but you’ll also need a processor.

Real World Experiences With Biodiesel

When I decided to make biodiesel I had certain notions. My experiences have been unexpectedly different yet better in many ways. Here are a few things worth mentioning.

Making A Batch of Biodiesel: Vastly Simplified Version

An easy to understand guide to making a batch of biodiesel, including the ingredients, the process and some simple safety considerations everyone should know about when making biodiesel.

Composting Toilets for Off Grid Homes

Composting toilets provide a low-water, or even water-free, alternative that also allows you to close the poop loop by turning bodily wastes into organic material ready to go back into the soil. They are perfect for off grid homes, cabins, RVs and boats!

Seven Basic Facts About Biodiesel

Biodiesel is sometimes presented in an oversimplified or misleading way. I’d like to cut through the fog and establish a few simple ideas as factual. This brief article, the first in a series, should start things on the right track. Later articles will talk about how to make biodiesel and how to use it.

Other Resources