“Ben Falk’s talk in Ithaca on March 4, 2013 at the Ithaca public library on permaculture approaches to homestead and farm resiliency.
off grid
Build a $300 underground greenhouse for year-round gardening
“Growers in colder climates often utilize various approaches to extend the growing season or to give their crops a boost, whether it’s coldframes, hoop houses or greenhouses.
Solar Food Steamer
“As the solar steamer is using steam as heat transfer medium, it is an indirect cooking system. This allows the design of a split system where the thermal solar collector can be placed at some distance (e.g. on the roof) apart from the place of cooking (e.g. in the kitchen). The cook is not exposed to the sunshine and can use the steam at whatever height or location is convenient and culturally acceptable.
Couple Goes Off Grid, on to Savings
“After years of living in big cities, Sonny and Linda Jobe decided to make a change as they entered into retirement. Buying a farm in Doddridge County in West Virginia, Sonny and Linda decided to live completely off-the-grid. They’ve installed several solar panels and also make their own honey and maple syrup. They have a garden, raise chickens and are considering goats in the near future. They claim they can go for months and not have to go to town if they want to. Video by West Virginia Uncovered.”
Homemade gasifier uses wood pellets to run generator
“Gasifier uses wood pellets to create flammable mixture that a generator can run on without gasoline. This video shows how it was constructed, how it works, and how to use it from start to finish. Great project for anyone looking for alternative energy or wanting to live off the grid.”
Mortgage-free, tiny home on a housekeeper’s salary
“Johnny Sanphillippo has never made more than $20,000 per year (he works as a housekeeper, as well as, a gardener and house painter), but he knew like “any other American” that he wanted to own his own home.