“When we looked around at all the things we do on a regular basis, we realize that many things are illegal in other places around the country. Living an Off Grid life in America can get you in hot water with legal authorities if you’re not careful. Here is a list of things we do that may make you an Outlaw.”
self sufficiency
On life, work & leisure in Gothenburg’s tiny house allotment
“Sweden’s first allotment gardens and summer cottages were established in 1895, much later than the dachas of Russia or the extra-urban gardens of the UK and Denmark, but the gardening/tiny cottage tradition is still evident outside any large city. The “members” (the land is leasehold) of each plot are allowed to build a tiny cottage or shed. “
Eco-Village Sustainable Communities (summary of ‘A New We’)
“Now more than ever before people all over the planet are seeking new sustainable models for living. EcoVillages and ecological communities have been emerging as a viable alternative where people can live together in cooperation and harmony with the natural world. ‘A New We’ explores 10 such communities in Europe and opens doors to further exploration and discovery on the new ‘Global EcoVillage & Sustainable Community Network’! Please join the conversation and participate in the ‘A New We’ initiative which aims towards evolving the EcoVillage model into the 21st century! “
Fruit Walls: Urban Farming in the 1600s
This is an amazing story recommended by Jim, one of our long time readers and supporters. So many things such as fruit walls are being forgotten due to the prevalence of relatively affordable energy.
“We are being told to eat local and seasonal food, either because other crops have been transported over long distances, or because they are grown in energy-intensive greenhouses. But it wasn’t always like that. From the sixteenth to the twentieth century, urban farmers grew Mediterranean fruits and vegetables as far north as England and the Netherlands, using only renewable energy.
Permaculture Food Forest in New Zealand
“The Guytons started planting their food forest in 1998 on two acres of bare land in Riverton, New Zealand. This style of gardening was new to Southland so their neighbours did not approve. Now it is an established food forest with hundreds (460!) of different plant species. Fruit and nut trees, berries and herbs and wild plants all blended together in a productive and sustainable way. This short video introduces concepts of permaculture.”
Miracle Farms, a 5-acre commercial permaculture orchard in Southern Quebec
“Twenty years ago, Stefan Sobkowiak bought a commercial apple orchard with the intention of converting it to an organic orchard. He did just that, but eventually understood the limitations of the organic model originating from monoculture. He then decided to tear out most of the trees and replant in a way that would maximize biodiversity and yield while minimizing the amount of maintenance required. Inspired by permaculture principles, the orchard now counts over 100 cultivars of apples, plus several types of plums, pears, cherries, and countless other fruits and vegetables.”