We’ve previously reported on Barbara Kerr’s solar wall ovens for home use. They’ve been a favorite of mine for over a decade. Yesterday I just came across a larger version of this concept – a commercial size solar wall oven by Gregor Schaper over at Inhabitat.com.
self sufficiency
Alternative Living
“In the heart of Devon, a quiet revolution is taking place. A group of like-minded people have rejected modern living and are striving for complete self-sufficiency in the Dartmoor woods.”
Richard Heinberg: why end of growth can mean more happiness
“Richard Heinberg- whose latest book describes The End of Growth- isn’t looking for when the recession will end and we’ll get back to “normal”. He believes our decades-long era of growth was based on aberrant set of conditions- namely cheap oil, but also cheap minerals, cheap food, etc- and that looking ahead, we need to prepare for a “new normal”.
Permaculture Paradise at Val’s
This video is worth watching more than once to catch all the details and plant descriptions.
Drummondville’s front yard vegetable garden
“As they’re about to turn 50, and wanting to adopt a more healthy lifestyle, Josée and Michel decide to plant a vegetable garden outside their home in the suburbs of Drummondville, Quebec. Their backyard had little sun exposure, so they decide to set up the garden in the front yard. Once the garden beds are in place and the vegetables have started growing, the city asks them to remove their garden to put lawn back, but the couple decides to fight.”
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.”