So, you want to build a tiny house. You’ve spent countless hours envisioning a tiny house life. Your Pinterest searching days are dwindling; maybe you’ve saved a handful for inspiration. You’ve decided on the size, design, and amenities for your tiny house. Now, you contemplate the gap between you and your tiny house. To bridge that gap,
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10 Awesome New Inventions For Homesteaders
Handy Camel Bag Clip The problem: Most bag clips are cheaply-made and used for light stuff like bags of chips. The solution: A hardy clip that seals bags without puncturing them, since the plastic “teeth” aren’t sharp. The tech: A handle on the clip lets you carry the bags around by the clip rather than
How To Build A Sauna
So, you’ve just gotten back from sweating in a friend’s sauna and you’ve decided you gotta have one too. Just how realistic is this goal? Well, it’s definitely going to take some time and effort, but as someone who has been helping a friend build a traditional yurt sauna, I’ve learned saunas are a surprisingly
How To Raise Pigs
Pigs are by far my favorite homestead animal. They are curious, affectionate, and incredibly smart. Those are also the characteristics that make them uniquely challenging. The first time I ever saw a pig I was 12, travelling in Eastern Europe. The pig had gotten out and was being chased around a courtyard by four or
Kitchen Compost Bin Options
With a greater focus on the environment than ever before, more and more people are trying to figure out how they can make a positive impact. If this sounds like you, then indoor composting might be a top solution for your home! Indoor composting is environmentally-friendly. Plus, the compost can also provide excellent fertiliser for
Eco-Friendly Playgrounds
Parents know the benefits of installing playgrounds and playsets. Beyond being a fun activity that gets children outdoors, playground equipment is important for a child’s cognitive, emotional, physical, and interpersonal development. A day in the backyard or at the park does wonders for kids’ physical health, as well as improving their self-confidence and social skills,
Electric Outdoor Grill Reviews
If you decide to live more sustainably by picking urban condo living over suburban home living, you’ll give up traffic hassles, massive utility bills, and the time-cost of home maintenance. You don’t have to give up grilling. Major grill manufacturers—and some specialty companies—have seen the trend toward urban living coming, and they’ve got the technology
Garden Shed Kits
I vividly remember parasailing across a South Dakota home improvement store parking lot. Not on purpose. I’d picked up a vinyl shed panel in the wind. It was 6:15 am and I’d just been sent to clean up after a recent blizzard. Sleeting snow and wind stung my face as I skated across the slush-filled
Charred Wood
In the carpentry and remodel biz it’s not often one gets to burn something in order to make it more durable and fire resistant, but the centuries-old Japanese wood preserving practice known as Shou Sugi Ban does just that. If you’re looking for an immediate weathered look, or a dark natural finish to your cedar
Best Cool Mist Humidifier
The best ear, nose, and throat doctor may not be able to do what a humidifier can. These wonder devices can relieve symptoms of colds, flus, and allergies, as well as skin dryness, chapped lips, sore throats, and difficulty breathing. They diffuse water into the air, making it—you guessed it—more humid! The extra moisture in
Best Electric Chainsaw
Chainsaws are a modern marvel that turns clearing trees and brush from a lengthy team effort to a simple one-man job. If safely operated, they are extremely efficient, and make the job almost effortless, compared to the axes and two-man crosscut saws of old. Get The Safety Features You Need Since chainsaws are a powered
5 Blue Painter’s Tape Construction Tips
Painting isn’t blue tape’s only use. Blue tape comes in handy during finish work, furniture, and cabinetry carpentry, and even when cutting certain materials. Blue tape loves you and it needs to produce clean lines. Blue tape is on your side and will act as a buffer in case you make a mistake. Blue tape wants you
Root Cellars: The Original Refrigerator
Root cellars are the original refrigerator. Back in the days before refrigerators were invented, homesteaders stored their produce, among other things, in the root cellar. They have been around for a very long time. Many homesteaders still prefer letting the Earth’s natural coolness keep our vegetables fresh, rather than refrigerating. Root Cellars: The Basics Root cellars
Tiny House Transition: Downsizing
Downsizing is a difficult aspect of tiny house living. It’s often overlooked on social media platforms or in the press. Making the transition to a tiny house isn’t as simple as it seems, but If you downsize well, the transition will be much easier. What Is Downsizing? https://www.instagram.com/p/BTwaLWkFJrQ/ Setting realistic expectations and changing your lifestyle
21 Facts About Bottled Water, The Environment, & Human Health
The plastic water bottle market in the United States is worth billions of dollars annually. Plastic water bottles can be purchased just about everywhere and they are quite convenient, but there are many problems associated with them. In fact, when you become aware of the problems and how many there are, you may never buy
SunOven: the Ultimate Off-the-grid Cooking Tool for Post-apocalyptic Foodies (w/ video)
Solar ovens are long-lasting, zero-emission cooking tools that use no fuel – making them perfect for both off-the-grid cooking and developing countries that don’t have access to a reliable grid to begin with. In an effort to get healthy, well-cooked food to these nations, the American SunOven company has put together a series of initiatives
Gary Pickering Builds “Tiny House” Survival Pods for the Homeless (w/ video)
Gary Pickering is making the world a better place by donating a number of self-built, portable ‘micro-houses’ to Utah’s homeless people in an effort to help them survive the area’s harsh winter weather conditions. How’d he come up with that? They say that necessity is the mother of invention. For Gary Pickering, years of being
Top 10 Reasons I Love My Dehydrator!
We met about three years ago, on my birthday. I’d checked out his profile, and knew he was interesting… but I never dreamed how well we’d hit it off! I’ll never have a dehydrator-free kitchen again, if I can help it — here’s why!
Best Wringer Washer
Electric washing machines use a lot of resources. Even “high-efficiency” washing machines use at least 10 gallons of water per load and require 500 watts of electricity. And they take up a lot of space. Fortunately, there is a time-honored, sustainable, and smaller alternative. Hand-crank washers and hand wringers are easy to use and use
Pea Gravel Patios
Using natural materials in hardscaping is among one of most the popular trends in patios right now. Among these natural options, pea gravel is one of the best. Pea gravel is visually appealing as the small, round stones offer a soft look to the space they occupy. The gravel is also versatile and can accommodate
Green Products
How to Get Started With Spinning Wool and Plant Fibers
One of the greatest acts of self-reliance outside of gardening and preserving your own food, is becoming crafty to the point you can knit, crochet, and weave all that you need not buy from the store. When the chores are done for the day and you have made yourself comfortable on the homestead, it is
7 Fruits To Grow In Containers On Your Patio Or Balcony
Once upon a time, fruits didn’t have much of a place in my garden. I didn’t really know it was possible to grow fruit trees or bushes in my small plot. I always imagined that fruits were best grown in tropical climates and in gardens with a lot of space. At the time, I was
27 Cheap Lunch Ideas
Whether you have a 9 to 5 job in an office or you’re someone who works from home, your stomach will inevitably start to grumble around midday. As a freelancer, I usually start to get hungry around noon, but I don’t always have a prepared lunch on hand. The best days are those when I
15 Natural DIY Perfume Ideas
Did you know there are over 4,000 chemicals that are used to create fragrances in skincare and beauty products? And since these fragrance blends are considered trade secrets, companies aren’t required to disclose the specific ingredients on their labels. I don’t know about you, but for me, that is reason enough to consider more natural
Best Greenhouse Kit
Are you looking for the best greenhouse kit? Finding the right equipment makes it easier to raise your garden plants while different features can make a particular greenhouse kit better or more useful for your property. Here’s what you should know before buying the best greenhouse kit, as well as some brief reviews of the
19 DIY Deer Stands to Enhance Your Vantage Point
Deer stands have been used for centuries to provide hunters with an advantage. There are countless deer stands on the market that offers excellent safety and security. Unfortunately, they are expensive. DIY deer stands are easy to build and save you hundreds of dollars. You’ll also gain the satisfaction of building something for yourself. Not
19 DIY Potting Bench Plans
Potting benches are functional, provide storage, and add style. They range from small and simple to a more elaborate centerpiece for your outdoor space. Building a DIY potting bench is a big task but a rewarding one. There are many ways to construct your potting bench and many designs you can use. No matter what
Raising Backyard Turkeys
Raising backyard turkeys has differences and parallels compared to other farm birds. With conscious care and management, they will assimilate pleasantly alongside other poultry endeavors. Staying Ahead of the Game Turkeys take about 16 to 22 weeks before they reach the desired market weight. Depending on your backyard’s climate and housing availability, turkeys can easily
The Benefits of Raising Geese
When I was about 5 years old, my mom and us kids lived in a massive farmhouse with my aunt, uncle, and cousins. I loved being around all the farm animals but was always a bit skeptical of the loud, boisterous geese. One morning, while we were doing the morning chores, I had a nasty
A Guide to Bladed Hand Tools
On the homestead, there’s a host of different tools that you need. Many of these have at least one blade, and some may look like they are the same tool or close to it. The truth is they might look similar but have completely different uses. And that is the point of this article –
Off-Grid Utility Options: How to Handle Electricity, Fresh Water, Sewage & Garbage
Now that we’ve covered how to find your land, build your home, and keep things warm or cold in the previous article, let’s get into the nitty gritty of off-grid living and talk about how to get the electricity and water flowing, and the toilets … er, toileting. The whole point of going off-grid is
The Watercone: A Simple, Effective Solar Still
In many parts of the world, lack of access to clean, potable water is a major issue. Water may be found nearby, but only in a brackish or polluted state. Areas close to the ocean may see miles of water, but not a drop to drink. UNICEF estimates that every day 5000 children die as
Greenhouses from Old Windows and Doors
Calling all used awning windows, bay windows, storm doors, and clerestories back to service. 1) Recycled Window Greenhouse, Minnesota Greenhouse made from recycled windows by Jan and Ed Vitse of New Look Floral (a garden and floral business) in Rochester, MN. This little gem, made from recycled windows was built in 2003. The structure is 12
Noise Pollution Alters Bird Behavior
It takes no observational feat to notice that people enjoy birds. As human developments dominate the landscape and evict so many of our wild neighbors, we spend a disproportionate amount of our energies coaxing the birds, specifically, back. Why else the feeders and birdhouses and baths so common to neighborhood backyards? Perhaps the exact reasoning
Groundbreaking Bottled Water Tax Raises Dustup in Chicago
In 2007, the image of bottled water in the public consciousness underwent a huge shift. What had been largely seen as a healthy lifestyle choice had, in just a matter of months, become recognized by many consumers as an eco-sin. (Click here for a Green Options post detailing the ways bottled water is costly, wasteful,
LEGO Upcycling Ideas: What to Do with those Extra LEGO Bricks
Got hundreds or thousands of LEGO bricks lying around, and thinking about trashing them? Don’t – you can make useful items with those “toys.” Here are ten ways that others have upcycled LEGO bricks.
Geocaching Teaches Kids Problem-Solving Skills
Geocaching is a growing outdoor hobby where the coordinates of certain locations or hidden “treasure” caches are made available. To find treasure, seekers are armed with handheld GPS devices, a pen and trinkets.
River Rock Fireplace
river rock fireplaces
sustainablog’s Pedal-a-Watt Powered Blogathon coming in March
UPDATE: The folks at Convergence Tech, Inc. have given us a very generous deal on a Pedal-a-Watt pedal power generator for the blogathon, so we’ve changed the name of the event slightly… we’re grateful for their help! A few of you may remember the last time I stayed up for 24 hours to blog for
Easy Upcycling: Repurpose An Old Door Into A Dining Table
Need to replace your front door? Don’t toss the old one: easy upcycler Jennifer Tuohy shows you how to turn it into a dining table.
Ilana Shafir
Still teaching and creating beauty at age 87. “My work keeps me open-minded and engaged. It offers a sense of constant renewal and endless inspiration.”* Birds In The Garden, (2010) 60 x 80 cm. Bird House, (2007). Pieces of handmade ceramic, pebbles, found objects and gold smalti are chosen, moved, added and rejected until she is
Quinoa and Barley Give Healthy Eating a Good Reputation
In late August, I discovered that barley is a tasty and much healthier alternative for brown rice. After that menu-changing discovery, I wondered how quinoa compared. I cooked with it and did a little research. Here’s what I found.
9 Expert Builders Share Their Measuring Tape Tricks
A dog is man’s best friend, a tape measure is a builder’s. So, many have taught their tape measures to do tricks. How To Tape Measure A Long Distance When You’re Working Alone “The Break Test” How To Extend Your Tape Measure When Your Hands Are Full Tape Measure As Calculator: How To Measure Double
Texas Solar
Going solar? Good call. It’s the right choice for your pocketbook and for the climate. If everyone in Texas used solar power, it would take 517 billion pounds of carbon out of the atmosphere every year—according to the EPA’s greenhouse gas calculator, that’s the equivalent of planting a forest that would cover all of the
About The Insteading Marketplace
We built the Insteading Marketplace to curate products from across the web that our readers will love. We manually select every product on the site from vendors on Amazon, Etsy, and other top tier online retailers. We specifically look for products that meet the following criteria: High quality non-disposable products: We advocate for paying more for
Food as Medicine: Treating Chronic Disease through Diet
What if instead of popping a pill for these types of chronic disease, we used food as medicine?
Silkie
Characteristics If you’ve never seen one before, the sight of a Silkie Chicken will undoubtedly both confuse and delight. These otherworldly birds sport a huge list of bizarre features, with black skin and bones, turquoise earlobes, feathered feet, five toes, beards, and their uniquely hair-like feathers. But don’t let their appearance intimidate! You’ve never met
The World’s Best Juice Bars
London, Paris, Melbourne, Boise. Wherever you live — or travel to — there’s bound to be a top notch juice bar near you.
Best Pruning Saw
A good pruning saw can make the difference between mangled or well-shaped limbs—both on the plant you’re shaping and your own body. If you’re planning on pruning any kind of trees soon, you’ll need to be equipped with a saw that is meant for the job. Don’t try to prune with anything other than a