โImagine a tree that grows flowers right on its trunk!โ My friend looked over my shoulder at the image. โMuch like that tree that grows fruit on its trunk — what was it called?โ โThe Brazilian grape tree or jabuticaba,โ I said. โSome similarities, I guess, as this one has multiple edible parts, too.โ โAnd you
Search Results for: bathroom/natural-dental-care/mouthwash
The Great Transition, Part I: From Fossil Fuels to Renewable Energy
The great energy transition from fossil fuels to renewable sources of energy is under way. As fossil fuel prices rise, as oil insecurity deepens, and as concerns about pollution and climate instability cast a shadow over the future of coal, a new world energy economy is emerging. The old energy economy, fueled by oil, coal, and natural gas, is being replaced with an economy powered by wind, solar, and geothermal energy.
13 DIY Candle Ideas
Candles bring warmth to any space. DIY candles are a fantastic way to customize ambient sight and scent and save money while doing it. They are a fantastic gift and there are a lot of options when it comes to the materials and style of candle you make. We are going to go over the
Outdoor Earth Ovens: What Are They, How Do They Work, and Photos
Outdoor Earth Ovens
Disaster Preparedness For Homesteaders
Emergencies, by their very definition, are stressful. I, like many homesteaders, find myself concerned about the possibility of an emergency event such as a natural disaster, a disease outbreak, or an act of terrorism. Do you too, wonder if you have done all you can to help prepare for a catastrophic survival situation? Panic and
Controlled Burns: Everything You Should Know
Fire has always been a part of our environment just like water, earth, and air. Believe it or not, fire is one of the most essential natural agents of change because it plays a vital role in maintaining certain ecosystems. Native Americans have understood this and used fire to maintain prairies, keep the ecosystem healthy,
Can I Compost Tea Bags?
Discover which types of tea bags are suitable for composting, how to prepare them properly, and the optimal composting conditions. If composting isn’t an option, explore alternative ways to make use of tea bags and minimize waste.
Can I Compost Cat Litter?
Learn how to compost cat litter efficiently and responsibly, considering factors like the types of cat litter suitable for composting, potential health hazards, and the right composting conditions. Gain insights into various eco-friendly, compostable cat litter options and how their integration impacts the composting process.
What Is Permaculture?
When talking about alternative living and going back to the land to homestead, permaculture is a frequent topic. But what is permaculture? And why is it such an important part of living off nature and the land โ especially when one is trying to homestead off the grid? Who came up with it and what
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
How to Incorporate a Wildlife Habitat on Your Homestead
Many homesteaders are lovers of the beautiful, nonhuman, natural world and want to see this world thrive on their land. They put bird and squirrel feeders, birdbaths, and perhaps, salt licks on their property to encourage birds, squirrels, and deer (among others) to feel welcome. These are great ways to attract wildlife to your homestead.
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
Fire Pit Tables
Thereโs something about a fire that completely transforms an evening. Move that fire outdoors and couple it with outdoor furniture in the way of a fire pit table, and youโve got the makings of a memorable night on your hands. Fire pit tables have gained popularity as more people are bringing indoor living spaces to
25+ Sustainable Stocking Stuffers To Give This Holiday Season
It’s not always possible to buy that new greenhouse or build a rain garden as a holiday gift. At Insteading, we understand that garden gifts can easily run on the large and expensive side. We wouldn’t want to substitute our love of natural and sustainable products for a plastic and battery-operated gadget, though, so we’ve
Can I Compost Paper Towels?
Discover the types of paper towels suitable for composting, how to prepare them, and the optimal composting conditions. Find alternative disposal options and understand what paper towels should not be composted.
Best Ginger Beer
The best ginger beers are cool, refreshing drinks that make the heat of a summer day seem to fade away with a delightful effervescence and the taste of real ginger, that you won’t find anywhere elseโespecially in mass-produced ginger ale. Ginger beer is also the mixer of choice for a Moscow Muleโa cocktail going through
MTV Cuts Down Rainforest for Reality TV Show
After the Viacom-owned network finished filming their new treasure-hunt themed “Real World/Road Rules Challenge” on a remote, uninhabited island in the Republic of Panama, locals returned to find their beach tattered and abused. The television show, which premieres on September 17th, took over the neighboring, inhabited island in militant style by hiring the local police
How To Get Rid Of Morning Glory
Morning glory (Ipomoea lacunosa) is a flowering vine that is native to the eastern and southeastern United States. On the East Coast and in the South, itโs a well-loved and beautiful part of well-tended gardens. But on the West Coast, itโs an invasive, pesky weed. When I moved into my new house, the yard was
10-Step Guide to Buying a Used Laptop That Works
Buying second-hand products is always green, but it’s easy to be discouraged by the stories of broken laptops from eBay or Craigslist. To quell these fears, here is a 10-step checklist on how to find a used laptop that isn’t just a high-tech lemon. Most wouldn’t flinch at the idea of buying a used car,
Propane: The “Dirty Little Secret” of Living Off the Grid
Living off the grid sounds romantic…no more bills from dirty energy companies, self-sufficiency, green power, etc.; however, there is one “dirty little secret” found in most alternative energy homes. Without it, some off-gridders couldn’t cook, refrigerate, heat water, or dry clothes. That dirty little secret is propane. Propane is a “by-product of natural gas processing and petroleum refining,”. Due to
Scientific American’s Solar Grand Plan
Scientific American has a thought-provoking proposal in its January 2008 issue. The magazine proposes a massive, far-reaching plan to get solar power generating 69 percent of America’s electricity 35 percent of our total energy by 2050, thus replacing all of our foreign oil needs and slashing global warming emissions. Below are some of the highlights
U.S. Nuclear Power in Decline
Nuclear power generation in the United States is falling. After increasing rapidly since the 1970s, electricity generation at U.S. nuclear plants began to grow more slowly in the early 2000s. It then plateaued between 2007 and 2010โbefore falling more than 4 percent over the last two years. Projections for 2013 show a further 1 percent drop. With reactors retiring early and proposed projects being abandoned, U.S. nuclear powerโs days are numbered.
Beekeeping as a business
Beekeeping is a hobby that you can easily turn into a side-business no matter where you live. Keeping bees requires a relatively small monetary investment to get started and can turn a profit within a few short years. There are many non-monetary benefits to keeping bees like better garden yields, fresh honey, and a feeling
Foraging for Pokeweed
Elvis sang about it. Gardeners loathe it. Old-timers grew up on it. Suburban moms are afraid of it and pull it out with gloves … and foragers? They’re inconsistent about it. It’s a miracle cure, a deadly poison, a nutritious food, a pest, a gift. Itโs pokeweed! Watch the Video: This hotly contested, rich-historied, delicious
Seattle Resources
Here’s a never-quite-complete list of the local businesses & organizations we support. Almost all of the businesses on this list support sustainability, organic practices, or other environmental issues we’re concerned about. There’s also a few listed that are just good local businesses that we like. Please email or tweet or leave a facebook comment if
Concerns With Urban Animal Slaughter
Photo Credit by VeryGeeky. This article is a response to a Slate.com piece published by James McWilliams on June 6th, 2012. The article, titled “The Butcher Next Door: Why the rise of DIY urban animal slaughter is bad for people and animals,” tries to make the point that animal slaughter by untrained people in an
Urban Chicken Laws in Washington
Here are the chicken laws for cities throughout Washington state. This list is mostly compiled via submissions from our readers. Do you know city or county rules that aren’t completed here? Leave a comment on this page and help out your fellow homesteaders! By City: Aberdeen – No information yet – please let us know if you
How To Catch A Chicken: 6 Simple Methods That Actually Work
An escaped chicken can give you a run for your money if they arenโt ready to be caught. Naturally, chickens are faster than humans and their small bodies allow them to slip under objects and get a head start on us. Thankfully, there are a few tricks that make learning how to catch a chicken easier. Prevent
Tips For Growing Stevia In Your Garden
Want to grow your own Stevia? It’s not the easiest herb to grow, but these tips will help you cultivate your own source of this natural sweetener.
Homestead Stories: Types of Irises
Iโm not sure I have a favorite iris. Theyโre all so different, and unique. There are many varieties from bearded irises to the invasive yellow iris. There are also wild irises, which complement the domestic irises that populate many gardens. And the array of colors that sparkle on the blooms, itโs like a rainbow.
5 Unusual Ways To Use Honey At Home
Learn why the unique way in which bees make honey gives it special healing and preserving qualities.
The Best Chicken Waterers For Your Flock
Itโs early morning, and Iโm out around the homestead, quietly doing my normal chores. If you listen closely through the birdsong, you’ll hear the sound of a metal bucket clunking against my boots, transporting something precious. I filled it slowly from the rain barrel, listening to my small flock of chickens clamoring in their coop.
Homestead Stories: The Story Behind Lungwort
โNow thatโs a lovely patch of color for spring.โ I was wandering a friendโs garden. โWhat did you say itโs called?โ โLungwort,โ my friend replied. โAlthough I’ve heard some people call it boys and girls together.โ I had to chuckle. Two very unlikely names. โWhy lungwort?โ โLungwort for the lung-shaped leaves and the fact it
How To Hatch Eggs With Your Hens (Without An Incubator Or Brooder)
So you have started down the wonderful path of chicken ownership. You raised a few hens and are ready to increase your flock. You can raise chicks from your own flock and have your hen do all the work. There is no need to invest in an incubator or brooder box. And there is nothing more
How to Pay Off Debt by Thinking Like a Homesteader: 20 Practical Ideas to Try
When you have the burden of debt hanging over your life, you don’t feel free. Living paycheck-to-paycheck, coasting by on minimum payments, and playing hot potato with your credit cards is not the way anyone wants to live. Watch The Video It can feel like youโre stuck in a dead end rut, working hard at
7 Fruits To Grow In Containers On Your Patio Or Balcony
Once upon a time, fruits didnโt 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
How To Capture And Use Wild Yeast
I have a secret weapon in my kitchen. It makes my daily bread taste amazing (and far more digestible than anything store-bought). As long as I take care of the starter, this weapon is an endless material. And the best part of all? Itโs free for the taking. Iโm talking about wild yeast — a
Chicken Hatcheries
When you want to start a flock of chickens or grow your existing flock, you have a number of options for how to go about purchasing chicks. Check out our article on where to buy chicks. One of the most cost-effective methods is to buy live chicks directly from a hatchery. https://www.instagram.com/p/BSw6_9QBl80/?tagged=chickenhatchery We have all
Marek’s Disease: What It Is & How To Prevent It
If you are new to keeping chickens, you will eventually have to do some reading on the diseases that can befall your flock. In the lists of common ailments, youโll encounter plenty of problems to keep in the back of your mind as you observe your birds. Some are serious but easily understood. Problems like
How To Make Money Growing Trees
Planting trees can help the environment, and your wallet. Agro-farming methods incorporate trees into the homestead landscape. In turn, the trees provide food and shelter for wildlife, and help control erosion. Additionally, the methods serve as a windbreak and offer shade and shelter to people, plants, and animals. From a homesteading standpoint, agro-farming helps to
Weigela: A Flowering Shrub To Rival Your Rhododendrons
Moving to the country had its pros and cons. There were a lot of things to learn, especially in the garden. I tried to take my entire suburbia garden, one plant at a time, but some of my shrubs, sadly, had to be left behind. They were too big and the roots too deep to
A Beginnerโs Guide To Restoring Cast Iron
Letโs say youโre walking down the aisle of an antique store, mildly browsing the booths, hunting for treasure. All of a sudden, there! You see it. A cast iron skillet. Sure, there are rust spots, and it looks like it hasnโt seen service for a few decades, but youโre smart enough to know this thing
Homestead Stories: Cottage Gardens
โYour garden reminds me of an English cottage garden.โ A studentโs mother had stopped to chat as she dropped off her child for piano lesson. โSo pretty, colorful, and full of life. Just like you.โ Also disorganized and random, I thought to myself — before thanking her for the compliment. I guess thatโs the appeal
Growing Roses
Roses are popular and beautiful flowering shrubs in many homestead gardens. However, starting a rose garden can seem like a bit of an intimidating challenge for new gardeners. It isnโt as hard as you might think. In fact, with planning and proper planting, most anyone can cultivate a successful rose garden. There is no argument
Underground Greenhouse: Uses and Benefits
As long as gardeners have existed, they’ve sought to extend their growing seasons beyond the limits of winter’s shutdown. Gardening history is dotted with an arsenal of methods created to rebuff frost and snow, such as cold frames, greenhouses, row covers, carefully-placed compost piles, and cloches. A relatively recent entry in the fight to defy
Biodynamic Farming: What It Is and Why Do It
I once had the pleasure of working with biodynamic agriculturalists. Being new to biodynamic farming (and agriculture at large), I asked โSo, whatโs the difference between biodynamics and regular agriculture anyway?โ — a fair question to which I received an equally fair response. โBiodynamic agriculture aims to improve the earth we farm to a condition
Homestead Stories
What Do Goats Eat?
Many of usโparticularly those who didnโt grow up on a farmโhave some strange stereotypes embedded in our minds about what farms are like. All cows are black and white, all farmers wear overalls, all barns are painted red. One of the oddest ones I remember inheriting is the idea that goats enjoy munching on tin
In a Plastic World, Recycling Ain’t What It Used to Be
โTheyโre saying I havenโt delivered, but itโs not my fault!โ I heard Recyclingโs sobbing wail, and pulled out a porch chair to sit. โSheesh, Recycling, whatโs this all about?โ Recycling sniffled loudly. โIโm not what they think I am. I can only do so much.โ PVC pellets started to rain from Recycling’s triangular eyes, scattering
Support Insteading
Wow – we really appreciate you checking out ways to support us! We care a lot about the content we’re creating here, and we care a lot about hiring great writers to deliver new garden and homesteading content every week. There’s a few great ways you can help support our mission: 1 – Subscribe Through