We are not alone. I know the name of my neighbor next door, just the husband, not the rest of the family. I know his name because my wife and I happened to be walking our dog on one of the days his moving truck was parked out front and he introduced himself. I know …Read More about The Localist Economy – Bartering, Trading and Giving within the Local Community
Foundation Lessons
3 tips for finding the business opportunity in your community
We all have dreams and aspirations for the perfect life. Of course, that perfect life – short of winning the lotto – most likely includes a job. Why can’t that be the dream job? For some, the dream takes them to some far off place. For others, they see themselves right where they are now …Read More about 3 tips for finding the business opportunity in your community
Why buying local is a big F$@* you to wasteful packaging and global commerce as a first option
Many folks that buy local will cite reasons like supporting the local economy, smaller environmental impact, a closer connection to the producer, higher quality production, and superior freshness. All valid reasons to buy local for sure. And there is nothing wrong with global commerce though we would suggest that the global marketplace not be your …Read More about Why buying local is a big F$@* you to wasteful packaging and global commerce as a first option
7 Renewable Resources to Make Your Life Better
If you mention “renewable resources” in conversation most people immediately think of alternative energy. Even doing a web search for the term results in thousands of sites or articles about clean energy and renewable energy sources. But that’s only part of the conversation. For the Modern Steader it’s not always about energy. Clean renewable energy …Read More about 7 Renewable Resources to Make Your Life Better
Breaking the trash habit: 6 things to consider before you dispose of anything
Hi, my name is Tim and I had a trash habit. I’m still in recovery, always will be. But I am getting better. Sound a bit too dramatic to you? Granted, mindless consumption and thoughtless wasting is much different than alcoholism or many other diseases – more passive and hiding in the background – but …Read More about Breaking the trash habit: 6 things to consider before you dispose of anything
Effective time management for modern steaders
Using resources efficiently is one of the seven core values of the modern steader. Society at large habitually turns a blind eye to the use of resources which is evident in the wasteful packaging, single use items, and long haul distribution model used by the commercial food system. Of course, that’s just a few examples …Read More about Effective time management for modern steaders
Abundance and Scarcity in Nature
I have actually watched people walk by citrus trees loaded with ripe, low-hanging fruit to enter a grocery store and buy packages of oranges imported from out of state. In Phoenix, citrus trees are everywhere. We have Tangelo, Orange, Tangerine as well as Grapefruit and Lemon varieties all over town in private yards, public parks …Read More about Abundance and Scarcity in Nature
Eat the Seasons
Much of the Foundation Series is designed to get you thinking about your choices and to inspire changes in your mindset. And sometimes all that is needed is a little background to start those wheels turning. Do you know anything about harvest festivals? Ever been to one? Does your local community celebrate the harvest? Harvest …Read More about Eat the Seasons
Connecting with Nature’s Rhythms
Everything in the natural world is connected. All living and nonliving things in an ecosystem work to create balance and live in harmony with the natural cycles of their environment. The biggest singular mistake of post-industrial age societies is to view humans as something apart from nature. “…they key to the wisdom of his ancestors …Read More about Connecting with Nature’s Rhythms
Hobbies to Homesteading: Why craft skills are essential for a steader
Recent generations have migrated from the craft trades centered on defined skills to the knowledge economy ushered in by the near full adoption of technology and the access it provides. Plumbers, carpenters, electricians, and the like were once seen as noble lifelong pursuits. That began to change with the knowledge economy. Proficiency with hands-on skills …Read More about Hobbies to Homesteading: Why craft skills are essential for a steader