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Sustainable Living
We share creative and practical ideas for living sustainably and off the grid, with topics ranging from solar power and rainwater collection to gardening and composting, sustainable building materials, reducing waste, and lots more
Rainwater Harvesting for Home Use: Frequently Asked Questions
Rainwater harvesting is a great way to reduce utility bills and create a backup water supply or even a primary water supply for your home.
Dec 30, 2024
Rainwater Collection: How To Keep Rainwater Barrels from Freezing
With a few strategies and the right tools, you can keep your rainwater collection system functional and flowing all year.
Dec 1, 2024
Collecting Rainwater: DIY Water Tank Overflows
This guide will walk you through various water tank overflow setups and how to make each type work in your rainwater harvesting system.
Nov 4, 2024
The Minimalist & the Packrat: A Relationship Guide to Sustainable Living
When you and your partner have differing approaches to belongings, maintaining harmony can be challenging. Here are some strategies to...
Oct 28, 2024
Different Kinds of Batteries for Off-Grid Solar Power
If you’re considering setting up an off-grid solar power system, the battery bank is one of the most important components.
Oct 18, 2024
100+ Ways To Save Money & Spend Less
Here's my brainstorming session of ideas ranging from big changes to very, very small tweaks to save money.
Sep 24, 2024
How To Make a First Flush Diverter: DIY Roof Washer
One of the most effective ways to improve the quality of your harvested rainwater is by installing a first flush diverter or "roof washer."
Aug 25, 2024
How To Filter Rainwater: 5 DIY Methods for Home Use
With a few simple, cost-effective do-it-yourself methods, you can ensure your harvested rainwater is clean and safe for various uses.
Aug 15, 2024
What Is ICF Block? A Sustainable Building Solution
This innovative building material combines the strength of concrete with the insulating properties of recycled foam.
May 4, 2024
6 Ways To Make Compost: Find Techniques To Fit Your Lifestyle
In the world of composting, there's no one-size-fits-all solution. In today’s guide, we'll explore various composting methods.
Apr 13, 2024
7 Homemade DIY Compost Bins & Piles
In this guide, we'll explore various DIY composting methods, providing basic instructions and composting tips along the way.
Apr 6, 2024
50+ Ways To Reduce Trash at Home
We’ll brainstorm ways to reduce trash, considering that even small changes in our daily habits can collectively make a significant impact.
Mar 30, 2024
Spring Cleaning the Sustainable-Living Way: A Checklist
Going far beyond dusting and mopping, here are some suggestions for refreshing our homes while minimizing our environmental footprint, impro
Mar 23, 2024
Can You Compost Pine Needles?
We’re diving into the world of composting pine needles, demystifying their acidity, and providing practical tips for incorporating them into
Mar 18, 2024
Our Favorite Zero-Waste Products for Cleaning and Hair Care
Whether you’re transitioning to solid soap or want to give laundry detergent sheets in a cardboard dispenser a try, every small step counts.
Mar 13, 2024
How To Build a Backyard Cob Oven
An ancient building material composed of clay subsoil, sand, and straw in varying proportions, cob can last hundreds and even...
Jan 28, 2024
How To Use and Repurpose Pine Needles for Home and Garden
Here are some of our favorite practical and creative ways to put brown and fresh pine needles to work, from mulching to making tea.
Jan 9, 2024
Building a Potable Rainwater Harvesting System for Your Home
Here in the high desert of northern Arizona, rain is not as frequent a visitor as it is in other parts of the country, making every drop a
Dec 26, 2023
26 Ways To Use Wood Ash for the Home and Garden
It’s that time of year again here at 36-Acre Wood—and countless other homes where the mercury has dropped and winter coats have come out of
Dec 12, 2023
Use This, Not That: Durable Reusable Products to Reduce Waste
Say goodbye to the endless stream of disposable products and hello to a smarter, more sustainable lifestyle.
Nov 30, 2023
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