tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5089828552519076506.post7542159526599572924..comments2024-03-28T15:55:53.792+10:00Comments on down to earth: Sustainable living - the new normalUnknownnoreply@blogger.comBlogger31125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5089828552519076506.post-27961747595017021302010-11-02T23:46:06.851+10:002010-11-02T23:46:06.851+10:00Since moving to the country 3 years ago we have le...Since moving to the country 3 years ago we have learned lots of new skills. Canning, gardening, pruning, composting, we have chickens, fruit trees, berry bushes, rain barrels. I learned how to bake bread and make my own laundry soap. I hang laundry out to dry (sometimes)and try to cut back on electicity use. We keep the heat low in the winter and try to be frugal as much as possible. The biggest thing we are still learning is how to slow down. I have seen the changes slowly, but when my friends visit they can't believe that I have changed so much. I think it is funny.Anonymoushttps://www.blogger.com/profile/03755201514713025969noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5089828552519076506.post-9546749267165066232010-11-02T21:20:49.844+10:002010-11-02T21:20:49.844+10:00Ah Rhonda, whenever I feel like it's too much,...Ah Rhonda, whenever I feel like it's too much, I turn to your blog to be reminded that inspiration is born of perspiration.<br /><br />I've: cut down the pine trees, put up a fence, planted flowers, planted native trees, put in 3 different vege gardens, have had things fail and others thrive, removed all garden beds from around the house walls, had the house treated for termites, put in whirly birds, a shade pergola and even more productive gardens (thinking for 4 years in the future).<br /><br />And now, I'm continuing to save for the things I need to become more sustainable, never to borrow for my sustainable lifestyle.<br /><br />Thanks for quietening my spirit this evening.Anonymousnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5089828552519076506.post-45296668505582067252010-11-02T20:53:02.519+10:002010-11-02T20:53:02.519+10:00Here! Here! Another great post, Rhonda. We have ju...Here! Here! Another great post, Rhonda. We have just finished our collard and cabbage garden for winter. We transplanted dozens of strawberry plants and have more to go. I'll be sharing some with our yard boy (neighbor kid needing attention), too. Have in onions, green beans and Japanese eggplant. Need to week and mulch the flower gardens.<br /><br />waxlers.blogspot.com is my blog of our little piece of heaven on earth, if you'd like to peek. I try to get yard stuff out there as often as possible.<br /> <br />Have a great day!Michellehttps://www.blogger.com/profile/16128349558544402699noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5089828552519076506.post-83798432572200536532010-11-02T06:18:34.124+10:002010-11-02T06:18:34.124+10:00that's inspiring, rhonda. we've been in ou...that's inspiring, rhonda. we've been in our london flat for two years. i pulled up a heavy brick path to put in a winding pebble one that allowed for bigger beds, freecycled the stones and used them as a foundation to keep the shed going a few more years. we moved the shed to fit in a compost which we shared with neighbours, enriched our soil naturally. we put in a clothesline, grew more and more food, added two rainbarrels, and put in a simple drip irrigation for hot summers from the barrels and tap. it has been such a pleasure. now that we're moving on i'm taking some plants with me, my clothesline, and i look forward to using a greenhouse and a big pantry to stockpile in! exciting! xelisahttps://www.blogger.com/profile/03666174167150041505noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5089828552519076506.post-30910251397723841152010-11-02T03:05:59.877+10:002010-11-02T03:05:59.877+10:00Over the years I have worked towards creating a wi...Over the years I have worked towards creating a wildlife friendly garden. No chemicals are used and I try to utilise all the natural resources I have in the garden to improve the quality of the soil. I have a greenhouse and various vegetable plots. I am planning on increasing the area given over to vegetable growing next year and can see this being the trend in my garden over the next few years. <br />I also dry my washing outside whenever possible, other wise it's dried inside on airers and the tumble drier only gets used as a last resort.<br />My son is hoping to buy a new property with his girlfriend in the near future. His priority is to have a large garden so that he can realise his dream to grow organic vegetables and keep chickens. I am looking forward to helping and encouraging them both in their efforts.Stellahttps://www.blogger.com/profile/11528862706641857167noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5089828552519076506.post-86311583676860813682010-11-01T23:23:17.213+10:002010-11-01T23:23:17.213+10:00Wonderful work!! Your post inspired me... but I´m ...Wonderful work!! Your post inspired me... but I´m living in a big city (Buenos Aires-Argentina.<br />Neverthless Ihave a small yard and I have some herbs in pots. I bake my own bread and I´m trying, little by little to live this sort of lifestyle, and your blog is encouraging.<br />In the future (when the kids grow up and go on with their lives, I´ld love to live out of the city limits and have a real garden, chickens etc.<br />But here in Argentina although there is a lot of land, it´s very expensive and it´s dificult to buy.<br />Thanks for being an inspiration, and sorry for my English!!!!alehttps://www.blogger.com/profile/03496802254012576405noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5089828552519076506.post-35918859221820877072010-11-01T23:13:05.139+10:002010-11-01T23:13:05.139+10:00We moved into our house 4 years ago and so far we ...We moved into our house 4 years ago and so far we built 7 vegetable beds, 2 berry beds and planted 3 apple trees. We bought and set up a worm farm and 2 compost bins. I only use organic fertilizers and pest control. Chickens are still something I'd like to keep one day, but that will have to wait until we no longer have dogs. We also built a small pond and always have water in several bird bath all over the garden. There is still a lot we'd like to do, but we only do them as money allows.Ankehttps://www.blogger.com/profile/16891642887957584851noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5089828552519076506.post-66637209807922920722010-11-01T22:36:36.337+10:002010-11-01T22:36:36.337+10:00Wow, such large accomplishments are on your list! ...Wow, such large accomplishments are on your list! It actually looks much like my to-do list for our little homestead here.<br />I've been enjoying your posts on organizing- it is so helpful and it keeps me motivated. This year we grew a large vegetable garden with your basic vegetables, and a couple weeks ago we expanded it. I'm looking into edible landscaping- using fruits, edible flowers, and veggies in our flower beds in a creative way. Looking forward to your next post!<br />The Girl in the Pink DressThe Girl in the Pink Dresshttps://www.blogger.com/profile/00250837836714463827noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5089828552519076506.post-68998320584358194202010-11-01T22:31:39.262+10:002010-11-01T22:31:39.262+10:00I think I had high hopes to make major changes whe...I think I had high hopes to make major changes when I quit my job a year ago. It's been frustrating as I think I want things to change too quickly. Thanks for the reminder that this is a process. I need to take time to learn and realize the awareness of this process. These changes are not instant gratification but this process will make our retirement for my husband attainable. <br /><3 Debbie<br />Central Illinoiskdfettershttps://www.blogger.com/profile/18351984570969558443noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5089828552519076506.post-56694106630991971212010-11-01T20:24:26.361+10:002010-11-01T20:24:26.361+10:00My fiance and I have lived in our house for a litt...My fiance and I have lived in our house for a little over a year now. It's a townhouse with about 1/10 of an acre, and a steep incline. But last year, we built a raised bed and grew peas, snap peas, zucchini, squash, corn, tomatoes, peppers, and potatoes. It was our first year gardening, so next year will be much more productive. We have a compost pile into which all of our vegetable matter goes. That means that the only things that go into the trash can (because we recycle) are styrofoam (rare), meat, and cat litter. One day, we might even be able to find a way to compost the litter and meat. We know we won't be here forever, so we won't put on solar panels, but we're looking into rain barrels to water our raised beds. In the future, I hope to imitate my grandmother and uncle, who lived off the grid in northern Arizona for 20 years. Thank you for your awesome posts. I always look forward to reading them.StrivingSimplyhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/08171172049027223389noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5089828552519076506.post-54943250916761759822010-11-01T20:04:49.430+10:002010-11-01T20:04:49.430+10:00Hi Rhonda
I try and carefully use what this plane...Hi Rhonda<br /><br />I try and carefully use what this planet freely gives us wherever possible.<br /><br />Providing organic vegetables for my family is foremost. Then I know what we are eating is chemical free and there is no ecofootprint in their production, as I try and save seeds from the previous years plants to use the following year. That, together with mulching and early morning watering in order to reduce the amount of water wastage / evaporation. Finally, I use a 30% shade cloth to further reduce evapouration.<br /><br />I have also made the decision not to plant any flowers for flowers sake alone - there are plenty of flowers which are edible and provide colour and thus have a dual use.<br /><br />Also, I use my hot box or haybox in winter and my solar cooker in summer whenever possible. The meals on can get from a solar cooker are brilliant - far tastier, and all the goodness is retained, as opposed to evapourating away with the steam.<br /><br />We have set our geyser to 50oC - so it's not so hot in winter, but that encourages us not to linger - afterall a shower is there to clean one, not to linger longer in. Wish we could afford a solar geyser, but perhaps that will come.<br /><br />I can't remember when I last used the tumble dryer - and my freezer was switched off at the end of last summer. As for ironing, only my husbands shirts get that treatment - sheets and pillowcases are vigorously shaken straight before hanging on the line - then folded tightly when they're dry - iron sheets only last the first night - the 2nd morning they are creased anyway.<br /><br />Through careful monitoring of our electricity consumption my monthly bill is 50% what it was in 2007<br /><br />All my kitchen waste goes to my compost heap, and recycling into the recycling bag. I throw in the dustbin approximately 1 shopping bags worth of refuse weekly. Preiously our bin use to overflow on the kerbside.<br /><br />A few of the items which are on my list are :<br /><br />using only CFLS - and having at least one nights light a week provided by candles; <br /><br />recycling - not only in the waste from my kitchen, but also on either Gumtree or Freecycle if I have anything that I no longer require;<br /><br />carefully using my water, and storing that which comes from the heavens;<br /><br />I sweep the floor often - that prevents carpets from gathering mess.<br /><br />For more steps which we are taking / have taken, please go to http://ecofootprintsa.blogspot.com/p/trying-to-make-difference-start-of-our.htmlDanihttps://www.blogger.com/profile/04020970904311512357noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5089828552519076506.post-76424465058753701052010-11-01T19:57:42.340+10:002010-11-01T19:57:42.340+10:00Hi Rhonda
I try and use what this planet freely g...Hi Rhonda<br /><br />I try and use what this planet freely gives us wherever possible.<br /><br />Providing organic vegetables for my family is foremost. Then I know they are chemical free and there is no ecofootprint in their production as I try and save seeds from the previous years plants to use the following year. That, together with mulching and early morning watering in order to reduce the amount of water wastage / evaporation. Finally, I use a 30% shade cloth to further reduce evapouration.<br /><br />I have also made the decision not to plant any flowers for flowers sake alone - there are plenty of flowers which are edible and provide colour and thus have a dual use.<br /><br />Also, I use my hot box or haybox in winter and my solar cooker in summer whenever possible. The meals on can get from a solar cooker are brilliant - far tastier, and all the goodness is retained, as opposed to evapourating away with the steam.<br /><br />We have set our geyser to 50oC - so it's not so hot in winter, but that encourages us not to linger - afterall a shower is there to clean one, not to linger longer in. Wish we could afford a solar geyser, but perhaps that will come.<br /><br />I can't remember when I last used the tumble dryer - and my freezer was switched off at the end of last summer. As for ironing, only my husbands shirts get that treatment - sheets and pillowcases are vigorously shaken straight before hanging on the line - then folded tightly when they're dry - iron sheets only last the first night - the 2nd morning they are creased anyway.<br /><br />Through careful monitoring of our electricity consumption my monthly bill is 50% what it was in 2007<br /><br />All my kitchen waste goes to my compost heap, and recycling into the recycling bag. I throw in the dustbin approximately 1 shopping bags worth of refuse weekly. Preiously our bin use to overflow on the kerbside.<br /><br />A few of the items which are on my list are :<br /><br />using only CFLS<br /><br />recycling - not only in the waste from my kitchen, but also on either gumtree or freecycle if I have anything that I no longer require<br /><br />carefully using my water, and storing that which comes from the heavens<br /><br />I sweep the floor often - that prevents carpets from gathering mess.<br /><br />For more steps which we are taking / have taken, please go to http://ecofootprintsa.blogspot.com/p/trying-to-make-difference-start-of-our.htmlDanihttps://www.blogger.com/profile/04020970904311512357noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5089828552519076506.post-13794655096277715622010-11-01T16:38:09.735+10:002010-11-01T16:38:09.735+10:00Rhonda, it is so nice to see the list of things yo...Rhonda, it is so nice to see the list of things you accomplished over the last 13 yrs. We are 3 years in and our focus has been establishing our vegetable gardens. We have our house in the middle of our plot and the back half is paved with a pool. The front part is where we have established 3 gardens with a 4th under construction. It's hard work but so rewarding.Urban Homestead South Africahttps://www.blogger.com/profile/15744814544809179491noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5089828552519076506.post-20511984837864981702010-11-01T15:59:56.176+10:002010-11-01T15:59:56.176+10:00We moved to our country town in Victoria 2 years a...We moved to our country town in Victoria 2 years ago.<br />The first thing we did is create a vegie patch/rose garden - no reason why it can't look pretty, right?<br />It's been so wonderful to learn about growing vegies.<br />http://poofanditsgone.blogspot.com/search/label/vegie%20patch<br /><br />Now we are in the middle of creating our orchard - we have 13 trees now!<br />http://poofanditsgone.blogspot.com/search/label/orchard<br /><br />Next project - compost bins and worm farm.<br />Very exciting!freefallinghttps://www.blogger.com/profile/08863000229609701796noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5089828552519076506.post-17632905312021100692010-11-01T15:54:16.279+10:002010-11-01T15:54:16.279+10:00I have to disagree with your statement that our ch...I have to disagree with your statement that our children today will only have the burden and not the benefit of advances we make today and in the last few decades. Yes, we need to back off of our excesses, but there have been great advances even related to homemaking that will benefit future generations.<br /><br />That said, we do have a lot that need to get done.<br /><br />My husband and I just moved into a new house with a yard a couple months ago. We've started composting, and will be getting our free shade tree from the utility company this week. I have two barrels to turn into rain barrels still. I need to plan out the landscaping to have xeriscape, shade, herbs, vegetables, clothes line, and a child play area.Anonymousnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5089828552519076506.post-8614614435247675042010-11-01T14:23:54.739+10:002010-11-01T14:23:54.739+10:00I am finding your blog very inspiring Rhonda. It i...I am finding your blog very inspiring Rhonda. It is good to reflect on what we have achieved and that can inspire us to do more. We have a small suburban block in a beachside suburb and in the 9 years we have been here we have had to learn how to cope with the harsh summer conditions in the garden. We have planted fruit trees (14) have chooks, a veggie patch, 10,000lt rainwater (full!!) I hope we are started to develop a microclimate in the backyard that will make summer veggie gardening easier. I am waiting for the children to grow up a bit more and I will cover our small bit of lawn with more veggie beds..... We have a native front garden that does not need watering and attracts birds and we are about to get solar panels. I do dream about having more land in a less urban area but the reality is that I am here and need to make the best of what I have. I have bought the ingredients to venture into soap making but need to find some time to do it! Hearing you on the radio recently and then looking at your blog is making me think hard about the business of my life and the need to slow down, live more sustainably and consciouly and spend more time at home.Moraghttps://www.blogger.com/profile/00981803589454787956noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5089828552519076506.post-63947851677258888162010-11-01T12:44:04.917+10:002010-11-01T12:44:04.917+10:00We put in a small vege patch soon after moving in....We put in a small vege patch soon after moving in. We've recently got chooks, which are brilliant, and we've also begun improving the state of the non-productive garden with mainly drought tolerant natives. We don't own our place so we're limited in many things I'd like to do, but they replaced the ceiling insulation in the main part of the house last year, and I'm still working on getting a rainwater tank and a low water usage toilet! One step at a time :-)dillpicklehttps://www.blogger.com/profile/10167045189440606367noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5089828552519076506.post-479239825760760562010-11-01T12:42:40.957+10:002010-11-01T12:42:40.957+10:00Within the last two years I've had two raised ...Within the last two years I've had two raised garden beds built. I have extensive arthritis so I do not bend over to the ground well. The beds are high enough that I don't have to bend much. I live in a dry area, thus we irrigate everything. I have drip systems for the gardens to save water. This year we've added some hens and 3 goats to the farm. I love having my own eggs. <br /><br />I have made both laundry soap and bath bar soap. I am learning how to sew more and plan to make my own new curtains soon.<br /><br />I love your blog and look forward to the upcoming indoor room challenges to improve my home.<br /><br />Blessings!<br />CottonLadyCottonLadyhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/18253761109385226538noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5089828552519076506.post-64574641098289284002010-11-01T10:38:13.152+10:002010-11-01T10:38:13.152+10:00Hi! I've just started reading your blog and I ...Hi! I've just started reading your blog and I couldn't agree more with the spirit of this article. Living sustainably is action not a destination. I'm so impressed by some of the ambitious projects that you and your husband have completed. Inspiring. But at whatever level we are at, we are all still making it happen and improving everyday. <br />Thanks for this.Hannahhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/04065399881166441124noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5089828552519076506.post-41127684137620794002010-11-01T10:35:59.217+10:002010-11-01T10:35:59.217+10:00Hi, I'm new to your blog and am so glad to hav...Hi, I'm new to your blog and am so glad to have found you. I grew up on a farm in W.A. and have grown up with parents who grew things, made things, mended things and made do.<br /><br />Where I now live we have 1/4 of land but unfortunately we have minimal sun which makes vegetable growing possible only for a short time in summer. We have had chooks for a couple years, I've been improving the soil for about 10 years, and we now have substantial rainwater tanks. <br />Most of my clothing is bought at op. shops and I made my own bread, yogurt and do most of my own baking and cooking. I also make my own washing powder and some of my cleaning products. If I was working outside the home I wouldn't have the time for all these things so I'm very grateful that I can.<br />Have a wonderful week.<br />Anne**Anne**https://www.blogger.com/profile/05595796965034742923noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5089828552519076506.post-14361298918133663402010-11-01T10:34:44.372+10:002010-11-01T10:34:44.372+10:00I just wanted to say how much I love your post. Yo...I just wanted to say how much I love your post. You are truly an inspiration to the rest of us!<br /><br />Oddly enough your post fits well with one I just wrote. Feel free to take a look if you'd like.<br /><br />http://lifeandloveinthecountry.blogspot.com/2010/10/new-american-dream.htmlAnonymousnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5089828552519076506.post-88855415811026033382010-11-01T08:51:22.873+10:002010-11-01T08:51:22.873+10:00We have a tiny backyard as we only live on a 380 s...We have a tiny backyard as we only live on a 380 sq m block. We have put all the back into raised vegetable beds, planted a grape vine, orange and mandarin bushes. We have put 1.5 kwh of solar panels on our roof which gives up about half our power needs on a high consumption day or all the power on a low consumption day.Harriethttps://www.blogger.com/profile/17131993162783497068noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5089828552519076506.post-33905947555975304612010-11-01T07:36:04.221+10:002010-11-01T07:36:04.221+10:00This is my first visit to your blog and it looks l...This is my first visit to your blog and it looks like I could really learn a lot here! I am wanting to simplify my life but also have pretty significant health challenges that would make certain tasks very difficult. I would love to learn how to live more frugally and simply with the small amount of energy that I have:) I will be back!Kimberlyhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/01570522220381534259noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5089828552519076506.post-66242963172240004632010-11-01T07:19:35.285+10:002010-11-01T07:19:35.285+10:00Great concept Rhonda- I think it's really impo...Great concept Rhonda- I think it's really important to take stock like you have. We were lucky in that we've started with a blank canvas- the house that was originally here was 'recycled' to my family's farm and added to the house there to make it more intergenerational friendly- that's a book in itself! We built a house with the second highest energy rating possible, and have never used chemicals in the outdoor space; instead improved the soil organically and relied heavily on compost and mulch from an organic supplier nearby. Looking forward to watching you move through all of your living spaces and take stock.Green Mamahttps://www.blogger.com/profile/15307326788147301716noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5089828552519076506.post-29938571417797563242010-11-01T06:56:10.269+10:002010-11-01T06:56:10.269+10:00Good morning Rhonda,
We do most of the things that...Good morning Rhonda,<br />We do most of the things that you are doing. We also will be installing solar screens in the new year. Nature gives us so much if we are willing to put in a little effort. I still marvel each time I stand under the shower and get free hot water from the panels on our roof, just because the sun is shining. Like Kimmy I am about to make my first batch of soap and I am so excited about that. We are learning to eat just what we can produce ourselves so I am constantly looking for new ways to present our seasonal produce. I'll also look forward to seeing what is written about the inside of the home. Isn't it good to know that whatever age we are we can still keep learning.<br />Blessings Gailgailhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/11474172270399240621noreply@blogger.com