It seems the crisis with gas and oil is continuing to creep into all consumer products. Of course, gasoline is at a record high, but even things like food and other staples are continuing to inch up with transportation costs. All the more reason to look closely at personal consumerism and become less dependent upn "stores" for the things of lfe.
In my case, the garden will be a god send for the little things in life - lettuce, radishes, peas, broccoli, tomatoes, and the like. A small contribution, but welcome just the same. As long as the weatherman doesn't throw any (more) curves, the garden will be in full production by the middle of June.
With luck, I'll continue to see payoffs from the CF lights installed, and minimal useof other electricity. Once I have current projects settled, I'll be looking into ways to tap into solar energy for some things - inaddition to my yard lighting.
Thursday, May 29, 2008
Monday, May 19, 2008
Energy and Sustainability
When I bought my cabin, I had lots of planning to do. It was an unfinished shell and that meant that I had the chance to put decide nearly everything that went into it. One of my goals in moving to the cabin was to have a more self sustained life. That meant that one thing to consider was energy.
Almost all of my neighbors have propane pigs (or tanks) sitting in their yard. While the convienence of oripane would be nice, I elected to go in other directions. My choices might mean some sacrifices for me, but in order to become more sustained and self-sufficent those choices were the way for me to go.
The cabin came with a 100 amp circuit from the road so that was one thing I didn't chose. It does provide all my electrical needs which include refridgerator, lights, computer, well pump, and cooking. However, I installed solar yard lights and hope to continue to convert over to more solar in the future. All the lights are CF lights which helps to minimize consumption.
An interesting thing that I read was to consider using the smallest possible cooking source available that will complete a task. For me, that includes a small microwave, a small broiler oven, a 4 cup and single cup coffee-makers, smallest standard refridgerator, and smallest electric range. I strive to cook one-pot meals rather than fixing lots of smaller dishes.
I also rely on my wood burning stove for heating along with warming meals. It does mean that I have to chop and haul wood, and I have some concern for the emissions, but overall I feel that the trade off is worth it.
as I continue my cabin adventure, I'll be looking forward to calculating my energy footprint and then decide ways to further reduce it. Time will tell if this "experiment" will provide the pay-offs I anticipate.
Almost all of my neighbors have propane pigs (or tanks) sitting in their yard. While the convienence of oripane would be nice, I elected to go in other directions. My choices might mean some sacrifices for me, but in order to become more sustained and self-sufficent those choices were the way for me to go.
The cabin came with a 100 amp circuit from the road so that was one thing I didn't chose. It does provide all my electrical needs which include refridgerator, lights, computer, well pump, and cooking. However, I installed solar yard lights and hope to continue to convert over to more solar in the future. All the lights are CF lights which helps to minimize consumption.
An interesting thing that I read was to consider using the smallest possible cooking source available that will complete a task. For me, that includes a small microwave, a small broiler oven, a 4 cup and single cup coffee-makers, smallest standard refridgerator, and smallest electric range. I strive to cook one-pot meals rather than fixing lots of smaller dishes.
I also rely on my wood burning stove for heating along with warming meals. It does mean that I have to chop and haul wood, and I have some concern for the emissions, but overall I feel that the trade off is worth it.
as I continue my cabin adventure, I'll be looking forward to calculating my energy footprint and then decide ways to further reduce it. Time will tell if this "experiment" will provide the pay-offs I anticipate.
Wednesday, May 07, 2008
From river to river to river
My move into retirement is now complete. I've somehow struggled and muddled through construction, snow, electrical service, plumbing, finish woodwork, decorating, appliances, satellite TV, and of course Internet service. But regardless, the struggles have been worth it a thousand times over.
At night, I can go out and see stars from treetops to the horizon. The only sounds are the birds, insects, and breeze. Very few humans are the neighbors, and the antics of the deer, turkeys, raccoons, squirrels, and birds keep me informed and entertained. Forging my garden out this raw land is a challenge, but satisifying. Soon radish, lettuce, spinach, and Spring Onions will become part of my mainstay - the results of my efforts. These will be followed by peas, beans, tomatoes, squashes, and storage onions - all grown by my hand on my ground.
And there's the river. I grew up on the Saginaw River, a large transportation river that feeds into Lake Huron. For the last twenty some years, I lived on the Huron River a much smaller, faster river coursing through Ann Arbor on its way to Lake Erie. And now, I'm learning to live with the Au Sable - a world premier trout stream with all of the fishing opportunities it brings. I wonder how much of the Saginaw, Huron, and Au Sable will course through my veins as I move through life.
At night, I can go out and see stars from treetops to the horizon. The only sounds are the birds, insects, and breeze. Very few humans are the neighbors, and the antics of the deer, turkeys, raccoons, squirrels, and birds keep me informed and entertained. Forging my garden out this raw land is a challenge, but satisifying. Soon radish, lettuce, spinach, and Spring Onions will become part of my mainstay - the results of my efforts. These will be followed by peas, beans, tomatoes, squashes, and storage onions - all grown by my hand on my ground.
And there's the river. I grew up on the Saginaw River, a large transportation river that feeds into Lake Huron. For the last twenty some years, I lived on the Huron River a much smaller, faster river coursing through Ann Arbor on its way to Lake Erie. And now, I'm learning to live with the Au Sable - a world premier trout stream with all of the fishing opportunities it brings. I wonder how much of the Saginaw, Huron, and Au Sable will course through my veins as I move through life.
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