In part II we talked about different paths to our goals and got some advice from friends.  Some people recommended using a compost pile, which is great since it works all hours of the day but needs to be rebui

There are many many different ways to approach rain barrels.

After looking at lots of different systems and a little personal experience, I have developed a favorite.

60 gallon barrels are less expensive than 300 gallon totes even when you account for the water they hold.  60 gallon barrels can often be found for free and are easier to get in the car.  300 gallon barrels are a little easier to deal with in that you have less pluming, fewer spigots and potential leaks.  We have some of each.

In part I, we chronicled our process and lessons learned.  Here in part II we will try to process some of that information.

We decided we really dont want to live entirely without hot water, but how do we make it sustainable?

Why turn off the hot water?

I decided to put together this information for those of you dont believe thrifting can fulfill your needs.  Here is an inventory of everything purchased on May 24th, 2012.  I have to admit that it isnt always this bountiful . . . but then going to Target can also be very disappointing. Back when I still went to Target now and again, I would find half the things on my list and come out with a $100 in stuff I hadnt planned to buy.  Thats quick way to be poor and really not very helpful when you think about it.

Many gardeners know how much slugs hate copper.  My friends know I love copper so it was only a matter of time.

One day while at the hardware store I looked at the copper wool and thought, "I bet that would keep the slugs off my baby artichoke plants," and so was born an idea.

Last year we looked at which types of fixtures LEDs work best in and how much light to expect from a LED bulb.

I have a few skeletons in my closet.  This year I have to confess I have been ordering my LED bulbs direct from China via Ebay.

Almost exactly a year ago, I bought a snappy little 60G SSD drive for my home server for only around $100 or so.  I have been very pleased with its performance; for example, I can boot the server in only about ten seconds!  Ironically enough, though, I keep this system running 24x7, and therefore rarely experienced this particular benefit.

From the Victoria Transport Policy Institute

I hate to see anything go to waste.  I also hate to see my life cluttered up with useless crap.  After we had the exterior of our house redone in Certainteed Fiber Cement board, there was lots left over.  Lots and lots.  We found several small projects, but the most interesting was the mini-Trombe wall.