"The Zero-Waste Lifestyle" Book Review

The Zero-Waste Lifestyle

Amy Korst

"In The Zero-Waste Lifestyle, Amy Korst shows you how to lead a healthier, happier, 
and more sustainable life by generating less garbage.  
 Drawing from lessons she learned during a yearlong experiment in zero-waste living, 
Amy outlines hundreds of easy ideas-from the simple to the radical-for consuming 
and throwing away less, with low-impact tips on the best ways to:

*Buy eggs from a local farm instead of the grocery store

*Start a worm bin for composting

*Grow your own loofah sponges and mix up eco-friendly cleaning solutions

*Purchase gently used items and donate them when you're finished

*Shop the bulk aisle and keep reusable bags in your car

*Bring your own containers for take-out or restaurant leftovers

By eliminating unnecessary items in every aspect of your life, 
these meaningful and achievable strategies will help you save time and money, 
support local businesses, decrease litter, reduce your toxic exposure, eat well, 
become more self-sufficient, and preserve the planet for future generations."

This book was a real eye-opener.  I didn't realize 
there were folks who were trying to live trash-free.  
It's a noble pursuit, for sure.  Although we recycle and pay attention 
to the purchases we make, this book helped me pay more attention 
to the packaging that comes into our home. 
 I also find myself questioning whether or not something 
really needs to be thrown in the trash, rather than composted or recycled.

One point that the author made which I hadn't thought of before, 
was that anything that is wet or moist can usually be composted.  
This not only keeps trash to a minimum, 
but the need for garbage can liners becomes obsolete.  
Think of the savings in not having to purchase garbage bags 
and the amount of plastic you wouldn't be buying.  
It all adds up.

 One aspect that in which we already participate is in making purchases locally, 
so that the travel time and supplies are kept to a minimum.  
The impact on the environment is lessened 
when you can carry home your purchase in your own bags or boxes.  
No waste!  
(See the repurposed bags I recently made here.)  

The book also nurtures the idea that supporting the local community is better for everyone.
One thing I plan on doing since reading this book is to contact companies of items I currently purchase 
to inquire about the packaging they use.  Is it recyclable?  Could the packaging be downsized?  
It doesn't take much time to inform the companies 
that this is something worthwhile to consumers of their products.

The author and contributors are to be commended for their efforts in creating less waste 
and being so conscientious about the environment.  
By reading this book, I do think that I can reduce my usage of some items 
and get a compost pile started to help ease the burden of waste on our planet.  
If everyone who read this book just made one change, it would benefit us all.

"Free-Range Chicken Gardens" Book Review

Free-Range Chicken Gardens

How to Create a Beautiful, Chicken-Friendly Yard

Jessi Bloom

"In this essential handbook, award-winning garden designer Jessi Bloom 
covers everything a gardener needs to know, 
including chicken-keeping basics, simple garden plans to get you started, 
tips on attractive fencing options, 
the best plants and plants to avoid, and step-by-by step instructions 
for getting your chicken garden up and running.  
For anyone who wants a fabulous garden where colorful chickens happily roam, 
this is the guide that will bring the dream home to roost."

What I loved about this book, 
was the way it helped me see a different way of keeping chickens.  
Because the garden is designed around the chickens' needs, 
it lends itself to not only providing a gorgeous garden, 
but creating a safe and inviting place for the chickens.  
Plants are carefully selected to offer protection from predators, 
so that the chickens have access to cover should danger arise.  
This allows them to free-range most of the time.  I just love the idea 
that the chickens have ample time outside to scratch, bughunt, 
and enjoy their dust baths, knowing that they are free from peril.  
I can't think of a more symbiotic relationship.  
The chickens are free to roam, eating bugs and depositing manure,and the garden benefits.  
The garden and the chickens are nurturing each other.  
I'm so grateful to have read this book before we acquire chicks, 
and I hope to incorporate the ideas on our new homestead.

Book Winner!

Congratulations, Tammy from  
Our Neck of the Woods.

Enjoy cooking up some tasty food!

Book Box

I've talked about it before.
We love books around here.
And no disrespect to those of you who use tablets,
but in my mind, no electronic device
can match the magic of real books 
fashioned of paper and ink.

Books take you places, 
both metaphorically and literally.
We visit our public library at least every other week
and also take advantage of the Books-by-Mail program
to have library books delivered to our home free of charge.
Then there's BookSwap,
where we can trade books with other avid readers.




But this, this is a great idea.

http://www.openbookexchange.org/
How much do I love that a 20-something gal
is as enamored with the printed page as we are?
It started here, but she's a local gal
who is continuing this wonderful concept.
It's heartwarming to see someone taking their passion
and really making a difference.
I'd like to get involved somehow.
At least we could donate some books to the cause.
It seems that a visit to the used bookstore is in order.

 
There are so many ways to 
change this world into a better place.
We just need to think outside the box.

Kit Houses

I've had this fascination with Sears Kit Homes for years.
It's amazing that not so long ago,
one could order a house from a catalogue
the way we order household items, food, or books today.

In modern times, these homes would be called prefab houses.
They are not the same as mobile homes.
It's one option we are considering when we move.
The process is incredible.

The homes are assembled inside a factory, just like a car.
The wall panels are transported to the site and erected there.



Finish work like plumbing and electrical is done on site.
Overall, the buyer can get into the home sooner than conventional structures
because the elements are not a factor during construction.
If you're the handy type, you can build the kit yourself.
That could add up to a lot of savings.


One of the most appealing aspects of choosing this type of construction
is the lack of wasted materials.
In the factory, workers have exactly what they need for each model
and excess materials can often be used elsewhere.




From contemporary to rustic, the choice is yours.
Choice of materials, colors and styles
is easily adapted to the homeowner's desires.


I recently enjoyed this book about the subject:

Here's a fantastic chart to give you an idea
of what's currently available.

If you're interested in learning more about the extraordinary
Sears Kit Homes, here are some links:

http://www.searsarchives.com/homes/

http://www.arts-crafts.com/archive/kithome/rt-searskits.shtml


http://www.searshomes.org/index.php/blog/

We're looking forward to exploring this option.
Keep ya posted!

One Simple Thing-Basket Case

Every room in our home is being downsized.

As we anticipate an out-of-state move

within the next year,

it just makes sense to free ourselves of all but the essentials.

Why pack, move and store what's not used on a regular basis?

Cookbooks were among the items sorted through

and all but a handful were donated to the library book store.

Any specific recipes that might be needed,

especially with allergies in the family,

can be easily found online or acquired at the local library.

This basket was picked up at a local thrift store for $2.

It's deep and wide enough

to store the few books I refer to on a regular basis.

A clothespin was added to secure any outgoing bills

or coupons that may soon expire.

Inside there is ample room for a cell phone,

keys, notes or store returns.

The basket can easily be taken to other areas

should the urge to browse occur.

The bonus is that instead of having to move

each and every book (and other items)

when wiping down counters,

simply lifting up one basket makes cleaning a breeze.

One Simple Thing

One Year to an Organized Life 

by Regina Leeds

****

"What happened to my keys?  Am I late, or is that appointment on Tuesday?  Why is the kids' room such a mess?  Did I ever pay this credit card bill?  And speaking of papers everywhere...has anybody seen the dining room table?  Imagine not having to worry about any of these things.  An organized life enables you to have more time, less aggravation, better health, and get more done.  For nearly twenty years, Regina Leeds-named Best Organizer in Los Angeles by Los Angeles magazine-has helped even the most organizationally challenged.  One Year to an Organized Life is a unique week-by-week, month-by-month plan to forever streamline all aspects of your life.  Regina helps you break down tasks and build routines over time so that life becomes simple, not overwhelming."

What I like about this book is the way it is broken down into managable steps.  Each month of the year is a source of focus on a particular area in the home.  Within each month, steps are further broken down, so that tasks are doable in a short amount of time.  This is especially valuable for those who are just embarking on organizing their lives.  For those already enmeshed in the organizing world, it's a great place to refresh your routines and systems.  The book begins with January, (what a wonderful way to start off a new year!), but can be picked up at any time of the year and followed along. 

If you need a push in the direction of getting things organized around your homestead, this book might be just the ticket to get you started!

 

Real Simple Cleaning by Kathleen Squires
****



From the Editor's page:  "Because one person's spick-and-span is another's squalor, we all have different ideas aobut how much we need to clean.  Readers of Real Simple magazine frequently tell us editors about their love-hate relationship with the concept.  I'm happy to report that there are some hearty, creative souls who make cleaning an event; they put on headphones, dance around the house and celebrate afterward with a  glass of wine.  As you might imagine, these people are the minority.  But even those who hate the process love the results."

This book is as you might expect, well organized into categories.  The first, Room by Room, focuses on the individual needs of each area of the home and how best to clean each and every nook and cranny.  The second, Common Surfaces, pinpoints the most efficient way to create sparkling results on everything from ceilings to floors.  The final subject matter spotlights specific remedies for the myriad of Stains that occur in the home.  There's also a clever and handy cleaning calendar in the back of the book.  This is a handy go-to guide for everyday cleaning.

Book It...

We visit the library just about every week.
It still blows my mind sometimes just to think about
the fact that we can walk into this place,
take out as many books as we want
and keep them for up to a couple of months
AT NO CHARGE!!!
What else is free these days?

Aside from the materials available for check-out,
there are many programs offered
such as free movies, workshops, computer classes
and much more.

What's the saying?

"So many books, so little time."

These self-service checkout kiosks

are a new addition.

You can even pay fines here.

The children's section has a wide selection of books,

music and periodicals for kids.

The computer card catalogue is equipped

with smaller keyboards

to encourage young readers to find their own books.

Desks are provided for those who have studying to do.

There are even puzzles for the youngest visitors.

Of course, the computers are a favorite of the kids

who frequent this space.

Grown-ups too, can select music C/D's

for their listening pleasure.

Magazines on a variety of subjects are yours for the taking.

Quiet areas allow those with serious work to concentrate.

These private cubicles are used by groups working on projects,

or by tutors (like me).

Materials may be reserved in advance and are placed here.

Our library even offers an online ordering service.

We featured it here.

Our library is one of the best places in town.

Hope you visit yours soon!

Happy reading this weekend, y'all!

http://whpl.mywinterhaven.com/

Real Simple:  869 new uses for old things by the editors of Real Simple
****

"In this age of reduce/reuse/recyle, New Uses for Old Things is the original green idea.  Introduced in the monthly magazine, in 2002, when our editors revealed how to use dental floss to neatly cut soft cheese, slice eggs, and even truss a chicken, New Uses for Old Things has served as a sort of beacon for staff members and readers alike.  It has "smart," "surprising," and "good for the earth" all wrapped up into one.  What more could you want?  And in case you're wondering whether it's easy to come up with those clever ideas month in and month out:  It's not."

The folks at Real Simple magazine never seem to run out of good ideas to live a simpler, more earth-friendly life.  This book, aptly subtitled, "an encyclopedia of innovative ideas for everyday items", acts as a daily resource for those who wish to live their lives with less stuff.  Repurposing items is a worthwhile venture for those of use who want to leave less of a footprint on this world.  The creativity really shines in this reference manual, where new uses are found for paper clips, clothespins, dental floss and a myriad of other everyday items.  The handbook is alphabetically organized, which is great if you want to find what particular tools will do a certain job.  However, if you're in the middle of a project and need to know which tool to use, there is no cross-reference guide.  That could be a helpful addition.  Overall, this publication would be a great gift for new homeowners, college students, homeschoolers, or anyone who appreciates finding innovative uses for everyday items.

Chick Days by Jenna Woginrich
*****




"Chickens are quirky and fun and their eggs give you tasty, nutritious food every day.  Who could ask more of a pet?  And it's surprisingly easy to be a backyard chicken-keeper.  With lively text and charming photographs, Chick Days follows the day-by-day and week-by-week growth of three chickens as they develop from hatchlings to laying hens.  Firsthand advice on chicken behavior, breed selection, feeding requirements, safe housing, hygiene, and health-care essentials ensures that your own flock will be as healthy and well-cared-for as this contented trio."


This simple and heartwarming book is a great go-to guide for chicken raising newbies (or wannabes, like myself).  Jenna Woginrich, who is a young farmer and has served as the impetus of this blog and my homesteading quest, has written another treasure.  If you haven't been following her adventures at Cold Antler Farm, you're missing out.  Her easy writing style makes venturing into new territory less scary.  The way she has explained how to choose a breed, the daily care involved and what to expect once your flock starts laying, enables one to not only imagine having chickens as part of a lifestyle, but outlines the steps in order to achieve that goal. 
The ability to follow three chicks into adulthood was a hoot!
Information about each of the three breeds featured was given throughout their lives and what a blast to see them grow from helpless little balls of fur to empowered laying hens!

One of the reasons I decided to begin my homesteading pursuit was because deep down, in some inexplicable way, I needed chickens in my life.  Not chicken-n-rice kind of needed.  Don't ask me where it came from.  I only know that on some level, I knew I wanted to get back to basics and chickens were gonna help me with that.  The main requirement for our next home will be property and no deed restrictions so that we can pursue our (mostly my) dream of becoming more self-reliant.  It's good to know that I can begin my research ahead of time so that I'll be better prepared when we pick up our first batch of baby chicks.  Thanks, Jenna!

The Edible Landscape by Tom McCubbin
*****




"Make every inch of your property beautiful, productive and delicious! 
*Create a luscious landscape that becomes your edible garden
*Pick exotic, topical fruit from right outside your door
*Start from seed and start saving money
*Harvest farm-fresh vegetables year round from your yard
*Grow spicy, aromatic herbs as beautiful and prolific as wildflowers
*Special section with 17 fun-filled easy-to-follow gardening projects for kids"




If you've got a Florida (or other tropical-type) yard, this book will help you get growing!  Tom MacCubbin is one of the best known garden experts for the Florida climate.  He takes you from starting seeds to grafting to harvesting your own food.
The two appendixes in the book  have been most helpful. The first is a month-to-month gardening guide, which explains what a gardener can do each month of the year to improve  soil, lists what to grow when, and fertilization practices.  Another section lists edibles in alphabetical order with easy-to-use charts and reference information.  Having a local expert who understands the unique conditions of the area makes it so much easier to be a successful gardener.  This book is a must-have for anyone who is serious about growing their own food in a tropical climate.

Good Things for Organizing by Martha Stewart
*****



"A handrail that turns into a pot rack?  A cupboard for a nightstand?  Antiques in the medicine cabinet?  Here are some of our favorite ideas and tips for maximizing space, clearing away clutter, and making your home more welcoming and comfortable, room by room."

This book was a delightful read.  What would you expect from the organizing maven herself?  Wonderful ideas and beautiful photos motivate the reader to begin on the road to efficiency.  The focus in this book is to inspire new uses for items.  Repurposing is a way of using what you have in a different application.  There are a myriad of suggestions to try one's hand at making a home more cozy, comfortable and pragmatic.  If you are just starting to reorganize your life, this book is a great place to begin.

 

Enjoy Life's Cookies for Everyone!
*****



"Your search is over.  Finally, you've found an entire collection of recipes you can turn to whenever you want to bake cookies and treats that are safe for most everyone with food allergies, intolerances, or sensitivities.  And to top it off, you don't have to sacrifice any of the sweet and savory tastes or moist and chewy textures that make these mouth-watering confections so memorable and delicious.
In addition to being gluten-free, all of the cookies, brownies, bars, pancakes, tartlets, and more, included in this unique collection are made without the most common allergens, making them all safe and delicious snack and dessert options for practically everyone."

We tried several recipes from this book and they all turned out fabulous.  Our favorite was the chocolate (big surprise) sandwich cookie recipe.  The Basically Yummy Cookie recipe reminded me of Nilla Wafers.  What I really appreciate about this cookbook is that it is already free from many of the foods that Lil' Guy is sensitive to, so minimal adapting was necessary.

I still had to substitute for the shortening used in the recipes (he can't have palm oil), but suggestions were offered that made it easy and better yet, they worked!  I always get my cookbooks from the library first, to see if they are worth investing in, and I'd have to say this one is.  If anyone you bake for has allergies or sensitivities, they'll be happy you did.