Change Is Good!

 

 

Let's face it.

Change can be hard.

Even though we know that 

it's best to shake things up a bit from time to time,

straying from the customary can be a struggle.

Our family thrives on routine and the familiar.

Last year, we made three big changes

that really paid off.

 

 

The Top Three Changes in 2020

 

 

Berkey Water Filter

We have permanently ditched the plastic water jugs

in lieu of this fantastic system.

For years, we wrestled with the dilemma of

needing clean water to drink and with which to cook,

while despising the idea of a steady stream of plastic 

coming into the house.

The Berkey turned out to be the best solution.

It gives us a safe and reliable source of water,

is renewable and long-lasting,

and it saves us money.

We would recommend it highly to anyone

who is looking for a way to reduce or eliminate

their plastic bottle dependence.

 

 

Getting Chickens

It was almost by accident that we acquired poultry.

My good friend was relocating out of state

and needed to find a home for her 60+ birds.

With only a little more than half an acre,

I knew we could only take a handful,

but we are so glad we did.

I had been thinking about becoming a chicken keeper

for the last few years.

In fact, one of the reasons we chose this neighborhood,

was because there were no restrictions on having chickens.

So, we took the plunge.

It surprised me how much I grew to love it.

They are so rewarding to care for and it's been wonderful

learning more about them and their habits.

Even Big K and C, who are not big animal lovers,

have become somewhat enamored with them.

Who knew?

Along with providing eggs for our family,

the chooks are a source of non-stop entertainment

and will no doubt be helpful in the garden

with their poop-laden bedding and bug patrol.

It's been a win all around,

and rumor has it that the flock may be expanded come springtime.

 

 

Misfits Produce

This organic produce delivery service is something 

that I never would have thought I would use.

I've been shopping once a week for decades,

but wanted to find a way to support organic farmers

and help stop the waste that happens with food in our country.

Misfits produce is all organic, minimally packaged

and mostly incredibly delicious.

A few times we have gotten something 

that was past its prime, but

our overall satisfaction with the service is quite high.

It feels good knowing that we are helping to use food

that might otherwise be tossed out and in keeping with our more ecological ideals,

there is no plastic wrap involved in the packaging of the ordered items.

For the last few months, we've even been able to customize our order,

making the service even more appealing.

We will continue to support and promote this valuable business. 

So, maybe these three great experiences 

will help me become less resistant to change.

It's a new year and a brand new chance

to try something different.

 

What changes do you plan for the new year?

No More Plastic Water Jugs!

 

 

 

Water is the main beverage in my life.

Our son, C, drinks it like a fish.

I'm thankful that he never developed a taste for soda,

and has made a conscious choice to stay away from sugary drinks.

Up until now, we've used bottled water from the grocery store

in order to satiate our thirst.

The plastic bottles always bothered me,

as I am ecologically-minded.

Even though they can currently be recycled,

that day will eventually end

and we will need to find a way to deal with all of the plastic in our lives.

 

When we moved into this house,

there was a water filter on the kitchen sink,

so we thought our water buying days were behind us.

Unfortunately, even though we replaced the old filter,

we were unable to drink the water.

Both C and I got sick and so we gave it up

and went back to buying bottles.

 Until a few weeks ago.

After watching one of the homesteading vlogs that I follow

where the Berkey water system was featured,

and doing some research, 

we decided to invest in it and are so glad we did.

The water tastes great, it's easy to incorporate the system into our routine,

and it will pay for itself in a matter of months.

 Since I'm up first in the morning,

I fill the upper canister with tap water

and listen to it trickle down into the lower tank.

It can be filled throughout the day as needed,

but since only two of use it regularly,

filling it up once a day usually suffices.

It feels good reducing our recycling needs

by using a renewable and reusable item.

 

The only expense after the initial investment

are the filters that sit inside the unit.

From their website:

 

"The included filters have been tested to remove 

203 contaminants commonly found in drinking water. 

Contaminants are removed as follows: 

viruses (99.999%), pathogenic bacteria (99.9999%), 

Chloramine (below lab detectable limit), trihalomethanes (99.8%), 

pharmaceuticals (99.9%), 

pesticides (below lab detectable limit), heavy metals."

 

Depending on the amount of water used

as well as the diligence in monthly cleaning,

these filters can last for years.

We use filtered water for cooking as well as drinking,

so the Berkey is a welcome addition to the family.

It feels good too, knowing that we will always have water,

no matter what happens with future shortages at the store

(remember what happened just a few months ago?).

The Berkey water system 

is helping in our quest for self-reliance.

Another homesteading win.