Dear MOTHER: April/May 2010

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Rachael and John Schafer built their pretty home using timber harvested from their own land.
Rachael and John Schafer built their pretty home using timber harvested from their own land.
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What does it cost to start a self-sustaining homestead? Several readers posed this question.
What does it cost to start a self-sustaining homestead? Several readers posed this question.
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Reverand Jacqueline Zaleski Mackenzie is citing Rosalind Creasy’s article “Grow $700 of Food in 100 Square Feet” in her dissertation as an example of what can be done to help those in extreme poverty.
Reverand Jacqueline Zaleski Mackenzie is citing Rosalind Creasy’s article “Grow $700 of Food in 100 Square Feet” in her dissertation as an example of what can be done to help those in extreme poverty.
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Drying clothes outside is just one way that Elaine Golladay and her family have cut back on energy and water use at their home.
Drying clothes outside is just one way that Elaine Golladay and her family have cut back on energy and water use at their home.
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Reader Danny Ray suggests a federal tax on electricity, funds from which could be used to offer a monetary incentive for alternative energy options to homeowners, as one way to create increased renewable energy use, create jobs, and add to home values.
Reader Danny Ray suggests a federal tax on electricity, funds from which could be used to offer a monetary incentive for alternative energy options to homeowners, as one way to create increased renewable energy use, create jobs, and add to home values.
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While white roofs may help home owners save energy in some parts of the United States, reader Christopher Hoyle says they aren’t effective for energy savings in every region.
While white roofs may help home owners save energy in some parts of the United States, reader Christopher Hoyle says they aren’t effective for energy savings in every region.

<p>Last issue’s Firsthand Report, <a href=”https://www.motherearthnews.com/homesteading-and-livestock/living-off-the-grid-zmaz10fmzraw”>Off the Grid and Thriving!</a>, prompted several readers to ask how much money it takes to go “back to the land” and start up a homestead. The answer, of course, depends on many variables, but there are several steps anyone can take to keep the upfront cash requirements, or mortgage payments, to a minimum. We’re working on an article for our August/September 2010 issue that will explore debt-free living and ways to “live on less,” and we invite those of you who have already established homesteads to post reports about steps you took to save money, as well as share advice for beginners on ways they can keep their building and start-up costs to a minimum.</p>
<p>Post your comments to <a href=”https://www.motherearthnews.com/homesteading-and-livestock/self-reliance/preparing-to-go-back-to-the-land”>Preparing to Go Back to the Land</a>. We’ll send a free copy of Lloyd Kahn’s <a href=”https://www.motherearthnews.com/store/product/home-work-handbuilt-shelter” target=”_blank”>Home Work: Handbuilt Shelter</a> to everyone whose reports we use in the August article.</p>
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<h3>How Much to Get Started?</h3>

  • Published on Feb 19, 2010
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