Living Off Grid: A Digital Resource for Modern Homesteading 

With ever-soaring energy costs and better technologies for sustainable off-grid living, there’s never been a better time to create an independent off-the-grid lifestyle. Mother Earth News magazine has been teaching folks about living off grid since 1970, and we’ve assembled a collection of more than 100 of our best articles about using solar, wind and other renewable energy options into our newest CD, 111 Modern Homesteading Articles. 

Living off grid will let you tap free energy from the sun. Just imagine—no more worries about how high energy costs will rise. Selected from our highly respected archive, this new CD collection includes a wide range of do-it-yourself projects for modern homesteaders, including installing fences, controlling pests, root cellaring, sharpening chainsaws—even how to build a pole barn.

Anyone can make the move to living off grid using expert advice on heating with solar energy, wood—or both.The CD also contains information on alternative energy sources such as hydroelectric and wind power.

Thinking about solar technology for living off grid? Do you have the right kind of property for solar? Do you know how much it costs for a residential solar system? Will solar power ultimately save you money? Read “Is Solar Power Right for You?” on the 111 Modern Homesteading Articles CD to get answers to these questions and more, along with other criteria you’ll need to consider.

In the article “New and Improved Wind Power,” you’ll discover how wind energy technology has advanced considerably since the first residential turbines of the ’20s, making it a smart alternative to other energy sources for living off grid. While the basic machinery is the same, design improvements to the airfoil have increased efficiency by up to 35 percent. Reinforced fiberglass blades also provide a significant reduction in maintenance over older wooden blades, and the latest designs produce far less noise.

With the right property attributes and by limiting overall energy consumption, hydroelectric power can also be a wise choice for living off grid. In “Happy On One Kilowatt,” you’ll learn about author Bill Isely’s economical conversion to hydropower by using innovative piping to maximize power-producing pressure. Coupled with a  comfortable adjustment to his daily energy consumption, Isely ably “goes hydro” and reaps the rewards (He also learns some lessons along the way that will prove invaluable to those wishing to follow his lead.)

Best of all, with the 111 Modern Homesteading Articles CD you’ll discover ways to eliminate many daily energy needs, reducing your dependence on conventional power. In the article “Live on Less and Love It!” you’ll discover tips on salvaging materials for your new home, the importance of good insulation, advice on building with natural materials found on site and simple methods for keeping home costs down (such as switching  off your water heater to save power).

Also included are fun projects and  stories well-suited for anyone who is living off grid, including articles on making your own soap, growing vegetables and fruit trees, composting, raising poultry, building a pond and more. You will even find some inspiring ideas for launching your own bootstrap business!

This CD contains a wealth of information that will get you off on the right foot for living off grid. Why wait? Order the 111 Modern Homesteading Articles CD today and step onto a path to a simpler, more sustainable and more satisfying life.

*PC requirements: CD-ROM drive (auto-start should be enabled). Microsoft® Windows 98 SE (Second Edition) or newer; with Microsoft Internet Explorer version 5 or newer, or Netscape 7 or newer. You will also need Java Virtual Machine (VM) version 1.3 (free download from www.java.com/en/download/manual.jsp) or newer browser plug-in with Java enabled on your browser and computer.

*Mac requirements: CD-ROM drive. Mac OS X with Safari 3.2.525.27.1 or newer (available free from www.versiontracker.com) and Java (available free from www.apple.com/java). For Mac OS 9.2.2, CD must be run in Netscape 7.0.2 with Apple MRJ 2.2.5 (Both available free from www.versiontracker.com).