Comments on: URBAN PIONEERING LIFESTYLE

By: Karen

Karen — Mon, 25 Jul 2011 20:20:03 +0000

I love your frugality list, I can relate. I gave up television 7 years ago, therefore I don't have cable. I don't have internet, it's free at the public library. I also wear second hand clothes, have second hand dishes, glasses, silverware. There is so much stuff already fabricated, we don't need to make more stuff. Why are people still buying stuff? And getting cable? And new computers and gadgets? These are the things that are ruining our environment, production of crap we don't need. And the production of food is completely a second hand thought to consumers. We live in very scary times. I just hope we still have books around to document post-industrialization and how awesome it was (reallly, it's going to be great). For inspiration on what the future looks like, check out other developed nations that know what's coming. Australia: dual flush toilets, home water capturing/filtering systems, no electric dryers, no a/c. It's not giving up and doing without, it's gaining freedom from the machines.

By: Amber

Amber — Fri, 22 Oct 2010 17:06:48 +0000

I realize this post is a couple years old but i'm going to respond anyway. My frugality mirrors yours (with the exception of the driving thing, I drive about 1200 miles a month, but I live rurally so its at least 40-50 miles just to get into town). OH! And I WISH I could grow that many vegis!! I still haven't quite figured out this desert gardening thing. This year i'm installing rain barrels (some people say its not worth it in the desert [colorado desert near palm springs]) but we actually get a fair amount here! Last year all of our toilet flushing was done with rain water run off (we aren't hooked up to city water, so we are VERY frugal with out water needs). Keep up the good work and you guys are such an inspiration to me!

By: Pam

Pam — Thu, 30 Sep 2010 01:23:24 +0000

@mary, A 5 gallon bucket and a new plunger works great and so does a bathtub and some feet (ie..kids) Use a wringer from the janitors supply store that is used to wring mops. I always just wrange out by hand.

By: mary

mary — Sun, 18 May 2008 05:04:01 +0000

Laundry Question:
During a recent heavy rain our detached garage and laundry room were flooded. Our electric laundry appliances were spoiled. I have always used a clothes line in the spring-fall, so drying is not really an issue. BUT what are my options for an energy efficient washing machine? I noticed you use a small hand wash machine - do you do all the laundry that way?? I would like one but cannot afford what I have seen online...anyone know how to make a wringer washer?

By: mary

mary — Wed, 30 Apr 2008 03:09:37 +0000

Don't know where else on the site to ask this question. I have just noticed cockroaches in my compost bin - any suggestions? I have been composting for 11 years in the same spot and have NEVER before had an issue with bad bugs. I did remake the frame in March using leftover stones from around the yard. Could it be that there is now not enough air circulation? ANY help would be much appreciated.

By: Anais

Anais — Mon, 21 Apr 2008 14:59:04 +0000

Hi Angie

Yep like to get hitched, know any Mid West farm dudes that have a spread.

We gals can cook, not afraid of long hours, sacrifice, hard work and will travel!

OK kidding aside, for us to continue this work it would be essential to have help. Someone with a large family would be nice.

We'll cross that bridge when we come to it I suppose!

By: Anais

Anais — Mon, 21 Apr 2008 14:54:59 +0000

Gerry

Thank you so much for sharing your incredible and inspiring poem with us and our readers. We are indeed touched and humbled by your support and positive comments.

I've printed it up and will post in on our fridge!

Love and blessings from all
the Dervaes family

By: Anais

Anais — Mon, 21 Apr 2008 14:53:13 +0000

Hi David

Nice to have you comment. The GOLD LINE is a really nice public system to have... great way to get to LA!

Nope, didn't take the GOLD LINE (don't think they'd like goats on board the train) Some of us road our bikes while the goats went in style (cruising down in the BIO BURBAN)

Cheers,
Anais

By: Anais

Anais — Mon, 21 Apr 2008 14:51:14 +0000

Hello Anne

This is one of my favorite pictures also - the contrast is of urban vs farmlife stunning.

I guess there is a bit of story.... we like to take our goats out for walks and that day we took them along with us to an event at a public park in LA.

Thanks for sharing your passion and commitment to life a more self sufficient life. Together we can be the change - the future is now, the choice is ours. It's folks like you and your family who are fellow travelers, pioneering a more sustainable path!

Our family wishes you all the best and much success on your family's PATH TO FREEDOM

Blessings,
the Dervaes family

By: Anais

Anais — Mon, 21 Apr 2008 14:46:51 +0000

Hi Connie

We grow all our produce - not all our food. We purchase BULK organic staples like rice, flour, beans, sugar, etc so prices are a little high now with the rising food prices.

The goats just turned two (a good age to be breed) and will have to find a buck somewheres, get pregnant and then they'll produce milk so we can make our own cheese and butter.

In the meantime we purchase organic, raw cheese and butter (which here in CA) are very pricey (so the case for the "high" food bill!)

Hope that clears up the food bill question.

Cheers,
Anais