Looking for a way to reduce your environmental impact? Find your route to a more sustainable lifestyle with Dick Strawbridge and his son James. We can all take steps to reduce our carbon footprint and be more self-sufficient. For some, that might mean heading to the countryside to live off the land. For the rest of us, the reality might involve smaller, but no less important, lifestyle changes: cutting back on plastic or food waste, growing vegetables, preserving meat and fish, preparing jams and chutneys, baking sourdough bread, making your own plant-based milks, or keeping a chicken or two. Dick and James Strawbridge know what it's like to make these changes. Between them, they've lived on a smallholding, in a terraced house, and even a chateau. In this updated book, they share everything they've learned and give you the tools you need for a more rewarding and environmentally-conscious life. Whether you want to completely revamp your lifestyle or just make everyday changes that will make an impact, Self-Sufficiency for the 21st Century is the perfect place to start.

This book provides an outstanding single-volume resource on the topic of solar energy for young adults and general audiences. While how much longer the world's supply of fossil fuels will last is debatable, it is a fact that the fossil fuels that we depend on so heavily today are non-renewable resources that will inevitably be exhausted—making the need to shift to alternative sources of energy such as solar extremely important. Solar Energy: A Reference Handbook presents encyclopedic coverage of the social, political, economic, and environmental issues associated with the development and use of solar energy in the United States and around the world. This book provides an in-depth description of the ways solar power has been used for at least 2,000 years. It outlines how humankind has utilized various forms of energy from the sun by way of photovoltaic cells, concentrating or focusing solar power, active and passive solar heating, and other mechanisms; and provides perspectives on today's solar energy issues from a variety of subject experts. Readers will better understand not only the advantages and disadvantages of solar power but also the critical nature of energy production to sustaining life on earth, thereby underscoring the importance of developing solar power and other alternative sources of energy to meet the world's energy needs in coming decades. The book also includes profiles of key individuals and organizations related to the field of solar energy, a chronology of important events in the history of solar energy, and a glossary that defines the key terms used in discussing the topic of solar energy.

Find your route to a more sustainable lifestyle with Dick Strawbridge, of Channel 4's Escape to the Chateau, and his son James. We can all take steps to reduce our carbon footprint and be more self-sufficient. For some, that might mean upping sticks and living off the land. For the rest of us, the reality might involve smaller, but no less important, lifestyle changes: cutting back on plastic or food waste, growing vegetables, preserving meat and fish, preparing jams and chutneys, baking sourdough bread, making your own plant-based milks, or keeping a chicken or two. Dick and James Strawbridge know what it's like to make these changes. Between them, they've lived on a smallholding, in a terraced house, and even a chateau. In this updated edition of Practical Self-sufficiency they share everything they've learned, and give you the tools you need for a more rewarding and environmentally conscious life.

A beautiful, comprehensive guide to going green and living sustainably. Permaculture is an important but often misunderstood method of growing food and building homes in a manner that works with nature, rather than against it, to create beautiful, healthy, and useful gardens. Blending ecology, organic agriculture, green home design, appropriate technology, and biology can be confusing and overwhelming, but The Ultimate Guide to Natural Farming and Sustainable Living simplifies this vast field for practical application. This is a hands-on guide, taking the beginner through each step of the design process, so that anyone can apply permaculture principles to his or her life. While the principles are simple, the in-depth topics cover every aspect of permaculture, including: • building green homes and passive solar design • growing edible plant communities and forest gardens • using no-till and natural farming methods • creating microclimates for extended growing seasons • raising livestock with ecological foraging techniques This is a common-sense approach to sustainable living that creates a self-sufficient and low-effort home for the people that live there, whether in the city or the country. The Ultimate Guide to Natural Farming and Sustainable Living isn’t a philosophy book or a dissertation on theory. It is a step-by-step, complete guide to every aspect of permaculture.

### Creating a Home on the Prairie Your Guide to Sustainable and Fulfilling Prairie Living Discover the dream of prairie homesteading with "Creating a Home on the Prairie," an essential eBook for modern pioneers ready to embrace a self-sufficient lifestyle amidst the untamed beauty of South Dakota’s prairie lands. Whether you're a seasoned homesteader or just beginning your journey, this comprehensive guide offers invaluable insights and practical advice for every step of the way. Begin with an exploration of the allure and heritage of prairie homesteading, understanding the profound connection to this unique landscape that has captivated adventurers for centuries. Delve into the meticulous process of selecting the perfect location for your homestead, considering critical factors such as land characteristics, water management, and proximity to community amenities. Embrace sustainable building practices by learning to use eco-friendly materials and designing energy-efficient homes that withstand the prairie’s harsh winters. Master the techniques of efficient water management, from harvesting rainwater to recycling greywater, ensuring your homestead thrives even in challenging conditions. Cultivate a bountiful garden with soil improvement techniques and discover the best crop varieties suited for prairie conditions. Explore the benefits of raised beds, weather-resilient gardening, and sustainable livestock practices to create a diversified and productive homestead. "Creating a Home on the Prairie" goes beyond just agriculture. It delves into renewable energy solutions, offering guidance on solar power systems, wind turbines, and off-grid living essentials. Learn to manage the delicate prairie ecosystem, fostering biodiversity and protecting native species, and gain vital self-sufficiency skills such as food preservation, soap making, and basic carpentry. This eBook also covers crucial aspects of financial planning, homestead security, and legal considerations, ensuring you are well-armed with the knowledge to navigate every aspect of prairie living. Engage with local communities, build supportive networks, and explore ethical hunting practices with respect for the land. Celebrate the milestones and seasonal changes unique to prairie life, and leave a lasting legacy for future generations with comprehensive guidance on expanding your homesteading activities and documenting your journey. In "Creating a Home on the Prairie," find your roadmap to a sustainable, resilient, and enriching prairie homestead. Make your dreams of self-sufficiency a reality with this indispensable guide.

The essential guide to energy independence – fully revised and updated

How to maximize your food production in an urban environment. The idea of bringing agriculture into the city has been promoted by many on both sides of the political fence: proponents of sustainability and prevention of climate change as well as those who worry about government and social instability. To address the urgent need for a shift in the way our food is produced, The Ultimate Guide to Urban Farming offers a practical education in everything there is to know about city agriculture: how to grow a lot of food in any kind of urban living situation, from apartment to full-scale commercial venture. Subjects covered include: • Small scale vs. large scale agriculture • The economic, social, health, and environmental impacts of urban farming • Making the most of the space available • The latest technologies and developments in agriculture, including: hydroponics, vertical gardening, and aquaponics • Case studies and design concerns for community-based farming • The best plant species for cities and seasons • Beekeeping and small animals • Commercial agriculture and the business side of farming in a city environment This comprehensive guide will introduce readers to the rewarding possibilities of growing their own food, as well as dispel the falsehood that says we need faraway factory farms to produce everything we eat.

The author of The Green Witch, Arin Murphy-Hiscock, shows you how you can create your own green witch grimoire to record your favorite spells, recipes, rituals, and more. A grimoire is essential for any witch wanting to capture and record spells, rituals, and secret ingredients. And for a green witch, a perfect place to reflect upon the power of nature, and document the stones, plants, flowers, oils, and herbs used in her practice. The Green Witch’s Grimoire finally is a place for all your prized knowledge. From favorite spells to recipes, to blessing your grimoire and writing in secret script, you’ll make this book of shadows your own. Experienced witch Arin Murphy-Hiscock guides you on your path to creating your own personal book of your most cherished magic. Continue to hone your craft and grow into the green witch you’ve always dreamed of as you personalize your own Green Witch’s Grimoire.

Create your own enchanting witch’s garden and draw energy from the earth with this guide to cultivating your very own magical ingredients. A green witch embraces the power of nature, draws energy from the earth and the universe, and relies on stones, plants, flowers, and herbs for healing. In The Green Witch’s Garden, you will learn how to create your own magical space to enhance your witchcraft practice. With information on how to plan and design your sacred garden and tips and tricks to growing and harvesting magical ingredients, this book will allow you to take control of your practice and more deeply connect with the earth. Let experienced witch and author of The Green Witch Arin Hiscock-Murphy guide you on your path to creating your personal piece of nature.