With the Grain » conservation

How to Raise Pigs For Their Meat

Jenn Greenleaf — Tue, 02 Mar 2010 15:51:08 +0000

In keeping with the information being presented on this blog recently about self-sufficiency, we’re going to talk about how to raise pigs. Raising pigs isn’t as difficult as many believe.

Here are some links to lead you:

Be sure you have enough storage space in a large freezer or two small freezers when it comes time to slaughter. If you intend to sell the meat, be sure to thoroughly research all the permit and licensing rules, regulations, and requirements set forth by your town, city, county, and state.

How to Compost

Jenn Greenleaf — Sat, 27 Feb 2010 15:29:09 +0000

Self-sufficiency is on the minds of many consumers, particularly those who are already implementing the “reduce, reuse, and recycle” practice into their households. With these principles in mind, it’s a smoother transition into self-sufficiency.

Why? Because these homeowners are looking for ways to reuse household items and, in the case of composting, this is achievable.

Here are some links to lead you:

Composting is just one of the many ways homeowners can work toward self-sufficiency and reusing items. Good luck!

How to Be Self-Sufficient at Home

Jenn Greenleaf — Wed, 24 Feb 2010 13:14:19 +0000

Let’s face it; being more self-sufficient should be touching most of our lives by now. However, taking this step is difficult for many. There are a number of ways to be more self-sufficient in our homes, and in an economy that’s struggling as ours is, it could help to explore and implement some or all of these strategies.

Here are some links to lead you:

Research this topic thoroughly before embarking upon costly home improvements or extensive DIY projects. Start small, and then work your way up. There may be grants available in your area, or low-interest home improvement loans geared toward projects such as these.

Energy Conservation

Jenn Greenleaf — Fri, 12 Sep 2008 16:32:00 +0000

Conserving energy is on everyone’s minds as we approach the heating season, particularly for those who are not using wood or pellet burning stoves. How can we prevent the loss of energy as the costs continue to rise?

There are some excellent resources available in print, as well as online. Performing a simple search using your favorite search engine will lead to a wealth of general, as well as state specific help guides.

Here are some of the tips these guides are offering consumers:

From EfficiencyMaine.com: By turning down the thermostat by 1 degree F, you could save 25-30 gallons of heating oil per year. That’s up to 3% of an average homes yearly consumption of heating oil or between $79-$95 per year at the current average rate of heating oil ($3.17/gallon). Turn down your thermostat when the house is unoccupied, down to 55 degrees. It takes about 1 hour to heat average house to desired temperature and it is a common myth that turning the thermostat down makes you burn more heating oil in warming up the house again. During the day when you are at home, setting your thermostat to 68 degrees is a comfortable maximum temperature and at night around 60 degrees.
From Montana.edu: Lower the temperature of your water heater, and wrap it in an insulating blanket. While most heaters are set at 140 degrees F, 120 will do the trick, and you’ll cut your water-heating costs by up to 10 percent. A water heater jacket (available at hardware stores for $10 to $20) can save another four to nine percent. Just be sure not to block exhaust vents, air intakes and thermostat access panels. And, newer water heaters may not need an insulation wrap; check the manufacturer’s instructions.
From dom.com: Seal duct work. This is the number one way to conserve energy. Make sure that all ductwork is sealed at joints and intersections with duct sealer or silicone caulk. Otherwise, supply ductwork can leak heated air into the attic or crawl space, and outside air can be drawn into the return ductwork, increasing costs and reducing comfort dramatically. Ducts can be sealed using foil-backed tape or silicon caulking.

What type of energy conservation advice does your state provide its residents? Are there pamphlets or booklets available upon request? Can you print material found on websites? Taking just a few minutes to answer these questions will save you a lot of money in the coming months. Take the time to do your research, and then perform the necessary home improvements to create an energy efficient and cost effective living space.