Doing Something Positive – The Urban Pioneers are doing it, so can we!

Excellent video encapsulating wide array of concepts in Sustainable Living.  These Urban Pioneers got a jumpstart back when it was called self-sufficiency- meaningful living, abundant living, simplistic living, getting off the grid.  And they go even further back …   see the video below.  Big hat tip to Path To Freedom Journal blog.

from the Path to Freedom Journal blog ‘about us’
On 1/5th of an acre, this family has over 350 varieties of edible and useful plants. The homestead’s productive 1/10 acre organic garden now grows over 6,000 pounds (3 tons) of organic produce annually,providing fresh vegetables and fruit for the family’s vegetarian diet along with a viable income.

In addition they have chickens, ducks, goats, brew their own biodiesel (made from waste (free!) vegetable oil) to fuel their car, compost with worms, solar panels provide their electricity needs, a sun and earthen oven is used to cook food in.

A few hints to get started

 

An old sink mat goes to use in the garden

Use for an old sink mat. Clean it and turn it over and noticethat the wholes were
evenly spaced (funny how it wasn’t as obvious on the “right” side). Use it in the garden to plant seeds -a built in weed barrier.

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Hot Lemon DrinkBoil 8 oz. of water and place in your coffee mug. Add 1 large
slice of fresh lemon to the mug. Add sugar and/or honey as
desired. Really warms the tummy on a cold winter day. Enjoy.

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Wine Cork Recipe Card HolderAn inexpensive recipe card holder is a plain little cork. Just
cut a slit into the narrow end of the cork at a slight angle.
Then slide your recipe card into the slit. You will be able to
follow your recipe easily and it will keep your card clean.

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Pantyhose Punching BagMake a punching bag by putting a soccer ball into the waist
section of a pair of pantyhose. Knot the waist. Using the legs,
tie it to a hook or a beam. Now start punching.

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Keeping Children’s Art from FadingSpray your child’s art work with hairspray to keep it from fading
or getting dusty.

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Make a trellis for your climbing plant (indoor or out). Shape the
triangular part of a clothes hanger into any shape you like, then
straighten the hook. Stick the straightened hook into the soil
then train your plant around the the wire.You can also use tomato cages for ivys and either wrap them up and down or around and around.

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Freshening a Stinky MicrowaveHave a stinky microwave? Just quarter a lemon and put it in a
microwave-safe dish along with some water and cook on high for 2
minutes.

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Moisturize your feet and put socks on overnight. As you sleep and
your pores open you will absorb the moisture and retain it.The next day your feet will feel very soft.

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For a quick clean up of the stove handles/knobs, wipe with white
distilled vinegar it is a natural degreaser and works great.Add a little vinegar to dishwater you will be amazed how
effective it can be to help with the grease.