Off the Grid
(Page 2 of 4)
May / June 2006
By Chris Dodge
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Published since 1979, Living Free, a zine devoted to self-sufficiency and privacy, has covered topics ranging from cabin design and electricity generation to counterterrorism legislation. The January 2006 issue contains material on arboriculture, free state projects, and how to learn about uninhabited islands (if not move to one of them). $12/yr. (6 issues) from Jim Stumm, Box 29-UT, Hiler Branch, Buffalo, NY 14223.
ReNew is a practical magazine by and for "backyard inventors" and others interested in applying solar, wind, micro-hydro, and other renewable energy technologies. Published quarterly in Australia, it features articles about (and ads for) solar pumps, composting toilets, water collectors, wireless weather stations, and other gear "from grid interactive to stand alone." $39/yr. (4 issues) from Box 2919, Fitzroy, VIC 3065, Australia; www.ata.org.au.
Solar Today, published bimonthly by the American Solar Energy Society, extends beyond its stated focus to cover the likes of energy policy, wood biomass heating, water security, recycled carpet, and "environmentally preferred vehicles." Apparently geared toward architects, builders, and officials, it should still interest anyone who wants to know what's new in the realm of renewable energy. $29/yr. (6 issues) from 2400 Central Ave., Suite A, Boulder, CO 80301; www.ases.org.
Backwoods Home Magazine publishes "practical ideas for self-reliant living," ranging from emergency fire-starting and mushroom harvesting to making safes from PVC pipe and composters from rubber trash bins. Only in Backwoods Home is a recipe for piccalilli followed by a column on firearms. Learn how to "grow your own dishrag," make soap and birch syrup, treat a rattlesnake bite, and even raise hogs. $23.95/yr. (6 issues) from Box 712, Gold Beach, OR 97444; www.backwoodshome.com.
Mother Earth News, "the original guide to living wisely," is a longtime source for articles about living closer to the land, such as Dan Price's self-designed and self-built hobbit house; one couple's account of living on a sailboat; and guides to choosing a grain mill, felling a tree, and making ginger beer. Its scope is broad, encompassing homesteading, green building, energy gardening, beekeeping, food preservation, and night sky watching. $19.95/yr. (6 issues) from 1503 SW 42nd St., Topeka, KS 66609; www.motherearthnews.com.