Aquaponics and Systems Integration

Imagine growing fish and plants together in one integrated system.  This is the promise of aquaponics.  For those who would like to take a quick first step toward self-sufficiency, aquaponics might offer the least expensive, least time-consuming path to creating your own sustainable ecosystem.

Aquaponics is a full simulation of nature where fish and plants are both kept healthy and productive through a balance supplied by each in a recirculating environment.  The aquaculture side offers nutrient-rich water that is provided as natural fertilizer for plants.  These nutrients are normally a disposal problem for fish farmers who need to eliminate the toxic waste.  On the other side, hydroponics desperately requires nutrient-rich water in order to grow in a soil-less environment, and the plants serve as a natural filter for the fish.  This mini ecosystem is surprisingly easy and relatively inexpensive to set up thanks to emerging science and technology.

The beauty is in the small scale.  Just as micro-farming has taken root in urban environments, aquaponics can utilize a home aquarium, a mini garden of herbs, vegetables, or even flowers.  This is known as Desktop Aquaponics and serves as a great showpiece, or as an educational microcosm of what is possible through the fusion of fish and plants. And, yet, according to Aquaponics.com it is possible to convert a backyard into a system that grows hundreds of pounds of fish and all the fruits and vegetables a family needs.

For further education, visit Growingpower.org, a non-profit organization that has been instrumental in bringing this new concept to fruition mainly in urban settings.  They offer workshops in aquaponics and portable farms.

Once you are ready to begin your own endeavor, take a look at BackyardAquaponics for full systems information.  The great news is that for less than $2,000 you can begin taking the step toward self-sufficient food production . . . no matter where you live.

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A Million and One (OK, not quite) Options for a Chicken House

by Melissa

My forefathers were settlers. I think most people from “out west” can claim this to some degree, but for my family it’s a lot about who we are. For nearly 100 years my ancestors were alone in the middle of nowhere, building a community from scratch and “making do”. I’m sure this is where my mother’s frugality comes from and where my father finds his tolerance for it: we come from a long line figuring out how to get things done on our own.

Since my husband and I moved abroad I’ve had to relearn much of this lost heritage. Corporate advertising jobs are cushy, and San Francisco has no shortage of stuff. But here, living in a third world country with limited access to the comforts of our former life, we’ve come to terms with “making do”. Like entertaining ourselves without 300 cable channels? No problem.  Looks of bewilderment when asking the local butcher about turkeys? We’ll work through it. Water cutting off for hours at a time and power being spotty? We’ll manage.

But we’re taking it a step further now. We’ve been here long enough that it feels like home, and now we’re ready to start making it our homestead. We’re reaching back to my heritage and pulling out the first thing we can towards making a home from scratch: we’re getting chickens.

There are many benefits to keeping chickens. Examiner.com narrowed it down to eight great reasons for having backyard chickens:

1) Eggs from well-tended backyard chickens are healthier

2) Eggs from backyard chickens are tastier

3) Chicken droppings enrich your compost

4) Chickens provide natural insect control

5) Chickens provide natural insect control. Their scratching for bugs is good for the soil

6) Chickens are a great way to meet people and start conversations

7) Chickens are fun and interesting

8) Backyard chickens provide lessons for children about responsibility and where food comes from

Now I know this isn’t rocket science. People all over the world keep chickens. Our friend and Co-Contributor Jeff keeps chickens. Chickens run all over our neighborhood, and each morning we awake to the sound of chickens. I can do this.

My problem has been with the first step: Where to keep the chickens? I don’t know why I’ve been caught up on this one, but I have. Well no more! We’re doing it. Today I found this website with a page of hundreds of chicken tractors. I guarantee at least one of these is doable, practical, buildable from recycled materials (an absolute must considering I’m just 20 days into my two-month The Compact pact). I’m drawing the line in the sand now. We’re getting chickens!

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Costa Rica is Paradise for Survivalists

Those who study current events are largely in agreement that we appear to be reaching a critical tipping point in terms of the environment, economics, geopolitics, and even consciousness. A concerned public – some now openly calling themselves “survivalists” – desire to be more independent and live a more self-sufficient lifestyle. The rise of sustainability and permaculture are direct outcomes of what more and more people perceive to be a sound response to an uncertain global economy.

The epicenter of abundance gone wrong, and misplaced faith in government responsibility (and ability), is North America. Developing countries like Costa Rica have long held an attraction for independent thinkers and those seeking self-sufficiency. Among the developing countries, Costa Rica is the jewel; it is THE top location for more independent living: it is a country with a firmly entrenched history of peace and a wonderful year-round climate that is suitable for an independent happy lifestyle.

The world is provably approaching a peak in its productivity and resource abundance; we have moved over the crest and our supplies are in a phase of rapid dwindling, according to many experts. These experts assert that countries primarily producing electricity by fossil fuels will likely face serious hardships keeping up with the ever-growing demand, especially in light of Peak Oil concerns. These same countries that tend to rely on big-box stores and factory farming with long supply lines will have the hardest time adapting. On the contrary, countries that produce electricity by renewable self-sufficient means will likely be the most desirable locations in which to reside during our painful transition away from fossil fuels.

In the early 90s, Costa Rica discovered oil off the Caribbean coast. At that time the country produced roughly half of its electricity from fossil fuels. The government placed a moratorium on drilling because it was too politically toxic, and the government stated that sustainability would be their new goal. Today, Costa Rica produces over 90% of its electricity through renewable means: hydroelectric, wind, and geothermal sources. Additionally, Costa Rica is at the front of the race to become carbon neutral, with its stated goal of becoming so in 2021.

Atenas Farmers Market (click for more images)

Policy aside, the spring-like climate of Costa Rica allows for fresh inexpensive fruits and vegetables all year round. What’s more is that most of the produce is local, so it does not have to be transported long distance; it is usually fresh picked the day of the ferias (farmers markets). By contrast, a pineapple costs more than an entire fast food meal in North America, almost forcing the cash-strapped public to eat the unhealthy alternative. Pineapples rarely cost over $1 at local ferias making eating healthy more affordable, which no doubt contributes to a life expectancy that surpasses The United States.

The variety of edible plants that can be grown in Costa Rica is fantastic . . . and almost intimidating. The majority of Costa Rica soil is volcanic in nature and quite fertile, providing the organic gardener with natural diversity and natural capital. However, insects do remain a challenge to someone new to organic gardening in the tropics. Rest assured though, every local community seems to have its organic experts who still practice what America lost so long ago. New ventures in permaculture have brought in formal institutes and consultants dedicated to sustainable practices that serve to augment Costa Rican tradition.

Permaculture Sustainable Community

One of the greatest characteristics of Costa Rica that often goes unmentioned, and is particularly important to “survivalists,” is its localism and sense of community. We all have read about the political neutrality, wonderful people, peaceful culture, and beautiful landscape; but it is Costa Rica’s localism that really makes it special. In our old agricultural town of Atenas you’ll find small barrios (neighborhoods) with independent schools, churches, markets, clinics, hardware stores, fruit stands, soccer fields, bus stops, and much more. Many expats comment that Costa Rica reminds them of America fifty years ago, when there was a sense of community, family farmers, a strong middle class, and thriving local commerce.

Additionally, since the Central Valley is considered to have one of the best climates on the planet, very few homes in the area require heat or air conditioning, thus reducing energy consumption. Furthermore, solar power for hot water and electricity is frequently used in homes, extending one’s ability to be affordably independent.  There are even some energy efficient permaculture communities offering lots for sale.

The government of Costa Rica has been a world leader in conservation, preserving roughly 30% of its landmass. The government has launched many incentives to protect and plant more forests toward its goal of being the world’s first carbon-neutral country. Because Costa Rica has bountiful forests and a healthy rainy season, water tables remain secure in most of the country. Although some areas of Guanacaste have water challenges in the dry season do to high winds, deforestation and development, fresh water is generally abundant.

Costa Rica has continually set itself apart as an attractive destination for those seeking independence and tranquility. Costa Rica provides natural abundance and a peaceful atmosphere for one to live self-sufficiently on less income than North America or Europe. Indeed, many expats have already moved or bought property here, and even more are arriving based on their growing concerns over instability in the world. “It sure is a pretty place to ride out a storm,” an American expat proclaimed. And this “storm” may not be quickly passing through. Costa Rica is not only positioned to weather the worst, but it also offers a bounty of proven health and opportunity for those who believe in independence and self-determination.

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Tribal Business: A Message To The Jobless

We live in a world where a greed-driven system of hierarchy leads to unfair income gaps. Our culture seems fixated on a top-down economic approach to solving all problems, as we have seen with the financial bailout of Wall Street that has yet to trickle down to Main Street. Some businesses are beginning to see that this approach is no longer the most productive for their enterprise, nor does it encourage a happy work place.

At PermaculturePros, we conduct ourselves as a tribal business, where all of the founders have equal shares but decidedly different roles, while some of our technicians also have an ownership stake.  In this respect, we all feel equal responsibility and share in the fruits of our collective effort. Admittedly, this is an experimental and idealistic way to start a company, for which there are not many modern examples to follow.

However, in many early civilizations, there was no hierarchical governance; the tribe members simply had different job titles according to their skills and passions.  The chief had the burden of final decision making, the doctor kept the tribe healthy, and skilled hunters provided food – but no one acquired more material wealth for their efforts than did another.  Most importantly, the wellbeing of each individual was recognized as essential to the overall survival, health, and happiness of the tribe.

In business today, two major companies present themselves as attempting to build such a model: Google and Ben & Jerry’s. Google has created a work atmosphere with fitness centers, daycare facilities, employee lounges, cafes, and much more. Furthermore, they give their engineers 20% of their paid time to work on pet projects that they are passionate about, and reward them with a stake in the outcome.  Ben & Jerry’s also provides an enjoyable work environment, plus the owners have capped their income according to the income of all employees while offering ownership to each.  Both of these companies are wildly successful and productive, while setting an example for others to follow.

Job creation seems to be the mantra of the day.  It is amazing how dependent we are on someone else creating jobs to sustain us.  We need a job for our very existence, and once we have that job, many of us feel trapped in it just to survive.  A system of hierarchy, by design, creates jobs that are often nothing more than indentured servitude of passionless tasks that barely provide a respectable living wage to those on the lower rungs of the ladder. Entrepreneurs now have the power to break the prevailing system of hierarchy by creating a circular (tribal) business model, instead of a vertical one.

When you read about successful and happy people, you’ll find that their success was usually a bi-product of their passion.  Many times they created an organization or business on the side while working for someone else, and their passion drove those organizations to amazing heights.

Suggestions for those who are unemployed:

• State what you are passionate about

• Study how others are making money in similar endeavors

• Find others who share your passion (create a tribe)

• Determine a way to profit from your passion

• Create a blog, online group, or newsletter

• Brainstorm, coordinate, and plan with your tribe

• Think positively and believe in yourself

• Have fun, but be professional

Increasingly, it appears that new job creation within the current system is unlikely for quite some time to come. While unemployed, use your time and frustration to create something out of your passion. A measured, dedicated approach is the most likely route to success, happiness, independence, and a lasting business endeavor of your own.  It won’t happen overnight, but when you follow your passion, time will fly.

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Week One of Buy Nothing New Challenge

by Melissa

One of the great things about doing The Compact is I don’t have to make tough decisions about whether or not to buy something I need want. The answer has already been made for me: I won’t buy anything new. Whether it’s a replacement for the saucepan the house sitter broke, or a birthday gift for my nephew, or a new broom head, I won’t buy it new. I will go without, borrow it, or buy it used.  End of discussion.

I’ve also been thinking a lot about plastic since reading Trish’s latest article over at TinyGrass about finding nurdles on deserted beaches in Costa Rica. For those who don’t know about nurdles, they are the raw material for making plastic goods, and are shipped from their place or origin around the world to where they are manufactured into toys and Tupperware and trash baskets and zippers.  As often happens, some of the nurdles will be accidentally unleashed, and will wash up onto idyllic beaches everywhere. It’s a big problem with a tough solution—don’t support the use of plastic.

I’m glad buying something plastic isn’t even an option for me right now. Because although this article made me angry, I know myself well enough to say that I would probably still buy plastic—it’s just too prolific. But because my mind has been reset I’m in the mindset of thinking about how to avoid buying things in general, so not buying plastic is an easy choice to make. Score one for the planet.

But what do you do when you really do need something? Katy over at The Non-Consumer Advocate got some advice from Leo Babauta of mnmlist.com:

“Seven Ways to Avoid Buying New Stuff:

1.       Reconsider your need. Do you really really need it? Or is it a want? Or can you change things so you don’t need it? This should always be the first thing you do.

2.       Borrow. You might only need it temporarily. Borrow books from friends or the library. Borrow a dress for a special occasion. Borrow a tool for a short-term project. Be sure to lend things in return, when you can.

3.       Ask friends and family. Sometimes people you know might have the item you need, but not need it any longer. Instead of loaning it to you, they might be glad to give it to you. You only need to ask. I’ll often send out an email (or tweet) if I need something that others might have.

4. Freecycle. Same idea, but using a wider network. There are Freecycle networks in many areas — people who want to give something away, or who need something, post to the list and very often exchanges are made — for free.

5.       Buy used. It’s infinitely better than buying new, because when you buy used you’re not having new resources taken from the earth and manufactured, but rather extending the life of resources that have already been used. Try thrift shops, charity stores, yard or garage sales, Craigslist or Ebay.

6.       Make your own. This won’t work in every case (if I had to make my own clothes people would laugh at me more than they already do), but sometimes you can make something that’s just as good as buying, with inexpensive materials or materials you already have. This works if you’re good with crafts or carpentry especially. It can also be fun to get the family involved.

7.       Go without. I know this seems the same as the first item on the list, but actually it’s a bit different: say you decide you really do need something, but can’t find it anywhere or make it. Should you buy new? Well, maybe you can go without it for awhile, until you do find a used version. Maybe you need it but don’t need it right now. Often things will turn up when you keep your eyes open — someone will happen to mention they have the item, or you’ll see it on Freecycle or Craigslist after a week or two. And sometimes, the need for the item will go away, and you’ll be glad you waited.”

This is incredibly helpful. So for the broken pan, I will find a person who can fix it: supports a worker and keeps one more thing out of a landfill. For my nephew’s third birthday I’ll find him a used toy on EBay: takes something off that hands of someone who’s child has outgrown the toy, and I don’t have to buy anything made of plastic.  And for that old worn out broom head: I’ll just wait. Maybe I need it, maybe not– we’ll see.

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Growing up with the F-word: an essay being Frugal

by Melissa

Growing up, I was always embarrassed by my mother. Don’t get me wrong, she was a great mom, but she was F r u g a l. The shameful, cheap, F-word. There was no end to it. Being the second girl in the family, I only wore hand me downs from my sister. Forget the fact she’s five years older than me, so the clothes either didn’t fit or were out of fashion by the time they did. For Halloween, there was a circuit of three handmade costumes we took our turns going through: Witch, then clown, then Hobo, and then back to Witch. No exceptions. I had just one My Little Pony—and for that I was endlessly grateful. I chewed gum way too long, savoring every last hint of taste and then some. I never tasted brand name cereals. It was a horror growing up like that—especially once we moved to Southern California, the paradise for keeping up appearances.

But you know what, now that I’m an adult, I do the same thing. My cheeks stopped turning red when I realized my mom’s favorite chef, Jeff Smith of the Frugal Gourmet, was actually a genius in the kitchen. I learned from her the joy of cooking and the value of eating in. I grew into adulthood embracing second hand goods. And aside from a three year period in college when having a credit card was awesome, I’ve done a pretty good job watching what I spend. And so does my husband: his father was as bad as my mother, so he had the same non-consumerist influence as a child. We were born into frugality, and we thrived.

Because it was so ingrained, I never really thought of being frugal in terms of Reduce, Recycle, and Reuse. But it’s so obvious. I guess that’s why we fell so naturally into the Permaculture Movement (although, to be perfectly frank, the gardening part is still really tricky. How do you do it?) Permaculture is all about being in tune with nature, and doing what’s best for the planet. And of course buying less stuff, spending less in the consumerist cycle, and being conscious of how you use resources is essential to being sustainable.

My husband and I lived in San Francisco for eight years. Right around the time we left, in the summer of 2007, the Compact Movement was in full swing, and the buzz about it was deafening. The contrast between this movement and the shops in Union Square was striking. How can a city that boasts Channel, Hermes, YSL, Vera Wang, Ferragamo, etc. within 3 city blocks also be the hometown of the Really, Really Free Market, Craigslist, and The Community Thrift?  It’s incredible, really.

Over two years later, and the Compact Movement is still going. People across the blogosphere have taken up the idea, if not for a year then three months, or one month, or just one day (the next day, BTW, is November 28^th, 2009).  This blogger has been doing is straight since 2007. And these bloggers aren’t just talking from their pedestal of self-righteousness, they’re sharing tips, advice, holding hands, and challenging others to do the same: to see just how easy it is.

I think I’ll do it. My family, like so many others, has struggled this year. My mom, the queen of frugality, was laid off this summer and my father’s contracting business is struggling with the recession.  I think this year, just in time for the holidays, I’ll invoke the Buy Nothing Challenge. If I’m not giving new and expensive presents then it will take the pressure off them to buy for me. It will put the focus back on being together.  We’ll be reminded of what the holiday season really means, and at the same time we’ll be doing what’s right for the planet.  The rules are pretty simple (courtesy of Transition Town Farmhand):

1.   I will buy nothing new

2.   The period of the challenge will initially be for November – December, 2009.

3.   Exceptions:

Food for myself and my animals

All necessary hygiene and basic cleaning supplies, deodorant, etc.

All necessary repairs and maintainance to the house and car.

Any prescription or non-prescription items needed for health reasons.

4.   I can get as much as I want from Thrift Shops, Craigslist, freecycle.org, and flea markets, as long as the items are second hand.

Will you join me?

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Sustainable Values Can Change the World

It is obvious to most reflective people that our culture is destructive in terms of peace, prosperity, liberty, social justice, and the environment.

This awareness started for me when observing a number of world events that didn’t seem to add up anymore. My heightened curiosity was due to the profound awakening that I experienced at the birth of my first child. Although I already cared about the world around me, it suddenly seemed far more vital for me to pay closer attention.
I’ve been perplexed by the following:
• Environmental Devastation
• Unstable wars
• Religious violence
• Anti-liberty legislation
• Global economic crisis
• Enormous income gaps
• Massive consolidation of industry
• A political system working in concert with industry

It seems like things have gotten crazy to me and I know I’m not alone. Like many others, I woke up one day to discover that our culture was upside down and its destruction to our environment is utterly unsustainable.

My feelings reminded me of the Michael Ellner quote, “Just look at us. Everything is backwards. Everything is upside down. Doctors destroy health, lawyers destroy justice, universities destroy knowledge, governments destroy freedom, the major media destroy information, and religion destroys spirituality.” We can now also add that banks destroy wealth, and consumption destroys the environment.

Anger made it too easy to blame the “other” political party, the corrupt government, greedy corporations, different religions, crumbling education, or the mass media. It eventually became clear that they are all fish in the same polluted sea, and so are we. Therefore, we were just as much to blame for the broken system, and only we can change it.

Through my information journey I realized a glaring truth, a universal truth some might say, that we are all profoundly connected to each other and our environment, that all of my actions affect the whole, good or bad. Upon accepting the reality that we are interconnected, my analysis of our upside down culture became much clearer. Now, it appears to me that the promotion of a division has been blatantly manufactured to create social conflict and breed competition.

In fact, the oft referred to motto of the ruling elite is “Order out of Chaos, Divide and Conquer.” Division seems calculated in every political speech, every advertisement, every religious sermon, every classroom, and every news cast. The masses buy into this division and they form prejudices about their neighbors, who then form biases towards them. This division feeds fear, breeds anxiety, which turns to hate, which leads to destructive actions. It creates a “dog-eat-dog” economy where greed always trumps the environment, compassion, and fairness. Clearly this is destructive and unsustainable.

The absolute truth that we’re all connected to everything leaves us one path forward – sustainability. Everything from the way we relate to each other, build things, produce food, apply industry, operate government, and much more needs to be transformed with new values of harmony and sustainability if humanity expects to survive. The good news is that all it takes is to change our values and apply them one person at a time.

In other words, “You must be the change you want to see in the world.” – Gandhi.

If we don’t change the values in our material culture, it may eventually force us to live sustainably out of necessity. Despite daunting challenges, people with common values are coming together to shape the Permaculture Movement.

Common Sustainable Values
• Balance – living and producing in harmony with nature
• Interconnectedness – the common good is best for me because I’m part of the whole

Living in harmony with nature for the common good of all humanity will be common sense to future generations. If everyone unapologetically lived by these values massive change will occur. The Permaculture Movement is working to shape the future with these values.

The Permaculture Movement represents a collective design system that integrates our social and environmental responsibilities to provide for our physical requirements to create a more sustainable and permanent culture.

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Sustainable Authenticity versus Eco-Elitism

Are you or your business authentically Green? There is an ugly side of the Green Revolution that is not helpful for growing the movement, eco-elitism.  Many folks in sustainable lifestyles or green businesses may act as if they are better, or more authentic, than a newbie.  This display of eco-elitism must end if environmentalists hope to encourage ideas to become action.

Given the urgency of the crisis, I understand there is an urge to say “I told you so” to people who finally get it. However, we must offer as much support and knowledge to that person as possible without being overly critical.  We should be proud of getting our family and friends to recycle, or any small step towards a greener lifestyle.

At the same time there are many companies seeking to benefit from “acting” green to capitalize on growing customer awareness. Even this “green washing” should be encouraged, but they should know that customers recognize authenticity when they see it. We, customers, must demand authenticity if we expect to get it. But we must also reward businesses and individuals for every positive sustainable step they take.

For example, we should applaud Walmart for greening their stores, but we should also point out that many of their practices are not sustainable. They support slave labor in foreign countries and do not provide a living wage to employees in America. Clearly, these unsustainable practices should be corrected before we can call them authentically sustainable.

In a highly competitive world, our first instinct is to diminish before we praise. We must be aware that the movement is too important for pettiness, but also too important for frauds. Finding a balance of critique and praise will be much better for the green movement than a divide and conquer mentality.

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Making Do with Less Stuff

by Melissa

It’s so easy to be caught up in the consumerist mindset. I know even for me– coming from a long line of Pilgrims who had to “make do” for over a century — I’ve struggled with really believing the difference between I want and I need. Semantically the difference is obvious. But fully comprehending the difference, and overcoming the little voice in your head screaming otherwise, is more of a challenge.  Take a *recovered* advertising executive’s word for it: the world has too much stuff.

For me, the easiest way to overcome this struggle was by removing myself from all temptations. For us this meant moving from San Francisco – the west coast haven for all things rich, delicious, and beautiful—to another country entirely. This wasn’t the only reason we moved, but our objective was to live more simply, and getting rid of stuff was part and parcel to that.

For you it might be simpler. If you’re tempted by walking past store windows—change your route. If reading magazines fills you with the craving – stop reading them (better for the planet, anyways). If you covet the life of your friends or coworkers—talk to them about something else.  Once you start making small changes, and start seeing how consumerist our society has become, it’s easy to see where you can really make a difference in how you live your life.

I admit—for us the change has been forced upon us, and in many cases we have no choice but to do without. For example, we used to love having a bottle of wine with dinner. Comes with the territory of being a San Francisco yuppie. But here, it’s just not an option. Even if they weren’t ridiculously over priced (and they are,) imported wines are impractical and bad for the planet. And since this isn’t a wine country we do without.

When we got married my mom was torn over what to give us. She’d set her heart on giving me a sewing machine, but was concerned the warranty would be invalidated the second it crossed borders.  So instead, she bought us a great used one on Ebay. Did I care? Not in the least—in fact, I was overjoyed. Why should I support the manufacture of something new when there was something just as useful used and at half price?

And the other day, we ran out to tortillas. With the amount of Mexican food consumed in this house, that’s a big deal. What did I do? I found a recipe online and made them from scratch. They turned out great, and it saved a trip to the store.

The internet is rich with stories of other people making do.  Google Pantry Challenge and learn how to live on what you have on hand. Read about others building homesteads and living off the land. Craigslist is in just about every city now—take advantage of that. Freecycle, dumpster dive, or do it the old fashioned way and shop at the Goodwill.

Embracing the difference between I want and I need is the first step, and it’s a hard one. But once you do, I promise you won’t be alone in your quest to reduce, recycle, and reuse.

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