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8 Great Places You've Never Heard Of.
The article features some sustainable communities. The first place is Bloomington, Indiana. Residents describe Bloomington with words like homey, affordable and politically active. The signature downtown event is the annual Lotus World Music and Arts Festival, a two-day show that rocks Bloomington every fall. Another is Bellingham, Washington. The city offers various entertainment such as snowboarding and concerts.
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8 Top Tips for Fire Safety.
The article presents the eight top tips for fire safety. Clear leaves, pine needles, brush, dead grass and twigs from around the house for at least 30 feet in all directions. Always dump ashes in a metal trash can, away from buildings. Clean the chimney regularly. Have multiple smoke alarms in the home and test them monthly.
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A Barn Reborn.
This article relates the success of Cassandra Naylor in transforming an old barn into a solar home. Once she knew exactly what she wanted, Naylor hired Baltimore, Maryland architect George Holback to draw up the plans. Floors made of old wooden planks were sanded to remove the chemical sealers and left unfinished. Water for the kitchen and the bathroom is heated by solar power. The upstairs is heated by south-facing windows during the day and a wood-burning stove at night.
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A Barn Reborn.
A reprint of the article "A Barn Reborn," by Carola Kittredge, which appeared in an issue of "Natural Home," is presented. It offers information on how an old barn in Maryland owned by Cassandra Naylor has been transformed into a unique and attractive solar home. The barn, which is built into the side of a hill to provide both upper and lower entrances, was left almost entirely in its original state, although some parts were reconfigured.
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A Handmade, Debt-free Home.
This article presents a narrative of how the author created his dream home. Plans were developed for their house using graph paper, a scale model and an engineering span table to determine the sizes of load-bearing frame members. In addition to the fiberglass insulation between the studs, the author applied an exterior layer of one-and-a-half-inch-thick extruded polystyrene foam to the outside face of the structure. The hand-cut limestone foundation walls sit on ultra-smooth bedrock, with scratch marks cut by glaciers.
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A TALE of TWO HOMESTEADS.
The article relates experiences of some individuals on homesteading. One person reveals how he and his wife got involved in homesteading. It started when they took positions as resident biologists at Audubon Canyon Ranch. There they planted their first vegetable garden and bought goats and sheep. Another relates how they bought land in the hills of Sonoma County's wine country. They decided to start an orchard. Eventually, they decided to use the orchard and vineyard as their vegetable garden.
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A Trio of Total Lunar Eclipses.
This article reports on a trio of lunar eclipses to be experienced by the U.S. The eerie, lovely event called a total eclipse of the moon occurs when there is an exact lineup of the sun, Earth and moon. For more than an hour, the growing dark bite of the Earth's shadow on one side of the full moon can be seen. This shadow's curved edge is visible proof that the planet is round.
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A Wealth of Salamanders.
This article focuses on an amazing wealth of salamanders that can be seen in North America. At least 150 species of salamanders live north of Mexico, more than in any other region on the planet. And while most people have seen salamanders, few are aware of their extraordinary diversity. Salamanders are amphibians and belong to the order Urodela, also called Caudata by some authorities. Worldwide, there are roughly 350 salamander species divided into either eight, nine or 10 families.
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Affordable, Portable Sawmill.
The article evaluates the Oscar 18″ portable sawmill from Hud-Son Forest Equipment.
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America's New Hunger.
The article reviews several books about food including "Fast Food Nation: The Dark Side of the All-American Meal," by Eric Schlosser, "The Omnivore's Dilemma," by Michael Pollan, and "The Way We Eat: Why Our Food Choices Matter," by Peter Singer and Jim Mason.
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Asparagus.
This article presents a step-by-step instruction for planting asparagus.
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Back to School with Better Buses.
The article reports on the involvement of nonprofit Union of Concerned Scientists and the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency's Clean School Bus USA program in the efforts to lessen pollution caused by school buses. Both have online resources to help the public understand the issue. Some Of the steps they recommend require buying new equipment.
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Be Your Own PLUMBER.
The article offers step-by-step instructions for installing various home fixtures, including a faucet.
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Best Accessories for Your Pickup.
The article features several accessories for pickup trucks, including tow hooks, toolboxes and cable winches.
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Better Basics for Bringing Up Baby.
The article introduces several environmentally-friendly baby products including Fuzzi Bunz and Happy Heiny's washable diapers, No Compromise crib mattress, and ERGO Baby Carrier.
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BIRD FLU: A Virus of Our Own Hatching.
The article looks at the damage that bird flu can bring to consumers and the poultry industry. Bird flu is caused by a common virus found in ducks, but in recent years highly virulent strains have emerged that have caused massive losses of chickens and other domestic birds raised for food. When an outbreak has occurred, traditionally the virus has been stamped out by quickly destroying all infected and exposed birds. The H5N1 flu strain arising out of Asia also has killed about 200 people
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Blueberry Bonanza.
The article offers ideas on growing blueberries. For the longest harvest season, plant early, mid- and late-bearing varieties. Most varieties stem from three native species: highbush, rabbiteye and low-bush. They all thrive in acidic soil that is rich in organic matter and moist but well-drained. One should plant highbush blueberries four to five feet apart and rabbiteyes six to eight.
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Breathe EASY.
The article provides suggestions on how to find safe and eco-friendly cleaning products. In many cases, homemade and natural cleaners are better alternatives to their more toxic, often petroleum-based counterparts. A list of homemade cleaning ingredients include baking soda, borax and castile soap. The ingredients to avoid to minimize health and environmental risk are cited.
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BRIGHT IDEAS for Home Lighting.
The article considers the merits of using compact fluorescent (CFL) and other fluorescents at home. Fluorescents are more efficient than incandescent bulbs, which produce light by heating a metal filament, and therefore waste 90 percent of their energy as heat. The Energy Star program also estimates that replacing a single incandescent bulb with a CFL prevents nearly 500 pounds of greenhouse gas emissions. There are several reasons people have been reluctant to make the switch. One is the higher initial cost of the bulb
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Buckshorn PLANTAIN.
Old-fashioned Buckshorn Plantain Jelly
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Build a POND.
The article discusses the main factors to evaluate before building a pond. They include topography, soil types, water sources, costs, legal issues, maintenance and safety concerns. The construction of pond dams must also take into consideration potential flood damage should the dam or overflow-spillway channel fail. The many practical uses of ponds are also discussed, including livestock watering, crop irrigation and as an emergency source of water for fighting fires.
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Build a Simple SOLAR HEATER.
The article step-by-step instructions for building a solar heater.
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Build a Stylish Aviary.
This article offers advice on building a stylish aviary. An old feed bin was converted into an aviary for cocktails. The bin originally stood on four legs and was about 16 feet tall. The legs were cut off and then cut off what used to be the top of the bin. The next step is to invert the bin so that the cut-out top was now the ground end, and the pointed end becomes the roof.
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Build Better Garden Soil.
The article discusses how to build better garden soil. The key to soil management is imitating natural systems. Both the chemical composition of the parent material and the average particle size help determine fundamental characteristics of soil--whether it is acid, alkaline or neutral; and whether it is sand or clay. Several strategies for managing soil is also presented, including the use of soil tests.
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Build This BOOK &NOOK WINDOW SEAT.
The article offers step-by-step instructions for building a book and nook window seat.
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Build This Easy, Low-cost BIG DESK.
The article offer step-by-step instructions for building a desk.
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Build Your own Passive Solar Water Heater.
The article offers step-by-step instructions for making a passive solar water heater.
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Burlap Bat Boudoir.
This article describes how the author made a low-cost burlap bat home. Most people like to have bats around because they provide great bug control. Existing materials were used, simply laying sections of 1-by-2-inch and 2-by-2-inch lumber onto adjacent rafters and draping open burlap bags or carpet scraps over them to create a series of curtains. It was found that hanging the material side by side from one end of the rafters work best.
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Canners Come Together.
The article offers information on the trend in canning done as a group. Friends, neighbors and even strangers in homes churches and schools to share their techniques and tips on preserving fruits, vegetables and other foods. Numerous canning kitchens are sponsored by local cooperative extension programs, such as the one held at a high school in Montgomery County, Virginia. In Canada, Vancouver-based Community Kitchens helps connect gardeners and cooks with more than 100 active programs.
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Checklist for Activist Success.
The article presents the formula for success with grass-roots activism, shared by Peoria Families Against Toxic Waste (PFATW) leader Kim Converse. The great strength of their group is that they each had different talents and interests. The group and partner organizations hired experts. Talk to people who have done it and were successful. Billboards are effective ways to getting the message across.
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Choose the RIGHT PICKUP.
The article offers several tips on how to choose the right pickup truck for sustainable, self-reliant country living. Understanding how you would use a pickup will determine what size and type would be best, or if you really need one at all. Expect to pay about U.S.$15,000 for a basic, small pickup; about U.S.$20,000 to U.S.$25,000 for a mid-size; U.S.$30,000 to more than U.S.$50,000 for the biggest beasts of burden. If you're on a tight budget, or simply don't want a new pickup, you can find good used options.
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Choosing Chisels.
This article offers advice on using the right chisels for woodworking, carving, timber framing and masonry. Whether one is making furniture, installing doors and trim, shaping stone for a foundation or fireplace, or working with logs to build a timber-frame structure, chisels are essential tools for the job. If one is just starting out with woodworking and cabinetry, a general-purpose set of bevel-edge chisels in quarter-, half-, three-quarter- and one-inch widths makes the most sense.
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Coming Soon: More Efficient, Cleaner Outdoor Wood Boilers.
The article provides information on outdoor wood boiler. Also called an outdoor furnace, water stove or outdoor hydronic heater, an outdoor wood boiler looks like a metal-clad shed with a short chimney poking from the roof. Unlike other heating equipment, outdoor wood boilers have been virtually unregulated. Unfortunately, they emit at least 20 times more smoke than U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA)-certified wood stoves, according to the Northeast States for Coordinated Air Use Management.
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COOL Kohlrabi.
The article offers information on kohlrabi. Though sometimes called space cabbage, kohlrabi really is a very down-to-earth veggie. German for "cabbage turnip," kohlrabi is a member of the extensive cabbage family and offers the same health benefits. It is easier to grow than its relatives making it ideal for fall or early spring planting. It is thought to have been developed in the 16th century in central or northern Europe from a thick-stemmed plant known as marrow cabbage.
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Correction.
A correction to the article "In Safe… or Sorry?" that was published in June/July 2007 issue is presented.
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Correction.
A correction to the article "You Can Grow Oca!" that was published in the August/September 2007 issue is presented.
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country lore.
The article offers some environment-friendly tips. One person reveals the difference in flavor between ground, minced, food-processed and blender-made pesto. The latter is almost metallic in taste, whereas chopped or ground pesto brings out the purest basil flavor. Another reveals using his kids' winter plastic sleds to wash garden green vegetables. Another suggests using egg shells to get rid of slugs in the garden.
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country lore.
The article offers various tips related to country life submitted by readers of "Mother Earth News." Tom Kovach suggests creating snow fences which are plants planted 100 to 200 feet away from the roadway, to serve as a barrier so the wind drops the snow on the leeward side of the barrier, thus protecting the road or property downwind. Amy Grisak offers recipes for homemade sausage. Another reader explains how to build or remodel a house using salvaged materials.
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country lore.
The article presents creative projects and green living ideas shared by readers. A sawyer details the ways to recycle urban trees that normally would end up as mulch or in landfills. A reader offers information on the conventional water heater she had installed which uses solar energy. Another person offers ways to recycle an old futon flame.
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country lore.
The article offers sustainable living tips from readers of the magazine. Sophia Dobra of Guemes Island, Washington presents tips on how to save time and money with her homemade baking mix. Betty Goller of Brook Park, Ohio provides suggestions on how to throw a party using environmentally-friendly materials. Martha Rogus uses cotton or wool dryer lint to start a fire.
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countrylore.
The article presents readers' tips on country living. Strategies for growing fig trees in a Connecticut backyard are discussed. One can make a compost tea for a vegetable garden using plastic containers with drain holes in the bottom, grass clippings and leaves. A recipe for spicy greens and onion is given.
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Cows Unite for Better Rights.
The article provides information on the formation of Cows Unite, a movement that spreads out the benefits of organic milk and raise support for small-scale dairy farms. After much rumination, they have developed the Bovine Bill of Rights, which includes The Right to Graze and The Right to Just Say No to Antibiotics and Synthetic Hormones.
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CULTIVATING NEW FARMERS.
This article focuses on new organic programs that are teaching young people the skills they need to make a riving on the farm. A good place to start looking for academic programs is the online directory maintained by the U.S. Department of Agriculture. The first U.S. program to offer a Bachelor of Science in sustainable agriculture began in 1988 at the University of Maine. Another popular choice for those interested in sustainable agriculture is Washington State University.
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dear mother.
Several letters to the editor are presented in response to previous articles including "Why I Farm," by Bryan Welch in the February/March 2007 issue, "Why Grass Fed is Best" in the December/January 2007 issue, and "Whither Wind?," in the February/March 2007 issue of "Mother Earth News."
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dear mother.
Several letters to the editor are presented in response to articles in previous issues including an article about the federally proposed National Animal Identification System (NAIS) in the June/July 2007 issue, an article commenting on NAIS and a reader stating the benefits of designing and building a pole home with a cistern graywater system, recycled materials and other environment-friendly features.
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dear mother.
Several letters to the editor are presented in response to articles in previous issues including the honeybee Colony Collapse Disorder, "Ride Green with Electric Bikes and Scooters" in the April/May 2007 issue, and "A Tale of Two Homesteads" in the August/September 2007 issue.
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dear mother.
Several letters to the editor are presented in response to articles in previous issues including "Live on Less and Love It," "Meet real Free-Range Eggs," in the October/November 2007 and "Fuel Economy: Why These Numbers Really Matter," in the August/September 2007 issue.
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dear mother.
Several letters to the editor are presented in response to previous articles, including "Build a Simple Solar Heater," in the December/January 2007 issue, "Look Into Energy-Efficient Washers and Dryers," in the December/January 2007 issue, and "Compost Made Easy," in the October/November 2006 issue.
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DISEASE PREVENTION BASICS.
The article offers some techniques that can prevent diseases and pests affecting vegetables. Cured compost helps plants prime themselves to better handle challenges from diseases while improving the soil's tilth. Many gardeners include seaweed sprays in their garden's preventive health care program, which provide nutrients for both plants and beneficial microorganisms. Products that address these problems include MycoStop, RootShield and Contans.
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earth words.
An image of the autumn leaves is presented.
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Easy DIY Solar Lighting.
The article presents the author's experience of designing a solar lighting system. There are three major parts to the generating and power system: a small photovoltaic (PV) panel, a battery and a charge controller. They chose three 15 watt compact flourescents for the system. In order to account for various inefficiencies in the system, they estimated the minimum generating capacity of a PV panel that will drive the system.
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EASY SOLAR POWER.
The article focuses on thin-film photovoltaic (PV) laminates that can be bonded directly onto metal roofing panels for a reliable, inflation-proof solar power. It was invented by ECD Ovonics co-founder Stan Ovshinsky. Thin-film laminates offer several advantages over crystalline PV panels. The article also presents information on the easy installation of thin-film PV.
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Eat in Season: Easy, No Knead Crusty Bread.
A recipe for no knead, Dutch oven bread is presented.
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Eat in Season: Warming Winter SOUPS.
The article provides information on homemade soups. Soup stock is the often unnoticed foundation that makes a soup full-bodied rather than bland and watery. Making soup stock is a perfect companion to gardening. Soup stock can be based on vegetables, fowl, beef, fish or even miso. A sample of soup recipes is presented.
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Eat IN SYNC with the SEASONS.
The article offers information on seasonal foods and ways to synchronize one's eating with seasons and availability of food products. Meat is best in certain seasons. Forage-fattened beef is best in the fall. Seasonally speaking, it makes sense to eat chicken in the summer and beef in winter. To synchronize eating with seasons, visit the local farmers market and ask about hard to find items. Also, search for the food on the Internet.
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Edible Theme Gardens.
This article describes several garden themes. A salsa plot consists of tomatoes, sweet and hot peppers, onions, tomatillos, celery, cilantro and dill. All these plants grow as well together as they taste together. A garnish garden consists of parsley, pansies, chives, cherry tomatoes, ground cherries, nasturtiums and pineapple mints, chocolate mints and peppermints. A snack garden can include popcorn, strawberries, peanuts, sunflowers for their seeds and a potato plant or two for homemade chips.
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Enjoy Fresh BLACKBERRIES.
The article discusses the proper way to breed and grow blackberries. Blackberries are among the best and worst of fruits that can be grown in a yard. In many areas, they grow themselves. There are a few simple steps that can be taken to help the plants produce better berries that are easier to pick. Better yet, diversify a home orchard or underutilized space along a fence to grow cultivated varieties famous for their zippy sweet flavor, large fruit and phenomenal productivity.
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Enjoy FRESH Tomatoes All Year.
This article offers several strategies to enjoy a bounty harvest of home-grown tomatoes. Plenty of light can keep a container-grown cherry tomato producing indoors through winter, which brings gardeners back to spring. Many gardeners adopt Early Girl or Sun Gold tomatoes as store-bought seedlings, grow them indoors until the first fruits dangle from the vine, and then set them out inside tomato cages wrapped with clear plastic during spring's first warm spell.
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Enjoy Fresh, Local Food ALL YEAR.
The article offers a guide to home food storage. Freezing is the most energy-intensive method of home food preservation. Buy seasonal produce directly from growers at farmers markets or farm stands, then choose preservation methods that fit one's cooking habits and time constraints. Some online resources that features food storage and preservation include www.uga.edu/nchfp/how/store/wisc_vegetables.pdf.
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ESSENTIAL ADVICE for Owner-Builders.
The article discusses building codes that owner-builders should consider before building a house. Building codes establish minimum standards for safety and health, and builders should prove that they meet these standards of care. Zoning and other regulations vary from place to place, as do the conditions at and around every building site. A checklist from the building department, describing what plans and inspections are needed for a permit, also reveals what the codes cover.
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Expert Advice for Greenhouse Growing.
The article provides tips on greenhouse gardening. According to the article, overfertilizing with nitrogen should be avoided as green leafy crops can accumulate unhealthy levels of nitrates, especially in the low light conditions of a winter greenhouse. Root crops such as beets or carrots are not suitable for planting in the fall greenhouse. They will grow, but do not receive sufficient energy in the shortening days to make root.
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Expert Advice on Straw Bale Building.
The article presents expert advice about fire resistance, moisture, pests, building costs, mortgages, insurance and resale value of straw bale houses, adapted from the book "Book for Wiser Living."
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Expert Tips for Installing WINDOWS.
The article offers step-by-step instructions for installing windows.
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Extend Your GROWING SEASON.
This article offers advice on extending the growing season. As late winter days lengthen, resourceful gardeners scurry to collect cloches, erect plastic-covered tunnels and put together a workable cold frame. One can make an amazing array of season-stretching garden gear from found or recycled materials, and one will not have to rely on electric grow lights to get delectable spring greens in time for Easter or have the first ripe tomatoes on the block.
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FALL'S SWEETEST HARVEST.
The article provides information on apple cider. Most commercial apple cider is made from sweet, but rather bland apples, filtered and then pasteurized. Do-it-yourself cidermakers may plant their own apple trees, harvest the fruit and grind it in a backyard cider press. Each seed from a single apple produces distinctly different-tasting fruit. It describes the single-basket Jaffrey model and the double-basket Correll press.
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Faster, Easier MOWING.
The article evaluates several zero-turn mowers, including products from Snapper, Lawn-Boy Inc. and Troy-Bilt.
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FORGET AC! Cool Your Home Naturally.
The article offers tips on cooling a home naturally. Natural ventilation makes the most of air motion to cool the home. This is the primary passive cooling strategy in all climate zones. Understanding seasonal wind patterns will help one adjust window openings, outdoor spaces and windbreaks to increase comfort without relying on nonrenewable fuels. A host of tricks can be done to improve ventilation for cooling. These include shuttered verandas, high ceilings and summer kitchens.
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Free Solar Hot Water.
This article describes the set up of a free solar water heater. On top of a house, a 100-meter roll of flexible, black half-inch pipe exists. This is hooked up to the water reservoir, which is higher than the roof. The water flows down the black pipe and into a conventional water heater that is not turned on. The sun heats the water and the insulated tank keeps it hot all night.
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From Vine to Vinaigrette.
This article presents several recipes for tomatoes, including Bruschetta With Tomatoes and Basil, Roasted Tomato Vinaigrette, and Tomato Sauce.
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FUEL ECONOMY: Why These Numbers REALLY Matter.
How to Improve Your Fuel Economy
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FUN &FOOD For Every Season.
The article discusses the author's country living experiences. When her family is at home, their lives revolve around what needs to be done in the garden, orchard and bee yard that day, and what wild foods can be found in the mountains. They have nine old fruit trees. During spring, her challenge is to coax the greens they planted to resume growing and produce fresh leaves. The family also goes hiking and looks out for patches of huckleberries.
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Garden Transplanting: Expert Advice.
The article presents several steps to help transplanted seedlings make a smooth transition from pot to garden. Introduce seedlings to bright light and sheltered breezes gradually, over a period of one to three weeks. While seedlings are hardening off, prepare the planting space by amending the soil with compost and mixing in an appropriate amount of organic fertilizer. Push transplants out of their containers from the bottom rather than pulling them out by their stems.
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Get Muddy! MAKE EARTH ART.
The article provides information on the use of mud as a material for art and architecture. According to the article, mud makes it easy for anyone to make beautiful textures, patterns and lines. Just rounding a corner or building up edges at doors or windows helps define a room. Earthen art can be further cemented and stabilized with binders. One approach is to mix sticky stuff like lime putty or wheat paste directly into the plaster. The other approach is to paint a penetrating wash over dry plaster.
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GO SOLAR and Save Big!
The article outlines some of the basic things to consider in passive solar home design. Homes should be designed to capture the sun's heat in the winter and block it during the summer. The careful placement of glass doors and windows is the next step in tapping solar energy. Insulation needs to be chosen based on the type of heat movement that needs to be prevented. The article also discusses the advantages of using solar design strategies, including long-term savings.
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Go Solar for FREE Hot Water.
This article discusses the advantages of investing in solar water heaters. Experts agree, a solar water heater is far and away the easiest initial investment in renewable energy. It is important to understand that solar water-heating systems have very low, sometimes zero, operating costs, and maintenance amounts to only about $2 per month. A typical residential solar water heater will oil-set greenhouse gas emissions by about 1,500 pounds of carbon dioxide per year.
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Go Solar, You Can Do It!
The article discusses various reports published within the issue, including one by Dan Chiras on ways to save energy at home and another by Steve Maxwell on advice on building a patio, a desk, installing windows or upgrading plumbing.
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GOOD LIBATONS.
The article explores the increasing demand for organic wine and beer. Around the world, wine and beer are celebrated parts of many cultures. Small breweries and wineries are starting to thrive by crafting high quality, flavorful products. And with a growing number of breweries and wineries, it is easier than ever before to find a wide variety of good wine and beer, including organic versions. As demand for organic products grows, more farmers are committing to producing grapes, barley and hops without chemical pesticides.
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Grade-A Power Grader.
The article evaluates the Power Grader from DR Power Equipment.
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green gazette.
This section offers news briefs related to environmental protection. Refrigerators must now meet higher efficiency standards to qualify for the Energy Star label, which helps consumers identify products that use less energy and reduce greenhouse gas emissions. "Mother Earth News" launched a Web site which sells eco-friendly products. The U.S./Canadian organization Take Back Your Time has launched a campaign for legislation that will guarantee workers three weeks of paid vacation.
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Greener COMPUTERS.
The article talks about preventive maintenance to get the most value out of computers. Regularly check the space availability of hard drive to make sure new software or graphics files have not eaten up the surplus. If an individual needs a new computer, consider spending the extra money on an upgradeable machine. In the absence of a federally mandated program, computer recycling is currently a patchwork of initiatives by manufacturers, retailers, and state and local governments.
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GROW A Living Fence.
The article explains how to build a suburban hedgerow. A suburban hedgerow resembles the edge of a forest with a mix of trees, shrubs and lots of other plants. The edge is always the area of the woods with the largest number of bird, bug and mammal species. Aside from providing privacy, suburban hedgerows attract wildlife and prevent erosion. The idea of hedgerows started a thousand years ago in medieval Europe. They were usually planted to surround a field and keep livestock from roaming.
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Grow Potatoes in Biodegradable Boxes.
This article presents a narrative of the author's experience growing potatoes in biodegradable boxes. The Irish potatoes that the author grew in raised beds were healthy and stored well, but building a raised bed can be costly and requires hard work. The author collected several boxes, lined them up in the garden and planted potatoes in the bottom third of the box using a light soil mixed with mild organic fertilizer.
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GROW YOUR OWN Mosquito Repellent.
The article offers information on the many functions of lemon balm. In addition to keeping biting bugs at bay, lemon balm has a long history of medicinal use. Cultivated in the Mediterranean region for the past 2,000 years, this perennial herb was prized for its catchall curative properties. Lemon balm is frequently used in combination with other medicinal herbs. It can also relieve anxiety, cold sores and indigestion.
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HANDS-ON SOLAR POWER.
A personal narrative is presented which explores the author's experience of coming to an ecological living center called La Casita Verde located on the island of Ibiza, Spain.
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Happy Birthday, Farm Aid!
This article reports on the launch of the annual Farm Aid concert in September marking its 21st anniversary. Farm Aid raises money, almost $30 million to date, for nonprofits working on food and farming issues, and to aid farmers with disaster relief. When the organization got its start in 1985, national newspapers were carrying daily stories of farm foreclosures and the financial and emotional depression that was ripping the heartland apart.
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HAUL of FAME.
The article evaluates several carts and wheelbarrows, including products from Lee Valley Tools Ltd., Northern Tool &Equipment Co. and Brentwood Industries Inc.
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Heralds of Spring.
This article offers a look at signs that nature's new year has begun. In early spring the male red-winged blackbirds form bachelor flocks and shift from feeding grounds to breeding grounds, most often marshes and brushy meadows. In most places the mourning cloak butterfly holds the honor of being the first of its kind to appear in spring. The return of truly warm weather is heralded weeks later by spring azures, the first butterflies of the season to emerge, transformed from a long winter's pupal sleep.
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Here-and-Now, Later-and-Wow.
The article offers ideas to create a sustainable life while protecting the environment. According to the author, the aim of "Mother Earth News" is to bring practical and thoroughly researched advice about inexpensive ways to live a more fun and conscientious life. It calls simple ideas like growing tomatoes and installing a programmable thermostat here-and-now projects. It also suggests growing a large garden and preserving all produce or freezing veggies from the summer farms market.
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High-performance WINDOWS.
The article presents information on window coatings and frames that can help save energy on heating and cooling a home. It discusses main factors that affect the energy efficiency of windows, including heat flow through the glass and frame, solar heat gain and air leakage. A strategy to improve the insulating properties of the window is to replace the air inside the thermal pane with a gas such as argon or krypton.
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Homesteaders with Horses.
This article presents a narrative of the author's experiences in working with draft horses on a farm. The author and her husband end up putting more work into the horses than they got out of them. They keep six horses on their farm, two riding horses and four Brabants, an old-fashioned breed of draft horse. In the early spring, the horses are used to collect sap for maple syrup. They do not sell their maple syrup.
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How Do YOUR EGGS Stack up?
The article presents tips on choosing the right farm-fresh eggs, as well as some ideas on raising chickens. One strategy is to learn about the different companies. Anyone who has eaten eggs from hens with access to fresh green pasture knows how different they are from typical supermarket eggs. What one notice first is the color of the yolks: a deep, bright orange-yellow instead of a wan pastel shade. Those differences of color and texture signal flavor, nutrition and performance benefits.
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How to Calculate Your Fuel Economy.
The article offers tips on how to calculate a vehicle's fuel economy. The first step is to fill up the gasoline tank. Reset the trip meter to zero. Fill the tank when the time comes. Write down the number of gallons it took to fill the tank and the number of miles on the trip meter. Divide the trip miles by the gallons of gas. Finally, keep these records to track the numbers over time.
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How to Decode Egg Cartons.
The article presents a guide to the most common label claims found in supermarket eggs. Examples of these common labels are: Cage Free, Free Range or Free Roaming. Organic standards require producers to maintain livestock living conditions which accommodate the health and natural behavior of the animals. An Omega 3 label means that all eggs contain small amounts of omega-3 fatty acids, thought to be beneficial to human health.
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How to Grow.
The article describes lemon balm. Lemon balm is easy to grow from seed, rooted cuttings or by root division. The herb thrives in full sun, but can be grown in partial shade. It looks and grows much like mint though it does not send runners. The plants grow from 2 to 2¬Ω feet tall, bushing out laterally, so give each plant about 2 feet of space all around.
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How to Make Miso &Kimchi.
The article presents several recipes for homemade fermented foods, including Rice Miso and Kimchi.
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How to PAINT Your HOUSE.
The article offers tips on painting the outdoor part of the house. Every outdoor repainting job starts off best with a good pressure washing. If bubbles remain, brush them off with a heavy-duty wire wheel spinning on an angle grinder after the surface has dried. When painting or staining, stick with some kind of finishing regime. If one opts to go with paint or traditional wood stain, preparation will greatly extend the life of the coating.
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How to Solder Copper Pipes Successfully.
The article offers step-by-step instructions for soldering copper pipes.
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In Praise of the Basic Birdhouse.
The article offers step-by-step instructions for making a birdhouse.
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Incredible Homestead Chickens.
The article discusses many ways poultry can be integrated into helping develop food self-sufficiency on the homestead. Eggs from backyard flocks are of a quality and nutritional density that those dependent on the supermarket can only dream of. Necessary culling graces the table with flavorful meat. But backyard flocks can contribute to self-sufficiency in more ways than simply putting food on the table. They offer bug control, tillage and great entertainment.
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Is Organic Food Really Better for You?
The article provides information on a study from the University of California in Davis, which compared the health benefits of vegetables organically raised and those grown under nonorganic practices. The study offers more evidence that organically raised vegetables are healthier than those grown under nonorganic practices that rely on chemicals for fertilization and weed, pest and disease control. Led by professor and food chemist Alyson Mitchell, the study compared levels of flavonoids, quercetin and kaempferol in organic and nonorganic tomatoes.
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Learning to Farm on the Side of a Volcano.
This article presents a narrative of the authors experiences from joining the Worldwide Opportunities on Organic Farms (WWOOF) program in the U.S. Apprentice farmers, or WWOOFers, volunteer their time and sweat and muscles in exchange for food, lodging and an education in organic agriculture. Coffee, being a value-added crop, is extremely labor-intensive to produce, and the beautiful islands of Hawaii are filled with organic coffee farms.
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LIVE ON LESS AND LOVE IT!
The article presents 75 money-saving tips to consider, drawn from the author's own experiences. Buy raw ingredients instead of prepackaged foods. Buy in bulk from a local health food store, or place bulk orders directly with mail-order companies. Avoid the middleman and buy directly from farmers. Eat fruits and vegetables in season, when they are least expensive.
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Mad Cow Disease: Should the USDA Do More?
The article explores the debate among U.S. federal regulators, meat processors, ranchers and consumer advocacy groups about how best to contain the threat of mad cow disease. In December 2003, inspectors in Washington state discovered the first domestic case of mad cow disease. Yet when Creekstone Farms Premium Beef attempted to implement a 109 percent testing policy to screen cattle for mad cow disease in its facility, the Department of Agriculture (DA) ordered it to stop. The DA contends that such testing may provide a false sense of security.
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Make Simple, Beautiful Garden Fences and Trellises.
The article talks about using wattles and willows as garden ornaments. English wattle fences were historically made from willow or hazel wood, both of which are flexible by nature. Functional wattle fence panels, called hurdles, make it easy to section off parts of your yard and garden, plus they're fun to make. By growing new willows from cuttings, you can expect good osier production within three years.
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Make Your Own Hard Cider.
The article offers step-by-step instructions for making an apple cider.
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Making Energy Upgrades Affordable.
The article presents information on an Energy Efficient Mortgage (EEM) designed to cover the cost of home energy upgrades. These mortgages can increase loan, either to help purchase an energy-efficient new home or to pay for energy upgrades to an existing home. To qualify for an EEM, the home needs a certified energy evaluation to confirm that it is energy efficient or to identify cost-effective improvements that should be made.
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Meet Real FREE-RANGE EGGS.
The article reveals that eggs produced by hens raised on pasture are nutritionally superior to eggs sold in supermarkets, according to the "Mother Earth News" magazine egg testing project. It enumerates the nutrients found in eggs from hens raised on pasture. A statement on the American Egg Board's Web site says that true free-range eggs are those produced by hens raised outdoors or that have daily access to the outdoors.
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Meld Metals with Welding and Brazing.
This article offers advice on melding metals with welding and brazing. Brazing and welding tire are all about joining metal parts quickly, permanently and with great strength. Brazing requires only simple equipment that costs less than $100. And welding equipment is more effective, easier to use and more affordable than ever before. Brazing, often discussed with welding, actually is a fundamentally different process.
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Microlending: A Little Loan Goes a Long Way.
The article reports on how Matt and Jessica Flannery revolutionized micro-lending with Kiva.org. The local microfinance institutions post personal information and photos of the borrowers, along with a description of their business plans on the Web site. Most of Kiva's loans go to Africa, where the majority of funds are for tiny, agriculture-related startups: money to buy a cow, feed for chickens or a peanut grinder.
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Mower Wisdom &Tractor Tales.
This section presents letters from readers regarding their lawn mower stories. According to Cheryl Long, she had a chance to try out a Cub Cadet zero-turn riding mower, which allowed her to cut quickly and neatly around the many trees on her property. John Ebeling bought a belt-driven Yard Machines mower in 2006, and the belt comes off frequently, which he had to get underneath the tractor. For John Reeves, who bought a Simplicity Conquest, the machine is an extremely well-engineered and well-built riding mower.
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Natural Relief from Headaches, Even Migraines.
The article offers information on preventive treatments for stopping headache pain. If you have frequent head pain, try keeping a diary to help you pinpoint triggers. Studies show that lightening your stress load relieves headaches. Acupuncture also is widely used to treat headaches. This sort of needling has an analgesic effect, and some studies support its use in headache treatment and prevention.
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Natural, Effective Remedies for COLDS and FLU.
The article discusses how to use herbs to manage respiratory infections and other ailments. Colds and flu can be treated by employing a variety of natural methods such as herbal remedies, water therapy and supplements. The best way to thin mucus secretion is to add water to the body's system by drinking warm liquids, especially herbal teas and soup broth. People with cold are also suggested to bring a quart-size pot of water to a boil, remove it from the stove and place their face a comfortable distance from the steam, then cover their head with a towel.
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No Mandatory NAIS in Arizona.
The article reports on a bill signed by Arizona Governor Janet Napolitano that prohibits mandatory participation in the National Animal Identification System (NAIS). This makes Arizona the first state to take such action. The U.S. Department of Agriculture first proposed the program in April 2005 with the intent of requiring producers across the country to register their farms and livestock in a national database beginning in 2007, as a means to identify the origin of diseased animals.
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Parsnips, a Sweet Root.
This article offers advice on planting on parsnips. Parsnips are a versatile vegetable to use in soups, stews and as an accompaniment to pork, beef or chicken. Plant the seeds in spring in loose soil that has been deeply dug. Adding compost or aged cow manure to the soil will help the parsnips grow long and straight. The seeds are slow to germinate, it might take two or three weeks. Sow a few radish seeds in the parsnip seed row to indicate where the tardy parsnip seeds have been planted.
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Pellet Prospects: Will Supply Meet Demand?
This article presents an outlook for wood pellets in 2007. In the fall of 2005, with oil and gas prices at historical highs and numerous glowing articles about pellet heating in the mainstream media, the pellet industry was not prepared for the unprecedented demand for its products. This year, oil and gas prices have eased back. Gas fireplaces are popular again and pellet stoves are languishing in warehouses instead of flying out of showrooms.
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Pellet Prospects: Will Supply Meet Demand?
The author reflects on lessons that homeowners should learn from the ups and downs in both conventional and alternative heating fuels. The first lesson is that prices of oil and gas are likely to remain volatile. The second is to invest in local pellet fuel. The third lesson is that the price of fuel corn is likely to be unpredictable. He is calling on homeowners to do research first before putting money down on a new alternative fuel heating appliance.
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Perfect Ground Cover.
This article presents a narrative of the author's experience using crimson red clover seed for a ground cover. The author has a dog yard where grass does not grow well because it is a shady, damp location under large trees. The author raked up the area then sowed red clover seed. It works wonderfully and the dog just loves to go in there and eat the clover, and a nice green area is achieved.
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Picture-perfect PATHS &PATIOS.
The article offers step-by-step instructions for creating hand-laid paths and patio with the use of concrete paving bricks.
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Plant an Edible Forest Garden.
The article offers ways on how to create an edible forest garden. One of the main differences between a forest garden and the typical food garden is that forest gardens rely on perennials. Several groups of perennials form a natural forest. The biggest are the trees, followed by shrubs, vines and ground plants. The best approach to begin a forest garden depends on your individual preferences and circumstances. Another approach is to start with an existing orchard and add plantings.
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Portable Chicken Mini-coop Plan.
The article offers step-by-step instructions on how to create a portable chicken mini-coop.
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Preserving the Good Life.
The article presents a discussion of making a living with a home-based business in Maine, adapted from the newspaper "The Maine Organic Farmer &Gardener."
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Racing to a Revolution.
The article provides information on the Automotive X Prize (AXP), a competition which involves designing and building low-emission automobiles. AXP will be launched by X PRIZE Foundation, a non-profit prize institute that designs and manages public competitions for the benefit of humanity. The objective of AXP is to inspire a new generation of viable, super-efficient vehicles that help break addiction to oil and stem the effects of climate change.
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Raptors, the Sky Masters.
The article focuses on raptors. Raptor is a catchall term used to refer to eagles, hawks, falcons, kites and owls. Owls are nocturnal raptors, while the others are diurnal, or active during the day. All raptors are meat eaters. The beginning of a victim's end usually comes via the raptor's claws. They possess strong legs and four powerful grasping toes, each tipped by a pointed talon. A raptor's grip on prey is sure and often deadly.
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Relief for Weary Monarchs.
The article deals with the threat of habitat loss facing monarch butterflies in North America. To offset this habitat loss, hundreds of gardeners, schools and even a South Dakota funeral home have set aside special patches of land in an effort to create Monarch Waystations, places where monarchs can reproduce in spring and summer, and stop for much-needed nectar breaks as they fly south in fall. The minimum size for a certified Waystation is 135 square feet, in any shape--including clustered around a fence row.
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Renewable Energy Will Rise to the Challenge.
The article presents forecasts on the rise of renewable energy resources in the future. Renewable energy resources could generate 635 gigawatts of new energy capacity by 2025, according to a report coordinated by the American Council on Renewable Energy. Another good news is that as a result of technological advances and an increase in the supply of materials that make photovoltaic cells, solar energy costs should decrease 40 percent by 2010, according to the Prometheus Institute.
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Renewables to the Rescue.
The author reflects on the subject of global warming. It points out that there are still some people who doubt that human activities are causing global warming. It highlights the study conducted by researchers at the Earth Policy Institute on the benefits of investing in renewable energy sources. It urges people to do everything they can to spread the word on the merits of renewable energy sources.
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Ride Green with Electric Bikes and Scooters.
The article features several electric motorbikes and scooters, including products from WaveCrest Laboratories LLC, Tres Terra and Global Generation Cult.
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Right Tires for Rough Ground.
This article offers advice on what tires to put on riding mowers used on rough surfaces. Putting wide knobby tires on the front and tractor tread one inch higher on the rear was a revelation. The mower was driven for two years and then was passed on to the next generation. If mowing on rough, hilly ground and require better traction, check with the mower dealer about best tires for the brand of mower.
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Royal Potatoes that Beat Bugs.
The article provides information on potato varieties that are naturally resistant to pests and diseases. Jim Gerritsen, co-owner of Wood Prairie Farm in Bridgewater, Maine, saw the Prince Hairy variety's potential after he read an article about it written by "Mother Earth News" editor in chief Cheryl Long. According to Gerritsen, the variety will appeal to organic growers. The King Harry variety is the result of three decades of work by Cornell University potato breeder Bob Plaisted.
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Save Money, See More Stars.
This article offers information on simple changes to outdoor lighting that can save money and help the environment. The International Dark-Sky Association, a nonprofit group dedicated to reducing light pollution, conservatively estimates inefficient and poorly designed outdoor lighting wastes at least a billion dollars annually in the U.S. Opt for efficient options, such as light-emitting diodes, sodium vapor lights and compact fluorescent light bulbs.
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seasonal recipes.
The article presents three soup recipes including Fresh Garden Minestrone, Bleu Cheesy Broccoli Potato Soup, and Sweet Corn and Red Pepper Soup.
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Seed Company Rises from the Ashes.
This article focuses on efforts to help Abundant Life Seed Foundation recover from a fire that destroyed several records and seeds. Many long-time supporters sent in their own seeds of rare varieties such as Silvery Fir Tree tomato and Healthy pepper. In 2004, Tom and Julie Johns of Territorial Seed Co. acted on their concerns by adopting Abundant Life as Territorial's sister company, and immediately began increasing stock of rare varieties at their certified organic farm in London, Oregon.
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Simple Energy Saving Strategies.
The article presents energy saving strategies that aim to eliminate massive amounts of waste in homes, places of business and lifestyles. Replacing old windows is one good way to reduce energy use. Retrofitting a home for energy efficiency will save lots of money. A qualified professional energy auditor can be hired to perform visual inspections to detect leaks and openings in the building. Sealing cracks in the building envelope is one of the cost-effective measures a homeowner can take.
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SIMPLE IDEAS FOR SUSTAINABLE LIVING.
A personal narrative is presented which explores the author's experience of sustainable living.
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Sleep Deeply, Live Longer.
This article focuses on the importance of sleep and how to establish good sleeping habits. Those who sleep six to seven hours a night actually live longer than people who sleep less than four hours or more than eight hours, according to a study conducted by the American Cancer Society and the University of California, San Diego. The brain and body are busy performing a number of restorative processes while sleeping. Lack of sleep also may be a factor in the country's expanding obesity epidemic.
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Snack Wisely: Discover Cherokee Popcorn.
The article explains how to grow the Cherokee Long Ear popcorn. Cherokee popcorn is a heirloom popcorn variety which is highly decorative with vivid color combinations and offers a range of culinary uses well beyond the common snack. Like many traditional popcorns, it can be ground for cornmeal, eaten young like sweet corn, or used in soups. The short corns like this are ideal for the three sisters planting arrangement where pole beans are grown on the corn, and pumpkins grow around the corn/bean hills.
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SOLAR HEATING PLAN for Any Home.
The article discusses the process of creating a solar heating system for houses. The system uses solar heat to reduce dependence on fossil fuels and lower heating bills. Because the solar collectors and the heat storage tank for the system are built into a small new outbuilding, there is no need to completely remodel a house to use solar heat. On sunny days, the collectors add heat to the storage tank. When the house needs heat, hot water from the storage tank is transferred to the house via an underground pipe into a radiant floor heating system.
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SOLAR IS THE SOLUTION.
The article explores the advantages of building a sustainable, solar-electric economy. Relying on coal, oil and natural gas threatens the future with toxic pollution, global climate change and social unrest caused by diminishing fuel supplies. The article looks at the energy resources that people depend on and then compares them with solar energy. It then discusses biofuels and hydrogen as other possible alternatives.
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STEP IT UP.
The article offers news related to environmental issues. The U.S. Department of Energy was sued by several states, the National Resources Defense Council and several consumer groups for failing to set new regulations on energy efficiency for consumer products. The Healthy Building Network plans to gather information on green building ideas and innovations. On April 17, 2007. U.S. citizens will organize rallies within the week of Earth Day to raise awareness about climate change.
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Talk Back to Your MOTHER.
This article reflects on the Editorial Advisory Group of "Mother Earth News" periodical. Over the past year or so, thousands of readers have joined the group, taking short online surveys about the magazine every few weeks. The surveys ask them to pick their favorite cover images, rate their interest in specific article ideas, or rank what they like and do not like in the periodical.
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The Sweetest Potatoes.
The article focuses on sweet potatoes. Sweet potatoes have a lot to offer nutritionally, such as a load of vitamin A and beta carotene, plus healthy amounts of vitamins C, B[sub 6] and E, as well as potassium. In the kitchen, sweet potatoes assume varied roles as appetizers, soups, side dishes and desserts with equal panache. A recipe for Candied Sweet Potatoes is also presented.
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Three Phunky PUMPKINS.
The article provides information on several heirloom varieties of pumpkins. The French, Italian and Iranian varieties belong to the species Cucurbita maxima and are famous for their flavor and culinary value. The pumpkins of the French variety are flat and squat, and the hard skin of the mature fruit is salmon-pink and covered with warts resembling peanut shells. The average weight of the Chioggia sea pumpkin is about 10 pounds, and like the French variety, it has very vigorous vines.
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TRIUMPHANT TURNIPS.
The article provides information on turnips. According to the article, no other vegetable gives the choice between supernutritious greens or juicy roots that rival carrots for crunchiness. Fall is a great time to grow salad turnips which needs cool soil to bring out its best flavor. Fall storage turnips can be left in the garden until the roots are 3 to 4 inches in diameter, or until the first hard freeze arrives.
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Try Your Luck with CHERRIES.
This article offers information on sweet and sour cherries. Recent university studies suggest that cherries can reduce pain caused by arthritis or muscle strain, help prevent Type 2 diabetes and possibly slow the growth of cancerous tumors. Sweet cherries are not reliably winter hardy beyond Zone 5, and they suffer from heat stress south of Zone 7. Sour cherries are more widely adapted, with some varieties hardy to Zone 3, and some capable of prospering in Zone 8.
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UNCLOG DRAINS WITHOUT CHEMICALS.
The article suggests plumbing methods that can fix clogged drain. Successfully unclogging drains depends on a few simple tools and knowledge of the layout of pipes hidden in one's home. Certain parts of every drain system are prone to blockage, so it pays to understand where typical trouble zones might exist before an emergency arises. Before spending a lot of time trying to unplug a sink or toilet and regardless of where the blockage seems to be located, start with a simple check.
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Under Pressure: Better Gauges Mean Better Fuel Economy.
The article reveals the role of tire pressure gauges in achieving better fuel economy. According to the U.S. Department of Energy, underinflated tires are responsible for nearly 3.3 million gallons of wasted gasoline every day. Several experts say that the sliding stick pressure gauge lacks sufficient accuracy and get increasingly worse over time. Analog dial gauges are more accurate. Digital gauges are accurate, easy to use, and will help one keep his car safe and improve its fuel economy.
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Update: Progress on the GM Volt.
The article reports on the progress of General Motors' (GM) Volt concept car. Company insiders indicate the 150-mpg electric car now is a formal product program. In other words, GM is figuring out how to actually build it. More evidence for this is the company's decision to award two battery development contracts. While there still are major technical obstacles to conquer, the Volt is moving forward with support from the highest levels of GM on down.
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USE COLD FRAMES TO GROW MORE FOOD.
The article explains how to use cold frames to grow more crops. A cold frame can be a wood box with a recycled window top or a hay bale enclosure covered with plastic. Cold frames shelter plants from ice, snow and treacherous winter winds and heat up the soil whenever the sun shines. The soil inside a frame will warm up much faster than open ground, and because seeds of many hardy vegetables can germinate in the 50 degree range, a three-day spell of mild weather often coaxes them to life.
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Use Vinegar for Stain-free Diapers.
This article offers advice on using vinegar for stain-free cloth diapers. Vinegar was found to be very effective in removing stains and odors. Add the vinegar to the rinse cycle, it also washes out the detergent better, preventing diaper rash and making the cloth softer. It works on the rest of the laundry, too, but not on dark colors because it can cause them to run.
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Veggie Oil Vehicles and the Law.
The article offers a look at the legal implications of using vegetable oil as fuel for vehicles in the U.S. Fuel taxes on traditional fuels, such as gasoline, petroleum diesel, help fund the building and maintenance of roads used by veggie oil cars. Using vegetable oil as a fuel without paying fuel tax on it is considered tax evasion. The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) frowns on using vegetable oil in engines designed to burn diesel fuel because the emissions are not the same.
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Vote with Your Dollars: Opt for Green Energy.
The article presents information on renewable energy certificates (REC), a system of buying green power or electricity generated from renewable sources. REC, which is also called green tags, allow consumers to vote with their money, choosing to spend more on their electric bills to know that their power comes, at least in part, from clean energy such as solar or wind. It allow consumers to pay a premium price for green power from anywhere in the U.S.
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Vote with Your Dollars: Opt for Green Energy.
The article offers information on renewable energy certificates (REC). REC allow consumers to pay a premium price for green power from anywhere in the U.S. On average, green power costs about 2.4 cents more per kilowatt-hour (kWh), or roughly 34 percent more, than electricity from nonrenewable sources such as natural gas, coal or nuclear-powered plants, according to the National Renewable Energy Laboratory. Both Wells Fargo and Whole Foods have committed to buying a billion kilowatt-hour of green power in 2007.
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We Inspire You, You Inspire Us.
The article discusses various reports published within the October/November 2007 issue of "Mother Earth News."
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Weird, Wacky &Wonderful DIY Projects.
The article offers information on do-it-yourself projects available at www.instructables.com. The free step-by-step instructions are easy to decipher and are accompanied by photos, often videos as well. Most of the how-to instructions include a materials list and helpful information about where to get the supplies. Instructables is sponsored by Squid Labs.
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WHAT TO DO IN WINTER.
The article provides tips on winter gardening. According to the article, the biggest advantage of winter mulch is that it moderates soil temperatures, slowing the speed at which the soil freezes, thaws and freezes again. In areas to be planted with peas, potatoes, salad greens and other early spring crops, gardeners should cultivate the soil, dig in some compost and allow birds to peck through the soil to collect cutworms, tomato hornworm pupae and other insects for a week or two.
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Whither Wind?
This article discusses the author's views on the heated debate over wind farms. Although automobiles, with their appetite for petroleum, may seem like the main culprit, the main climate change agent in the U.S. is actually electricity. To achieve a power switch entirely through wind power would require 400,000 windmills rated at 2.5 megawatts each. Similar divergences of opinion are heard about every aspect of wind power.
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Why Grow Your Own Food?
This article discusses the advantages of growing one's own food. Many people think that the American food supply is the best in the world. Many urban dwellers have the opportunity to grow a small portion of their food in community gardens or patio pots. Most can also find farmers markets where the vendors sell what they grow. Sources of food under one's own control or that of close neighbors would be far more secure in a time of rapid economic change than those in the supermarket.
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Why I Farm.
This article presents a narrative of the author's experience raising his own meat. Late fall or early winter, depending on the day and the weather, is the time of year for killing the animals, the cattle, sheep and goats, that the author and his wife raise for meat themselves and their friends. Just a few months ago these animals were the spirits of spring, filling the pastures with the joyful, bouncing exuberance of new life.
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Why Solar Power is Our Best Solution.
The article discusses various reports published within the issue including one by Steve Heckeroth on powerful solar options and another by Gary Reysa on solar heating plan for any home.
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Wild Wonders of Winter.
The article provides information on some of the wild animals that can withstand colder temperatures, a barer landscape and harsher weather. Polar bears congregate on favorite hills to slide down on their backs, then get up and do it again. Ravens, too, are back-sliders, and for reasons unknown to mere humans, they like to hold sticks in their beaks as they zoom downhill. But river otters are the undisputed masters of snow-sliding, and particularly of no-holds-barred, all-out belly flopping.
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Winter Workshop Wonders.
The article evaluates the Nail Kicker NR-101 finishing nailer from Reconnx and the Oneida Dust Deputy vacuum from Oneida Air Systems.
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Wise Web Sites.
The article features some web sites related to the environment. news.bbc.co.uk/2/hi/in depth/629/629/6528979.stm features an interactive map that allows one to see how climate change will affect the different regions of the world. A free downloadable screen saver that talks back reminding the user to shut down and save energy is available at www.usefulscreensaver.com.au/home/.
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Wise Web Sites.
The article reviews several Web sites including the site of the Environmental Defense Network available at www.oceansalive.org, an online map to find fresh local food available at www.foodroutes.org and an online book exchange available at www.novelaction.com.
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WORLD HEALTH ORGANIZATION Links Flu to Poultry Industry.
The article highlights the findings of "The World Health Report 2007," released by the World Health Organization (WHO). In the introduction of the report, Director-general Margaret Chan noted that when the organization was founded around 60 years ago, the infectious disease situation was relatively stable. In part because of intensive farming practices, environmental degradation and the misuse of antimicrobials, she notes that new infectious diseases are now emerging at a rate unprecedented in the history of medicine.
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Would you use Veggie Oil to Fuel Your Vehicle?
The article explores the environmental issues associated with the use vegetable oil to fuel vehicles. For certain people, veggie oil could lead to major savings. Called veggie cars or grease cars, these vehicles have fuel systems modified to burn both diesel fuel and straight vegetable oil. But even proponents say veggie oil is not for everyone because of the extra work it requires. People are drawn to this alternative fuel because it saves them money, gives them more control of their transportation fuel needs and makes a difference for the environment.
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YOU Can AFFORD Solar Power.
The article presents information on how to calculate the payback period for a photovoltaic (PV) system. Payback vary by local climate, utility rates and incentives, but in the best cases, the returns will be more than 10 percent, the cash flow positive and the increase in property value greater than the system cost. The most important factors for making solar power an attractive investment include high electric rates, net-metering policies, financial incentives and good sunlight.
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You Can Grow OCA!
The article offers information on oca or Oxalis tuberosa. Oca is a long ignored South American tuber that is a highly productive perennial plant with waxy, brightly colored tubers that are perfect as a season-extending crop. They are best harvested from the garden or greenhouse in late December or early January. Oca's cloverlike leaves and yellow, trumpet-shaped flowers are edible and make great additions to salads.
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Your Best Heating &Cooling Options.
The article discusses the things to consider when choosing the right heating and cooling systems for a green home or renovation. Extremely low energy consumption should be a top priority for any green home. In choosing a heating system, the first decision to make is the type of distribution system the owner wants. To reduce air conditioning needs, one strategy is to raise the comfort threshold. Ceiling-mounted paddle fans or portable room fans can provide airflow that evaporates moisture.
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Zesty Sorrel.
This article offers information on sorrel. Sorrel is a delightful potherb and one of the most special greens of nature, with a tangy taste sensation that can take the taste buds through all of the following, limes, lemons, spinach, rhubarb, cabbage and amaranth. Sorrel was one of those foods that helped ward off scurvy, the result of the vitamin C deficiency that was once the scourge of the American winter diet.
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