And then reality set in. Namely, finances. While we’d have loved to do all of the above, after updating the home to modern standards, not a whole lot was left in the ol’ bank to afford our off grid dreaming. So, what did we actually do?

• Yes, we installed a very efficient heat pump. But no, it was not a geothermal one, as we were quoted approximately $7,500 more than we could afford.
• Yes, we replaced our hot water heater with one substantially more efficient than what was already in place. But no, it wasn’t a solar unit.
• No, we didn’t put up a wind turbine, even though our location makes it a feasible energy source. Unfortunately, the installation cost versus our local energy costs shows that this project just didn’t make much economic sense right now.
• And the sun tunnels? Well, lets just say they weren’t the highest priorities on the list to start with, and you saw how the list has went so far…

So as you can see, we fell a little short of the dream. The intent was there. Even the feasibility of our plans was there. The money, alas, was not. But, that doesn’t mean I’m abandoning the idea. It just means I’ve got to be a little more involved to finance it.

Another of my obsessions is money, investing, debt reduction, yadda, yadda, yadda. So I thought, if we’re investing so we don’t starve in retirement, why shouldn’t we do a bit of investing to be able to afford to go off grid. Equally laudable goal I believe, and a little complimentary to boot — after all, if our energy footprint isn’t so expensive, retirement suddenly becomes cheaper as well. So that’s what we’re going to do.

But what to invest in, that’s the big question. I’m thinking that picking up shares of, say, Exxon just wouldn’t feel quite right. So even though I have an idea or ten, I’m going to do a little research and see if I can come up with a few more appropriate avenues. If you have any suggestions, I’d love to hear ‘em!

At midday On Sunday July 1st 2007

we are asking everyone concerned about the effects of climate change to simply turn everything off for an hour. That is one hour with no cars, mobile phones, televisions, household appliances or any other non-vital equipment. We would also like as many businesses as possible to join in and publicly show their commitment to tackling climate change. Effectively, we want to unplug the world for an hour or at least your little bit of it.

One Hour No Power is not just another event about raising our awareness of global warming; after all, the media has been pretty good at scaring us all silly on that one. One Hour No Power is an event to raise awareness of our collective ability to tackle climate change through our everyday lives.

This is a people powered event for all, old and young, multi race, multi faith, as well as for those of no faith. It is an opportunity for us to come together and publicise an event ourselves, help to shape it, swap green ideas and talk to each other instead of being talked to.

It is up to you how you spend the hour. You could hold a sponsored event for your favourite environmental group, take to the roads on your bike, hug a tree (while stocks last), write your personal green action plan for the coming year or even hold a John and Yoko style love-in.

Visit www.onehournopower.com for more information about how you can join in.

Please help to promote One Hour No Power by circulating this email to friends and family.

Thank You!

For some reason, I don’t think it’s me or my family…

Oh, sure, locally raised beef / pork / chicken is everywhere (especially the first two). But there’s only so much meat you can eat before you, well, die. Try to find any local vegetables outside of onions, tomatoes, or sweet corn (bleh), and the pickings are slim indeed. Even hitting the local farmers market doesn’t yield much more: red and white onions, maybe a couple varieties of tomatoes, soon enough all the god awful sweet corn you can stand; if I’m lucky, some carrots or cucumbers of maybe even a green pepper or two might make an appearance. Heck, if I’d stumble on some asparagus or broccoli or salad greens or even garlic, I’d wonder if I was in the right place. No doubt my experience is tied to the quality of my particular farmers market (because I’ve been to many that are excellent; just not our local one ), so all you farmers market proponents out there can relax!

I’d love to get a local CSA subscription. But the closest ones I’ve been able to find leaves us quite a distance outside their delivery range. And far enough away that driving to pick up weekly deliveries makes no economic sense.

I’m personally looking forward to setting up our own garden - I’ve got too many ideas for what I’d like to attempt - once we settle a bit more at our new home. But considering that it’s almost June already(!), I’m not sure there is time this year to plant all that much. But future years will certainly see quite a bit of very local produce!

So I am a little bummed that I can’t pull something off like Rebecca Blood with her Eating Organic on a Food Stamp Budget series - Nebraska just ain’t California, I’m afraid. Our little family of three will just have to continue to spend a fairly ridiculous amount to eat. We go out of our way to avoid as much overprocessed food as possible, and unless I’m missing out on some cost savings that haven’t occurred to me, eating healthy is expensive.

Nevertheless, in the spirit of the week, I am going to be bringing a few extra veggies to any get-togethers I hit this weekend.

And I don’t just mean ketchup…

I’m probably one of the very few, but whenever I see the gas prices go up dramatically like they have been lately, a part of me feels more than a little hope. Not that us gluttonous drivers will finally get a clue, because, apparently we just don’t get it. But that greener alternatives might finally see some serious investments as the higher costs associated with their development get a little cheaper, compared to the cost of more mainstream energy sources.

There’s no telling where the next game-changing energy resource will come from. But motivating tens of thousands of scientists and engineers to look for it increases the odds of finding the path to a happier, maybe even cleaner, planet.

As an aside, and since we’re kinda sorta talking about community sites, I created a BUMPzee group called Green Living earlier today. As far as I’m concerned, the more exposure green living sites get, the better. So if you happen to run one (or even just read one), it’d be great if you sign it on up.

Earth Day is a name used by two different observances held annually in the (northern) spring, both intended to inspire awareness of and appreciation for the Earth’s environment.

Who isn’t aware of the environment at this point, beyond those that make it a point to keep their head planted firmly in the sand? As an awareness tool, I’d say it’s job has been thoroughly done.

Then again, in my opinion, Home Depot has become the Walmart of home improvement stores - lots of cheap, shoddy goods and customer service that is borderline invisible. The last few times I stopped in, I left without finding everything I needed to complete my list (and twice with nothing from my list), nor could find anyone who was all that interested in helping me do so.

Nevertheless, a free n:vision bulb (the first brand of CFLs tried that put out light I actually liked) might convince me to stop in if I was going by…

But, of course, any attempts to do something similar is bound to get met with ridicule here in the states. Because, you know, taking away the freedom to chose what kind of bulb to use in your light sockets is tantamount to pissing on the Constitution. Or some such nonsense.