free books
UPDATE – THIS CONTEST IS NOW CLOSED – THE WINNERS WILL BE ANNOUNCED SHORTLY!
Inspired by the culture of gifting at The Crunchy Chicken blog, and the giving and gifting at the core of permaculture itself, we decided to give away some books that have taught and inspired us.
The catch? Not really any catch. You just need to go to each of the blog links and leave a comment. Profound and witty, life changing comments are appreciated, but not required. You can just say, “hi” or preferably, start a conversation about what you’re doing, or are pondering.
Each of us four eco-friends come from different backgrounds, live in different places, and have a different approach to our personal sustainability goals – all reflected in our content and communities. I like to think of it like companion planting, like the whole Carrots Love Tomatoes thing. Incidentally, that’s also a great book, and not part of the giveaway.
Back to the point of the contest. This is a chance to get to know us and make some connections, with the potential for free books. What Could be better?
The links are at the bottom of the blog after the book list. Good luck and thanks for stopping by.
1st book. Urban Homesteading, Heirloom Skills for Sustainable Living, Rachel Kaplan and Ruby Blume
This book is like an instant classic on permaculture and homesteading. I had heard about it from so many sources that I had to actually buy one when I was wandering around like a kid in a candy store inside the Sustainability Pavilion at maker Faire. Tons of practical tips and enough “change your way of thinking about life” discussion to qualify for my Farm-o-losophy book category. I don’t agree with every farmolosophy concept in every book, but I appreciate having my thinking challenged and understanding what is inspiring and driving others to make completely mind-bending radical overhauls to their way of living.
Urban Homesteading covers every practical aspect (and then some) of turning your home into an oasis of sustainability. From goats to gardening, mulch to mushrooms, saving seeds, and (eek) humanure. Filled with beautiful color photos, thought provoking ideas, and absolutely practical wisdom. Um, plus the authors are from California, and like, I am too, so we have that in common.
Google the title and read the reviews.
2nd book. Edible Estates, Fritz Haeg
The owner of Chez Panisse, Alice Waters, said, “Edible Estates describes wonderfully how a garden in front of every house can transform a neighborhood, sprouting seeds not just of zucchini and tomatoes but of biodiversity, sustainability, and community.”
This book documents 8 projects where people tore up their front lawns and planted awesome gardens. I have to tell you that it really makes me smile to see the pictures of the neighbors all working together, making a radical change, taking on a tradition that no longer makes sense, and getting proactive on something we can all agree on – FOOD! This is more of an idea-a-rama book than a reference tome, but it’s also got a lot of great information, planning advice, and how-to.
Something unique that happened to me with this book. People who would ordinarily not think very highly of converting their front yard to a garden said, “wow that’s kind of cool.” I think that’s a testimony to the power of being able to visualize someone else go first and see the potential positive outcome.
3rd book. Getting Started in Permaculture, Ross and Jenny Mars
This is a really practical little handbook of “over 50 DIY projects for house & garden using recycled materials.” Sheetmulch, shadehouse, how to make soap, and the ever popular using recycled tires for planters. In this method, you use them in groupings to make a sun-trap. I love recycled tire projects. Although I don’t have any here at HighlyUncivilized, they always remind me of the amazing Earth Ship houses built by garbage warrior Michael Reynolds.
If you’re really serious, there is even a short chapter on finding the slope of a hill so you can properly design your swale. It’s not all practical though. There is a chapter on converting your circular garden into a double-mandala planted garden. That’s just cool.
————- The other blogs! ———-
Here are the other blogs to leave comments on, and remember to leave your comments before midnight on Friday, July 22nd.
Eco-Expert Clare has loads of free hints and tips on small, easy changes to make for a lifestyle that is kinder to the environment. Lots of information, discussion and advice on all aspects of being green and eco-friendly. PLUS there’s a free gift when you sign up for the weekly newsletter!
Chemical-free urban beekeeper and farmer Mil at Urban Farm and Beehives.
Jess Lundie writes about sustainable conscious living at Openly Balanced, and helps people incorporate mindfulness and sustainable choices into their busy modern lives.
UPDATE – THIS CONTEST IS NOW CLOSED – THE WINNERS WILL BE ANNOUNCED SHORTLY!
