Earth Haven Farm

Living a Sustainable Lifestyle

The decision to go off the grid started in 2006 when we moved to the farm and had to look at replacing the existing furnace and started looking at alternative sources of heating.  The real decision to go off grid was pretty much made for us when our electrical bill doubled in 2008 and then doubled again when the new "smart meters" were installed. Thus, to say, the decision to go off grid has been driven by economics.

For us, living off grid means:

  • Utilizing solar and wind power with a back-up diesel generator
  • Heating with wood (outdoor wood stove) with propane furnace as a back-up
  • Use cold water instead of hot water whenever possible
  • Cooking on a propane stove specifically designed for off-grid living
  • Cooking on an outdoor propane BBQ
  • Maintaining our old fashioned wood burning cook stove for emergencies

The decision to go off grid has also entailed a complete lifestyle change. What we give up, we only hope to gain in the smaller footprint that we leave behind in this world.  Here are some of the lifestyle changes that have been made:

  • We use an outdoor and indoor clothes line to dry our cloths
  • We use low energy light bulbs throughout all buildings on the farm
  • We do not flush the toilet after every use
  • We have a seasonal outdoor composting toilet
  • We do not use an automatic dishwasher
  • We refrain from using electrical kitchen appliances
  • We are mindful of bathing and showering habits
  • We burn candles and avoid leaving unnecessary lights on
  • We utilize and collect hand tools as opposed to power tools whenever possible
  • We minimize our use of electrical appliances, tools, toys and luxury items
  • TV's, computers, printers, etc. are plugged into power-bars which are turned off when not in use

Living off-grid was a great and wonderful experienced that trained us to live much more simply and sustainable.  Unfortunately, in 2017 our backup battery bank became obsolete and died on us.  Our current income will not allow us to purchase new batteries.  We are therefore back on the grid, however, we still use all possible means to live frugally, and with as small a footprint as possible.

In 2018 we added a line of products to help promote consumers to getting off plastic. 

Sustainable Living & Off-Grid Projects

The following are projects that we have undertaken here on Earth Haven Farm to either live off-grid or to create a more sustainable lifestyle.

Greenhouse

Greenhouse

Greenhouse Construction. Concrete block foundations walls are being constructed. Walls will be parched and sealed. Dirt will be filled back in on all sides for support
Greenhouse
Greenhouse

Greenhouse

Greenhouse Construction. The hole is being dug for the inground foundation walls.
Greenhouse
Water to Barn

Water to Barn

Water Lines to Barn. A trench from the dug well to the barn is made. Water lines are connected and laid to provide fresh water to the cattle year round.
Water to Barn
Dug Well

Dug Well

We have a wonderful dug well that provides ample water throughout the year, even in drought conditions. We replaced the old well head with a submersible pump. Water from this well supplies house, barn, greenhouse and irrigation in the gardens areas.
Dug Well
Outdoor Furnace

Outdoor Furnace

Our outdoor wood burning furnace provides heat to the house and greenhouse during the winter months.
Outdoor Furnace
Wood Furnace

Wood Furnace

Indoor Piping for Wood Furnace. Aric is installed the hot water system that will provide heat throughout the house. The unit that he is working on fits into the existing forced air furnace system.
Wood Furnace
Wood Furnace

Wood Furnace

Outdoor Furnace Lines to House. The outdoor furnace works on pumping hot water into a circulating pump located inside the house and another one in the greenhouse.
Wood Furnace
Wood Furnace

Wood Furnace

Portage & Maine Wood Burning Furmace. We purchased the mid-size unit so that it would heat both the house and the greenhouse. This furnace is made from the same grade steel as the old steam engines and is rated to be closer to the house than other outdoor furnaces.
Wood Furnace
Wood Stove

Wood Stove

Old Fashioned Wood Cook Stove. This wonderful unit came with the house and has been a blessing on many occasions. It has also been the inspiration for baking bread and alternative methods of cooking.
Wood Stove