One of my dreams and goals for the future that I would like to achieve withing the next five years is as follows.
I have discussed this at length with my Wife and we agree on most points here of the goals.
1. Move away from the suburbs, urban sprawl, home owners associations, heavily populated areas, etc..
2. Purchase a small working farm / hobby farm on several acres of workable land.
3. Build and install my own energy generating methods by what ever means is available
The list here is not all inclusive, solar panels, wind turbine,geo-thermal solutions, passive solar,
grid tied system, battery backed system, emergency generator, solar hot water heater, high R value
Insulation, high R value double pane windows,utilize the latest technology in photovoltaics.
Hydro-electric power from a creek or river on my property.
The list could go on here in this area of alternative energy sources, and I will add to it here as
Technologies change.
4. Become less dependent on grocery stores and restaurants for my Family’s food supply.
5. Participate in a growers co-op, and community gardening.
6. Have our own water well.
7. Live a simpler life
8. Seek out a more organic diet for me and my Family.
9. Find a more spiritual side of my life.
10. This should have been step 1 – Secure the financial means to achieve steps 1-9. 
These are not such lofty goals considering the government is offering tax breaks and incentives to individuals that install and use alternative energy sources, as well as the tax breaks that you get if you operate a farm.
I ordered a very thick book a few months ago called the solar energy source book. The company that publishes the book has been around since the mid-1970′s. It is packed with alternative energy ideas, and the actual sources where you can get everything you need for living a more self-sustaining lifestyle.
These people where probably called hippies then, but are considered innovators now.
I highly recommend it for anyone interested in this sort of stuff.
A wish list
Posted under General interests, Hobbies, favorite books, goals and dreams, home, projects
This post was written by Andrew on March 30, 2009
