Becoming an Ecopreneur

June 24, 2013

NOTE: Images in this archived article have been removed.

Image RemovedLet’s meet Lisa Kivirist.

There were so many useful angles to this interview. For one thing, we learn about transition out of the city. But what will you do there to survive and pay the bills? Lisa and her husband John Ivanko managed a balance of food production, local business, and book writing – successful for the past 17 years.

They’ve developed and then written about "ecopreneurship" – developing an income from what you love to do – and what is good for the Earth. Oh and by the way, Lisa and John run a "carbon negative business". They soak up more carbon than they emit. Isn’t that the only way to a future?

Their latest book is "Rural Renaissance: Renewing the Quest for the Good Life". If you want to learn from this dynamic couple personally, book into their top-rated green bed and breakfast outside Monroe, Wisconsin. Find their web site here.

Just one of the many tips that impressed me: setting a time after the Christmas feasting to really eat up all those supplies you bought in bulk, or stored away from the previous season. A time of buying no food.  Instead, you work up good recipes from what you have, cleaning out the freezer and pantry in the process, ready for the next growing time.

Linda is an experienced and engaging speaker, and we had some laughs along the way. Enjoy this one!

Alex Smith

Host of syndicated weekly Radio Ecoshock Show - the cutting edge with top scientists, authors and activists. Eighth year on the air as of 2014. Previously a researcher for global environment group, print journalist, homesteader, world-traveler, and private investigator.

Tags: farming, food production, women farmers