Ode to my broadfork
By Kara Stiff, Low-Carbon Life
This baby will lift the impossible concretions of Carolina red clay, even if it’s pretty dry. It’ll bring water and air to roots and worms so long entombed they’re shocked by the concept of oxygen.
A Midwinter Day in a Low Power House
By Kara Stiff, Low-Carbon Life
We live in a low-power house, which uses on average 5 kWh/day, about 15% what our neighbors use. And honestly, I find it more comfortable than any house I’ve lived in, and not that much less convenient.
Five Surprising Benefits of Shopping Less Often
By Kara Stiff, Low-Carbon Life
Nearly a year ago when cases of Covid-19 started rising in my area, one of the first things I did was alter my shopping routine.
Homemade Lard Soap: an Antidote to Consumerism
By Kara Stiff, Low-Carbon Life
When did something as simple as soap get so complicated? How did we get suckered into thinking we needed 17 different substances just to clean stuff?
Cinder Block Rocket Stove
By Kara Stiff, Low-Carbon Life
Even though it hasn’t been a productive fall for writing, it’s been a very productive fall for resilience activities. I’m excited to tell you about them, starting with the fun experiment of the cinder block rocket stove.
This is the Year to Save Seed! Here’s How
By Kara Stiff, Low-Carbon Life
If ever there was a year to learn to save seed, I think this is it. So many people planted coronavirus gardens this spring that many seed sources ran out.
Ten Ways I Use My Solar Oven
By Kara Stiff, Low-Carbon Life
With all these different uses, my sun oven is full all day, nearly every sunny day. It’s a big part of how we reduced our electricity use by 85%.
Eating Seasonally in Early Summer
By Kara Stiff, Low-Carbon Life
I first started eating seasonally so I could save money by growing my own food, support my local economy and have the freshest and most flavorful stuff. But that’s not why I keep doing it. The truth is I just personally find it more interesting than eating off the shelf.