ByExample.com

We've erected a passive solar greenhouse on our property. It's the first major structure on our land and there is still a lot to be done before it's finished.

• Posted by mel
• Published: 2008-03-27

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We've had over a foot of snow this week! Not your typical weather for the high desert of Arizona.

• Posted by mel
• Published: 2008-02-06

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We've begun the first major construction project on our homestead property -- a passive solar greenhouse!

• Posted by mel
• Published: 2008-01-30

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We've drafted another passive solar house plan! After designing each of the house plans we've published so far, we have found reason to explore alternative options.

• Posted by mel
• Published: 2007-11-29

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Topics include: alternative energy, sustainability, global warming, solar cars, air pollution, house plans, passive solar house plans, green building, wind power, DIY solar, solar cookers, solar projects, small house plans, adobe house plans, geodesic domes and more to come.

• Posted by mel
• Published: 2007-10-25

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We purchased 2 acres of land last January and we are so pleased to have moved onto it this September.

• Posted by mel
• Published: 2007-09-20

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As we begin construction on our property our electricity needs have increased. Our recent solar power system upgrades will sustain our power needs during the early phases of building.

• Posted by mel
• Published: 2007-08-20

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So far, our organic gardening project has been really rewarding and we have lots of colorful garden photos to show our progress!

• Posted by mel
• Published: 2007-07-31

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During the spring and summer of this year we've had several visitors to our homestead and have enjoyed working on a number of fun projects. While our main focus is on building a structure to live in, we really appreciate the many opportunities we've had to relax with friends and family.

• Posted by mel
• Published: 2007-07-15

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We are now actively working to grow our own organic food and fresh vegetables. This season we've gotten a lot accomplished when it comes to organic gardening and we've also been able to implement our passive solar greenhouse plans.

• Posted by mel
• Published: 2007-06-03

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Though Concho, Arizona is small and rural, our community has a fabulous farmer's market. Local support for organic farming makes it possible for us to get fresh organic food - even way out here in the desert. Aside from organic, farm-fresh produce, the Concho area also boasts a number of medicinal plants and edible herbs that I have become familiar with through a community herb walk.

• Posted by mel
• Published: 2007-05-29

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The second version of our passive solar house plans for our off grid home includes four building phases. The first phase is small and simple which will allow us to get started building right away.

• Posted by mel
• Published: 2007-04-05

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The ByExample Store is now open! We are promoting a variety of products including creative t-shirts, progressive bumper stickers and how-to books. Alternative energy enthusiasts are sure to be intrigued.

• Posted by mel
• Published: 2007-03-23

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Digging for our septic system began yesterday! Though many of our friends here in Apache County have sworn that putting one's own septic system in is fairly simple, we decided to hire a local contractor anyway.

• Posted by mel
• Published: 2007-03-05

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Our experiments with alternative energy and alternative fuels continue! Harnessing solar energy definitely makes sense, as does the integration of clean burning fuels into our homestead power supply.

• Posted by mel
• Published: 2007-02-11

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