We are in the process of adding edibles to our landscape.  In addition to the existing apple trees, we have very young pears, blueberries, grapes, chestnuts, mint, honey berries, with plans to add fenced gardens and a pick your own blueberry area.  Our goal, ultimately, is to develop a food forest farm. 

We currently use gravity-fed water for our washing and cooking needs. We are working toward utilizing a Berkey water filter, a propane hot water heater, and adding a well.  We also pull water from the stream frequently to wash and play.

At the moment, with safety in mind, we use battery operated lights and firelight.  We are working toward adding solar power.  We use a battery operated vacuum on the floors. The simple act of sleeping when the sun sets and waking when it rises adds peace and diminishes reliance on the grid.

We have a compostable toilet system which separates liquids from solids.  We use composting collection bags, and recycled trash bags.  We use cloth napkins and dishcloths, make our own curtains, and compost on-site.