The first step towards Freedom
Many of you may be familiar with the well-known Chinese proverb that says, "A journey of a thousand miles begins with one step." As I went to quickly research whom to credit with this quote (it was Lao-tzu, by the way), I discovered an interesting note on the famous saying. One scholar argues that this quote is actually a mistranslation--that the correct English version should say something like "the journey of a thousand miles begins beneath one's feet" or "even the longest journey must begin where you stand." Whichever translation you prefer, this saying resonates with me whenever I think about off-the-grid living. When you look at someone who has managed to go off the grid or very close to it, it can be hard to imagine how you can do the same. It can be intimidating to think of all the things you would need to do to accomplish that level of self-sufficiency, so instead of charging forward, it is easy to want to retreat. However, if you look at most cases of people who have gone off the grid, it wasn't done in one giant leap, but rather in small steps. They started with what was beneath their feet and went from there. You can do the same. When your water heater goes out, look into replacing it with a solar-powered one. When you decide your yard needs a new look, consider planting fruit bushes and herbs as ground cover. These simple tasks, right where you are, will put you on the path to becoming more self-sufficient. Our articles this week may give you some ideas for those kinds of changes. This week's lead article reminds us why it is important that we know where our food comes from and how it is grown. We also have articles that feature fruits and herbs you may want to consider for your home garden, with numerous health benefits including fighting depression. Finally, we're also including two articles that highlight items you should have in emergency situations. With several weeks left in hurricane season, this might be something you want to take a look at! We'd also like to extend an invitation to grand opening celebration Solutions from Science is having on Saturday, September 24, beginning at 9 a.m. at its new 12,000 square foot facility located at 2200 Illinois Route 84 (formerly the McGinnis Market), in Thomson, Illinois. The grand opening will be a fun-filled, family friendly event chock-full with kid's activities. It will be anchored by a blue grass band and will feature a petting zoo, camel ride, dunk tank, tractor ride, an amazing pumpkin patch, balloon artist, magician, face painting, seed-saving workshops, and much, much more. Area food vendors will be present. Refreshments and several door prizes will be furnished, including a grand prize of a solar generator valued at $1797. If you're in the Thomson, Illinois area next Saturday, we invite you to join us. We love meeting our Off the Grid readers and Solutions From Science customers! Once again, thanks for being a part of the Off the Grid News family! Remember to friend us on Facebook and follow us on Twitter! And invite your friends and family to do the same as well! The Editor |