Posts by John Poole
Earth Day 2012: Mobilizing for Water Conservation with @BirminghamPoint
5April 21, 2012
by John Poole
in In the 'Hood
Water deserves our respect, and our best efforts when it comes to its conservation and efficient use. So, in continuing the spirit of last year's Earth Day article, here are three acts of water conservation that many readers likewise can readily accomplish. [...]
Squirrelly Goings On, At Building Moxie And Beyond
12August 19, 2011
by John Poole
in etc
So exactly how did I incur this "Squirrel King" reputation? This status amongst my peers that would warrant such an effusion of responses to two silly old photos? Surely, at least some of the more recent newcomers to our community must be curious, and it is largely to them that I owe an explanation.
Earth Day 2011: Three Simple Acts That Can Make A Difference
15April 22, 2011
by John Poole
in In the 'Hood
Today (April 22nd) is Earth Day 2011, and the theme of this year's Earth Day is A Billion Acts of Green. The basic idea is that if at least a billion of us each pledged to perform some relatively simple "act of green", we'd be that much closer to a greener, more sustainable world. Here are examples of three simple, relatively low cost (lightweight, if you will), but very definite and effective, acts of green that could help make a big difference if performed in large numbers. All are tasks I've already accomplished myself, and have reported in detail elsewhere. So, with all that in mind, here goes... [ . . . ]
Hey Rocky, Watch Me Pull A Squirrel Outta My Attic (Again?!)
15November 3, 2010
by John Poole
in homeownership
This here's a story about Billy Joe and Bobbie Sue, two young squirrels with nothin' better to do -- except unleash their squirrelly wrath on me, that is, for the better part of a week, two winters ago...
Staying On-Grid, Part II: A Call to Arms to the Citizen-Farmer
6September 10, 2010
by John Poole
in In the 'Hood
Now, to start, here's a personal anecdote that largely initiated my thinking on these matters. I'm a relatively inexperienced gardener. I've only been doing it a few seasons, and while I've not yet met the degree of success I'd prefer, I've at least managed to see first hand how relatively simple, natural approaches to soil management can produce extraordinary results in compact spaces. Provided, of course, you're willing to invest the required sweat equity and forethought in the garden management process. [ . . . ]
Staying On-Grid, Part I: A Hybrid Approach to Sustainability
17August 11, 2010
Now, let's think about what it might mean to find a better way to remain on-grid. Like it or not, the grid is here to stay, and it doesn't matter how many homeowners spend hundreds of thousands of dollars purchasing land and building or renovating homes out in the country in pursuit of an off-grid way of life: There will never be enough true off-grid homes to significantly diminish overall societal dependence on the grid. So the big question is: Is there an alternative way to live on-grid that meets or perhaps even exceeds the goals for green-living, sustainability, and even survivability, that off-grid proponents claim for themselves? [ . . . ]
