5 Essential Green Living Skills Our Grandparents Knew

planetgreen.discovery.com:

Our grandparent's generation didn't use the word green to describe their lifestyle, but many of the things they knew how to do are now considered to be green living skills. Using those old-time green skills can not only save you money, but can also help to preserve our planet's precious resources.

Read the whole story: planetgreen.discovery.com

Comments

[BlackYowe]

I do all these things and so much more.

[equianimi]

They mention canning but really before people did the cook then vinegar method what they did was lactic acid fermentation and it's much better. It's more economical and gives your food probiotic content and increased enzyme content. I suggest people that want to learn food preservation study lactic acid fermentation. Learn how to make sauerkraut first, then things like kefir, sourdough, and then once you get the hang of it you'll see how to preserve about anything this way.

[ResidualSelfImage]

Drying beef and turkey with sea salt and natural preservatives saves space.
Someone mentioned using a microwave to heat things.
This is very bad. Never use microwaves.

[hippie4ever]

If you leave a few fruits in the garden, you'll get "volunteers" in the spring & this has allowed me not to purchase tomatoes, garlic, onions from seed companies every year. (I live where it rarely freezes during winter.) On the other hand, beware squash: they're promiscuous & their seeds won't produce the variety your expecting. That zucchini's progeny may end up crossed with a winter squash; the result is an overgrown, watery fruit without good flavour. They ended up in the compost pile.

[aliceautumn]

My grandparents and great grandparents used pesitcides and fertilizers on thier gardens, everyone did. Usually Sevin dust. They were more concerned with maximizing yeild than organics back then. Most people grew a lot of their own food since there were few stores, especially in the countryside. Everyone I know here in the South cans at least their tomatoes if they have a garden. Many more make jams and jellies. When I look otu my back window I see a garden in every other yard. Check out some books on gardening techniques form the 20's and 30's for more information on chemicals commanly used on gardens.

[MightyMeno]

My husband's father must have been ahead of his time; he gardened organically, and this was back in the 1930s-50s. Being a good boy, my hubby ate all of his organic veggies (which his parents canned for the winter) and, as a result, is in perfect health at age 72.

[mommamia526]

To Jennifer Grayson. You do what a number of parents must do who have children with dietary restrictions. You instruct them well, and you ask adults to keep an eye on them. This is especially necessary with allergies. You do not have to send your kids off with carrot sticks. Carrot cake is fine too, homemade rolls and muffins, cookies with raisins, oats and nuts. Ever buy salsa in the store? This comes often in a nice wide and low pot. You can put homemade soup in it, or dal, and kids can easily heat it in the microwave, pot and all, then eat out of it. But it is even better for adults. Portion control and lower cost, bring a fruit and/or salad. There are neat little boxes to bring lunches and snacks in. Other kids are curious. If your kid brings something good, others will want to taste it, and their parents want the recipe. Veggie fried rice, with a colorful topping (green or fried onions, sambal, salsa?), celery and cucumber sticks, maybe egg or smoked turkey as topping look good and taste good. Whip the egg with water and roll it while still in the pan like a very thin pancake, then shred it. or slice in ultra thin strips.

[sumanne]

There is much more to this - knitting, making your own soap, keeping small lifestock like chickens and goats, sheep...
I recommend "New Complete Book of Self-Sufficiency: The Classic Guide for Realists and Dreamers " by John Seymour

[RTIII]

I don't appreciate these little "click here" ads - which is all this is. If I wanted to go to that other site, I would have. How about giving me something here to consider?
.

[mommamia526]

Something here for you to consider: localharvest.org - check it out - to find local outdoor markets and often home delivery of veggies, and much more. Example a large bag of lavender which you can easily make into little sachets to include in your year-end gifts. A little cross stitch embroidery makes it very personal. Darning socks seems idiotic, however, a pair of really good socks is expensive. We do not go out with darned socks any longer, but inside, they keep your feet nicely toasty. O.k. you are in an ugly mood today, and will not pick up a needle and thread with a darning ball - are you sure? Some of those are cute enough to start a collection! Like English muffins? Here I pay $ 2.99 (without tax) for a package of six, and they are old. Four and a half cups of flour, some starter (made only out of flour and water), and an egg makes me 24 English muffins, or 4 packages. Fresh tastes better too. You make them in a very low skillet, without added grease! In two skillets, about 10 at a time. They take 25 minutes. You have to flip them regularly. If you have grandkids I can tell you they will love you forever, if you make them fresh bread when they come out of school and let them help you. You can add herbs, spices, whatever, to the bread.

[brooklyncitizen]

great post.

[sabelmouse]

lovely idea, the fresh bread and everything else.