I've had over one hundred visitors in the last year and four months--family members, friends, workers, neighbors, strangers, curious passersby.... I decided it would be beneficial to discover what they thought of my project. I sent out an e-mail (copied below) and several Facebook posts two days ago (5/29), and these are the responses I've received thus far.
Hi all,
Hank Brakeley:
"Pay it Forward Farm is a stunning example of how, with a small amount of up front financing (and some good sweat), a family can drastically alter their landscape and diminish resource use, to at once become a more self sufficient household, working directly for their own needs, and become entirely free of harmful energy inputs. Soph, very cognitively, I believe, chose an itinerary that encompasses nearly all of the goals of matter and energy independence, while maintaining a level of luxury that proves to all that "going green" doesn't necessarily mean living in a tent and cooking over a fire. Yes, the project deals with and cares for Sophie's immediate needs, but has also been highly effective on a community level by reaching out to many different demographics and therefore inspiring in uninspired places."
Scott Drumney:
Overall:
At the beginning when I met you and learned what you were doing, I have to admit I was skeptical that you would be able to accomplish half what you have done to date. I am truly impressed with your drive, intelligence, fearlessness, and talent on many fronts. Most of your decisions have been quite unconventional and most homeowners would not like them, but by trying them, you are showing courage. Assuming they all work out, you will be out in front as a demonstration site.
Utilities:
I will be interested in seeing your electricity use over a year to really see how your solar panels and heat pump work. The photos I saw of the attic insulation looked thin-spray foam is definitely the way to go. I hope it stays warm in the Winter. I am also interested in how your gray water system comes out. Do you have a plan on how to get state septic permit for it?
Interior:
I think your paper bag floor is a really innovative solution to a troublesome problem. I have a concern that thermal expansion of the floor during the Summer may crack it-hopefully not. You really lucked out on several dump trips with the wainscoting and other finds. When I was there last, the counter looked pretty crooked, I assume installation wasn't finished yet. I agree with and understand your high priority goals of reusing and repurposing as much as possible. I believe there is a limit to how far you should take that, and I wonder if you have crossed that line with some of the cabinets in the kitchen. I look forward to seeing it finished.
Exterior:
In a word: Awesome. You have created a variety of plant beds and microclimates using many different techniques and planted a tremendous number and variety of plants. Watching it grow will be fascinating going forward. The siding still needs paint or some weather proofing.
Conclusion:
I don't know what your long term plans are. What would interest me would be some data indicating energy uses, costs of the renovation, as well as waste taken off site; approximate hours labor, cost and yield from the gardens. Many perennials will take several years to produce, so this part will need to be done over several years to get the best answer.
Eric Viandier:
This project has just been sheer slavery for me, but I love it. A museum of green creativity and experimentation. And it is quite charming I might add. Check out the shower and the painted walls. Totally bingo.
Responses
Stacey Platte-Viandier:
Who’s learned more during the Pay It Forward Farm process? Sophie? Her parents? Her community? Her FB followers and friends?
It’s such a hard question to answer.
What I know is this: when Sophie left Smith and entered Yestermorrow and then enrolled at Gaia, she engaged in a life-changing process. All who’ve watched her project have had their lives changed by this project. The community is watching her save a rundown--yet well-built—antique and create a food forest. She’s inspired all who know her and see the progress at her place. She’s proven that she is fearless, smart and energetic, a people-person. She’s proven
she is appreciative and knows how to engage help.
Those who follow her posts are now familiar with or truly understand
permaculture, up-cycling and resilience.
Sophie’s project is grounded in idealism, yes she’s learned to listen to the importance and reality of the triple bottom line and the balance between form and function and tries to make the best decisions in light of all those sometimes conflicting aspects of the project.
Criticism? Nope. Just admiration, pride and “you go, girl.”
Tina Cotton:
I've only seen the house and yard close up and in detail once when Sophie hosted the Andover Energy Group there at a workshop. I and other attendees were impressed by the ambitious scope of Sophie's projects. The house is a small cape that was built maybe in the 1930s with few updates since then. By today's standards, most people would buy it, tear it down, and start over with new construction.
However, Sophie is young, single, of limited income, still in school, and hard working. This property became her laboratory. To live independently and comfortably, a person needs shelter and food. The shelter was completely gutted and all mechanical and electrical systems were replaced. She weighed many variables for insulation (type, R-values, application methods, price). All windows were replaced and curtains will be insulated. Solar panels were installed on the south-facing roof for electricity and heat. Supplemental heat is provided by a wood stove. Energy-efficient appliances and water heater were installed. Outside, a new septic system spurred the development of irrigation ponds to hold grey water for watering an edible landscape. Road noise and privacy are provided by a ridge topped with a blueberry hedge and decorative rock cairns. Vegetables, herbs, and fruit trees are strategically placed around the property. Recycling, affordability, efficiency, and sustainability were themes used everywhere. Few people would tackle much of the work inside and out on so many fronts concurrently. Route 11 is a busy highway, but most people gaze out at the serene pastures and cows on the adjacent properties and take interest in the activity going on at Sophie's place.
Sophie detailed her decision making and encouraged discussions, which were very enlightening and interesting. Everyone at the workshop learned something, many offered suggestions from their experiences, most left with new ideas for their own home projects. We had the benefit of learning newer technologies and expenses encountered by an intelligent student offset by practical experiences of participants owning both older and newer homes.
Tina Cotton
Owner of a home more than 200 years old.
William Green, 8yr old:
"I'm not sure the clay paint is going to work. I've never seen it before, but it's really cool. I never knew that poop could turn into compost. I learned that because of your house. I really liked the idea of the glass bottles to make herb beds because it's really inspiring for recycling."
Curt Platte:
Soph,
The only hint I have on your house is use masking tape in the living room to delineate the break between wall and ceiling. Love your energy. Best of luck in fulfilling your dream.
Love,
Grandpa
Pecco Beaufays:
I admire your house, the way it sits right there in the turn promoting renewable energy. I love it, Pecco
Alejandra Young:
I have visited Sophie's Pay it Forward Farm and she is doing a terrific job trying to create a natural corridor and utilizing many things that others would discard. Sophie is an inspiring woman. She has opened up her home to high school students and has shown them what she hopes to do with her property and also how to utilize many discarded items to reuse them! She is completely off the grid and I am jealous! Great job, Sophie!
Steve and Gisela Darling
Deborah Brower:
Sophie's project is daunting on every level, the site, the house, the standards she holds. I know from experience the multitude of levels that you have to work on with a house, add to that the land and all of it in some ways even more complex because of Sohie's permaculture, everything is connected and everything matters point of view...which is true and it does. I believe that Sophie finds some of her strength from the very process that makes it complex and daunting, she connects to everything and everybody, so many people have laid their hands to this project in one way or another and Sophie is flexible and wise enough to make use of all of that diversity and hold the vision for a place where everything and everybody has value, it is palpable when you go there.
Jonah Ruh:
Hey Sophie, My favorite thing you’ve done there so far has got to be the grain bag set into the floor. Love that!
Jo