Introduction
On this page I have documented the specific goals that I had for this output and in the area of Urban Homesteading. I will also share the project ideas within each of those goals. The next tab will be dedicated to the specific process I will take. Going into my capstone year I have really wanted to focus on my projects locally, regionally and nationally. I think it helps me put what I am doing into perspective and it also helps me disseminate my work. As I had started to make more of my own recipes in the kitchen it made me realize and question what else I was using ON my body? Shifting out of what I was putting into it and onto my body was a big edge shifter. It made me realize that some of my makeup being labeled as 'organic' and 'natural' still had so many ingredients! It really encouraged me to experiment and self-forage to find out do-it-yourself (DIY) products using minimal natural ingredients. It's time to take control over my body and me. These are the recipes I use and I wanted to share them.
Notes about Context
Who: This output is self-directed to improve my capacity as a world changer by actively engaging in making a smaller footprint.
What: Engaging in hands-on DIY projects that deal with arts/crafts, health and body products, food and beverages, as well as cleaning and laundry products.
Where: In central Wisconsin, Stevens Point at my home.
When: I will begin this journey at the beginning of January, 2015 and submit this output March 1, 2015 but continue to practice this lifestyle indefinitely.
Why: To lower my dependence on bigger companies and learn to live off the land that I have and use the tools that are in my house. To support my local community and my family by providing knowledge, tools and investment.
How: Compile a list of project ideas in specific categories to create a sustainable lifestyle and then try to complete the list.
Who did what for whom and for what purpose?
This output is for me, my family and friends, the Gaia community, and the general greater community.
I feel like for the most part I was my own leader for this output project. I was doing a lot of my own independent work and then reaching out to people when necessary. I feel comfortable and competent with my knowledge to share my recipes with others. I also felt like I was being supportive when I had made the decision to accept a guild buddy as well as Skype with other associates. This enabled me to listen and engage in peer communications. I don't really feel like there were team players throughout although I attempted to seek them at first. I ended up just needing support and feedback than an overall partner.
I have a bartering friend that I utilize here in Stevens Point. We trade a variety of things to support each other's goals of living sustainably and using local resources as well as to reuse materials. Rachel has also adapted to live a more DIY lifestyle and we definitely glean ideas from each other as well as experiment recipes together. Her partner works at a dairy farm so that is how I get eggs and occasionally cream. She has also given me activated charcoal tablets. In exchange, I have given her spices (as I order from Frontier Organics- which is a wholesale, with a couple of family members and friends), flour (my partner orders in bulk from his restaurant), and sprouted wheatgrass.
Goals
I have broken my goals into 4 specific categories and the projects that I want to complete within each of them. These projects all stem from a Do-it-yourself core where I aim to use natural, eco-friendly, and sustainable methods to create a variety of products I use at home, or in my daily life. While creating these products it is also my goal to reuse as many resources as possible while emitting little to zero waste. My motto that I have adapted: use it up, wear it out, make it do, do without, compost it and repurpose it. I went throughout my house with that motto and donated a bunch of stuff to the food pantry, goodwill and then repurposed other items. I will supply recipes and ingredients for the items that I have successfully created. If there isn't a recipe it means I have not gotten to the project goal yet.
Arts & Crafts:
Paint
Playdoh
2 cups all purpose flour
1/2 cup fine salt
1 tbs cream of tartar
1 cup water
1 tbs oil
*Color with turmeric, cocoa powder, spirulina or, beetroot powder* Amounts dependent on desired vibrancy.
DOG TOYS:
Old t-shirts cut up into strings and form into a yarn ball- I learned how to do this here
Finger knit and braid to turn into a good tug toy!
You can also use shoelaces, yarn, etc.
(Watch video on outcomes tab for step-by-step finger knitting instructions)
GROCERY BAGS
Old t-shirts
String and needle
Scissors
(Image instructions on outcomes)
NEWSPAPER GIFT BOWS:
Old magazine or newspaper
Scissors
Tape or staples
*See video on outcome tab on how to complete*
PAPER EARRINGS:
NECKLACE:
1 18" string or shoelace
a variety of beads, nuts/bolts, bike parts, plastic
yarn or embroidery thread
Make a pattern or find an inspirational piece and add your items to the string. Tie off in a knot and wear it around!
Food & Drinks:
PEANUT BUTTER:
1 cup of raw unshelled peanuts (preferably unsalted)
1 tbs agave nectar
3 tbs vegetable oil
1 tbs molasses
Add the peanuts to a food processor, and pulse about 10 times until finely chopped. Add in the agave, molasses, and 2-3 tbs vegetable oil. Now turn the food processor on and let it blend for about 3 minutes or until it becomes creamy.
CORNFLAKE CEREAL:
1 1/2 cups cornmeal
1 tbs granulated sugar
1/2 tsp salt
1 tsp vanilla or almond extract (or both!)
3/4 cups water
Preheat oven to 350 and line a baking sheet with wax paper and spray lightly, set aside. In a medium sized bowl whisk together 1 cup cornmeal, sugar, salt, and slowly pour in extract and water and stir until smooth. It should also be thin. If it is too dry add more water, it should be the consistency of pancake batter. Pour onto the prepped baking sheet and spread evenly about 1/3" thick. In another bowl add the 1/2 c remaining cornmeal and 1 tsp of water so it resembles bread crumbs. Sprinkle on top of the batter and bake on the center rack for 10-15 minutes. It should crack and dry, remove from the oven and lower the heat to 250 and let the pan cool. Using the end of a cooking utensil break up the dough into small flakes. Return to the rack and bake for an additional 45 minutes. *At this point you could insert shredded coconut, raisins, dried blueberries, or nuts*
COCONUT MILK:
1/2 cup organic unsweetened coconut flakes
4 Cups HOT water
2 tsp vanilla extract
Using a blender add the 1/2 cup of coconut flakes and 1 cup of water and blend for 1 minute. Strain through a cheese cloth into a mason jar, repeat this process with the same cup of coconut flakes with the remaining 3 cups of water. Add the extract in and let sit until room temperature before putting into the fridge. It will last about 4-5 days. You can use the shredded coconut flakes in cereal, granola or for granola bars. They just need to be baked!
MUSTARD:
2 tbs yellow mustard seeds
2 tbs brown mustard seeds
1/4 c apple cider vinegar
2 tbs water
1 tsp sea salt
Grind the mustard seeds, put into a mason jar and then add the remaining ingredients and stir together. Let sit at room temp covered 8-12 hours before storing in the fridge to develop flavor.
Granola:
SANDWICH BREAD:
2 1/4 tsp activated yeast
1 cup warm water
1 tsp salt
1 tbs sugar
4-5 cups all purpose flour
Proof your yeast first by adding the water, sugar, salt and yeast. After about 10 minutes it should be foamy and ready for the flour. Slowly mix in the flour and then start to form into a ball. Knead the bread for a good 5 minutes and put into a greased bowl and cover it. Allow the bread to rise for about one hour. After an hour your dough should be big and poofy, punch it down to let all the air out then knead your bread again for another 5 minutes. Separate the dough in half and form into loaves, placing them back into greased bread sheets. Allow to rise again for one hour uncovered, or until doubled in size. Pre-heat the oven to 350 degrees and bake for 35-40 minutes. *If you put a bowl of water in when you put the loaves in you will get a thicker crunchier crust*
GRANOLA BARS:
1 cup chopped, pitted medjool dates
1/4 cup almond butter
1/4 cup honey
1 1/2 tsp almond extract
2 tbs Agave
1 1/2 cups rolled oats
1/4 cup dried blueberries
1/4 cup slivered almonds
1/4 cup chocolate chips
1/4 cup pumpkin seeds
In a small sauce pan melt the honey, agave, almond extract, and almond butter. In a medium bowl add the oats, fruits, seeds, chocolate and nuts. Slowly stir in the melted almond butter and honey mixture into the dry oats mix. Once mixed evenly pour out onto a lined (wax paper or plastic wrap) baking sheet and press down evenly. Put into the fridge for about 20 minutes until cooled. Take out and cut into bars and store in the freezer!
BUTTER:
16 OZ heavy whipping cream
1 tsp salt
In a food processor add both ingredients and blend. You will hit the whip cream stage and then shortly after that it will be butter. You will see the buttermilk starting to separate. This is when you should turn it off. Pour out into a cheese cloth and strain. Make sure to keep the buttermilk because you can use this for ranch, biscuits, or pancakes. The cheesecloth will have the clump of butter and make sure that all the liquid is out. Place onto wax paper and form into a square stick and wrap. You can either store it in the freezer or the fridge.
Ranch
Frozen Pizzas
SALAD DRESSING:
1/4 cup olive oil
2 tbs balsamic vinegar
1/2 tsp salt
Cracked black pepper to taste
1/2 tsp horseradish
2 tbs honey
1/2 tsp ginger
1 tsp sesame oil
Put the ingredients into a mason jar and shake until it is blended. The oil and vinegar should no longer be separated.
SPAGHETTI SAUCE
15-20 tomatoes ripe and ready from the garden (mine was a mixture of heirloom, cherry, and roma tomatoes)
5-6 cloves of garlic minced
1 small onion minced
1-2 tbs crushed red pepper
2 tbs salt
1 tbs pepper
1 1/2 cups water
3 tbs olive oil
In a big pot add the water, oil and tomatoes. Let it simmer on low heat while covered until tomatoes become soft and ready to pop. (25-30mins) Once they have become soft, stir with a spoon forcing them to pop open. Add in garlic, onion, salt, and peppers at this time-cover. Continue to stir and keep covered for another hour. Keep on low heat, covered until done.
After the hour has gone by you can either serve it or store in the fridge for 2 weeks.
Cream Cheese
Health & Beauty Products:
COUGH DROPS:
1/2 cup water
1 cup sugar
1 tbs lemon juice (vitamin c)
1 tbs honey (cough supressant)
1/2 tsp ginger (maintain immune system, anti-inflammatory, nausea reducer, pain relieving, antiseptic and antioxidant)
1/4 tsp cloves (antiseptic, reduce phlegm, antioxidant)
1/4 tsp licorice (anti-viral, chest and throat soother)
1/4 tsp cinnamon (boost vitality, improve circulation, and clear congestion)
Dust with powdered sugar
COUGH SYRUP:
2 tbs Apple cider vinegar
4 tbs Coconut oil
1/4 cup Honey
1 Lemon, juiced
1 tsp Ginger
1 tsp Cinnamon
Melt the coconut oil and stir in the honey, apple cider vinegar, lemon juice and spices. Pour hot mixture into a mason jar and store it in the fridge (3 month shelf life) or on the counter for 1.5 months.
VAPORUB
1/3 cup coconut oil
1 gram melted beeswax
10 drops vitamin E oil
15 drops each of Eucalyptus essential oil and peppermint essential oil
Melt the coconut oil and drop in the rest of the oils, put into a small wide mouthed glass jar and seal. Allow to cool and it will harden. If it is too liquid you can add shea butter or beeswax.
MINTY TOOTHPASTE
15 drops of peppermint oil
3 capsules of activated charcoal
1/4 cup baking soda
4 tbs coconut oil
3 tbs water to thin
1 tsp salt
3 tbs mint flakes
MASCARA:
1/4 tsp bentonite clay
4-5 tsp aloe vera gel *depending on the consistency*
2 capsules of activated charcoal
1 1/4 tsp cocoa powder
2 tsp vitamin E oil
In a bowl mix the clay, cocoa, and charcoal. Once mixed add in the aloe vera and the vitamin E oil and stir. Pour into a mascara container.This will last for about 4 months.
BLUSH:
Either organic corn starch or arrowroot powder and beet root powder, mulberry powder is nice too. *to make it SPF 20 add 1/4 tsp non-nano zinc oxide*
1 tbs arrowroot or corn starch to 2 tbs beet root and mix in a small bowl and break up clumps. You can also use mulberry powder to add some other color hues. *See video on outcome page for cream blush*
FOUNDATION:
1 tsp Corn starch
1 tsp Ginger
> 1/4 tsp Cocoa powder
1/2 tsp Non-nano zinc oxide* (omit if you use sunscreen instead of lotion)
1/4 tsp Cinnamon
1 tbs Lotion, or sunscreen
Mix all together, more powder than sunscreen or lotion depending on the amount of coverage desired. I do not have exact measurements as it will just take adjusting to get the right shade for your skin tone. I am very fair skinned and I even add cocoa powder to mine!
BRONZER:
Very similar to the blush recipe
1 tbs arrowroot or corn starch
2 tsp cocoa powder
1 tsp cinnamon
1/2 tsp ginger
COCONUT MILK SHAMPOO/SHAVING CREAM:
1/4 cup coconut milk *homemade*
1/3 cup liquid castille soap (I used Dr.Bronners Lavender)
15 drops of essential oils (I used lime and lavender)
1/2 tsp vitamin E oil
*this can be turned into shaving cream if you add 1/4 cup water and put into a foaming dispenser!)
Put ingredients into an old shampoo bottle and shake. It lasts for about a month.
HOMEMADE LEG WAX:
1/4 cup honey
1 lemon, juiced
1/2 cup sugar
Cook on low/medium heat until melted and hot. Allow to cool but not completely! Cut up cotton t-shirt strips for waxing. Spread onto legs evenly while warm *you don't want to burn yourself so make sure you test before applying* and then lay a cotton strip and press down. Allow this to cool and then pull off in the opposite direction of hair growth.
Cleaning & Laundry Products:
COUNTER SPRAY:
1/2 cup white vinegar
1/4 cup apple cider vinegar
2 or 3 whole orange peel's
1 tsp lemon extract
Put all into a mason jar and let sit for a a few weeks in a dark area and then put into a a squirt bottle for use!
TOILET CLEANER PODS
1 cup baking soda
1/4 cup citric acid
1 tbs hydrogen peroxide
1/2 tsp vinegar
10 drops of lemongrass essential oil
10 drops of wintergreen essential oil
Add the baking soda to a bowl and break up clumps and add in the citric acid and stir. In a separate glass add the vinegar and hydrogen peroxide, slowly pour into the baking soda/citric acid. Now add the essential oils and mix gently. Using a 1/2 tsp scoop the mix and place on a sheet pan with parchment paper (keeping it's mold shape) allow to dry overnight and then store in a mason jar and keep on top of the toilet!
LAUNDRY DETERGENT:
1 cup of borax
1 cup of washing soda
1 bar of soap, shaved
Mix all together by hand or a blender and store in a glass jar.
STAIN REMOVER:
1 drop of dish soap
3 tbs baking soda
10 ounces hydrogen peroxide
(you can also cut the peroxide in half and do the other half with distilled white vinegar which I recommend if used on clothing or carpet)
Mix all together with a fork and put into a spray bottle, use within 20 minutes. It will remove stains from the carpet, clothing, or beds (even urine from dogs and kids)! Squirt it onto the stain and then allow to dry.
Here is a list of helpful and beneficial ingredients to have on hand to make up cleaning products:
• Baking Soda
• White Vinegar
• Hydrogen peroxide
• Borax
• Essential oils, like tea tree oil, lavender oil, eucalyptus oil, or lemongrass oil
• Castile soap (like Dr. Bronner's)
• Fresh herbs, citrus, or citrus peels
• Olive or vegetable oil
• Water
Interventions and their timing
My original plan for this project output that was projected in my capstone LIPD had been to document my efforts of vertical gardening. I felt like that was a smaller area of the bigger picture. I decided I wanted to encompass my efforts as a whole on the front of Urban Homesteading. It has become very present in my life that this is what I want to pursue and I know that it is happening elsewhere. I thought it would be great to add my knowledge to the commons. I am pleased with this intervention and turning point.
Permaculture Principles with an Urban twist
Observe and interact: What's around you? Who's around you? Be a good neighbor and get to know your property and community.
Catch and store energy: Make a solar oven using leftover supplies in your house (pizza box, shoe box, cardboard in general) Try to get crafty and make a solar panel out of old soda cans!
Obtain a yield: Grow your own food! If you don’t have space try: community gardens, vertical gardening, indoor aquaponics, look on craigslist people might have space or need help, or even use abandoned lots. If that’s not an option and you don’t have room to grow or you’re struggling for something source what you can’t grow! Check out the farmers markets; join a CSA, or local food co-op. Try starting a bulk-buying group to purchase supplies, lastly, you can always forage!
Apply self-regulation and accept feedback: Chat with people and receive feedback and adapt your ideas with their constructive criticism.
Use and value renewable resources and services: You can have a rain barrel to collect rainwater for water your plants, or a greywater system. Think about making your own biodiesel out of vegetable oils and animal fat.
Produce no waste: My motto that I have adapted: use it up, wear it out, make it do, do without, compost it and repurpose it
Design from patterns to details: In example, try making a food forest in your backyard. Put a rain garden near your mailbox to catch all that water run off.
Integrate rather than segregate: Find many uses for one product.
Use small and slow solutions: Just because someone has posted a recipe doesn't mean it's going to work for you and your vision. Make adaptations by creating attainable goals that you set. I.e. have no waste for 1 month. By breaking your goals into categories you can also help achieve goals within your vision with a visual that helps compartmentalize areas of focus.
Use and value diversity: As David Holmgren says, "Don't put all your eggs in one basket".
Use edges and value the marginal: Try your own experiments and be one of the few rather than one of the many.
Creatively use and respond to change: If a recipe doesn't work, tweak it and make it work for you. The patio might have a small surface area but you can use the vertical space. See things how you want them to be rather than how they are.