This book is written by an extended family member of ours. Available via either Amazon or Barnes and Noble, it would make a lovely gift during the holidays. Off On Our Own: Living Off-Grid in Comfortable Independence: One Couple's "Learn as We Go" Journey to Self-Reliance Book Description Publication Date: October 1, 2011 Ted and Kathy Carns live in the picturesque Laurel Highlands region of western Pennsylvania. They have most of the usual modern conveniences: fridge, freezer, washer, computer, cell phone, hot tub, vacuum, hair dryer, flat screen TV with surround sound…and they do it all without plugging into the power grid. Their house is wood-heated, their fuel is non-petrol; they grow their own food, put up their harvest, make their own wine, and drop fresh canned peaches into the solar-powered blender for the morning smoothies… It’s a simple life that works: zero waste, total recycling, and no “unnecessary necessities.” Others have done this, but the Carns’ are doing it in such a dramatic, inventive way that people flock to their astonishing Stone Camp home to learn Ted’s secrets. More than a dozen universities and colleges in the Tri-State/Mid-Atlantic area bring professors and students to Stone Camp every year to observe first-hand the remarkable lifestyle of Ted and Kathy Carns. $12.21 http://www.amazon.com/Off-Our-Own-Independence-Self-Reliance/dp/0983272603/ref=sr_1_1?s=books&ie=UTF8&qid=1322845063&sr=1-1 $15.41 http://www.barnesandnoble.com/w/off-on-our-own-ted-carns/1102341052