MOTHER EARTH NEWS magazine is the Original Guide to Living Wisely. Launched in 1970, each bimonthly issue features practical and money-saving information on cutting energy costs; using renewable energy; organic gardening; green home building and remodeling; fun do-it-yourself projects; and conscientious, self-sufficient lifestyles
Memories, Realities, and Adaptation
EDITORS’ PICK
DEAR MOTHER
Shopper’s Guide to Pesticides in Produce • Although many people aim to avoid pesticides in their produce, the line between “safe” and “unsafe” foods is anything but clear. The Environmental Working Group (EWG) is striving to help consumers find that line with the 2018 Shopper’s Guide to Pesticides in Produce. Grounded in the belief that most people should be eating better fruits and vegetables, the guide will help you choose the foods that put you at the lowest risk of pesticide contamination.
Community Food • Farmers Kevin and Cherie Schenker established a grocery store to support the health of their rural community.
MOTHER’s Product Picks
A Smarter Farm Setup • Design infrastructure to help you work smarter, not harder, on your property.
Increase Efficiency, Minimize Waste, and Profit from Your Farm
10 Rules for Starting a Successful Farm Business • Go from part-time hobby to full-time career with these tips for turning a profit from your property.
How to Order a Side of Beef • Don’t be cowed by buying meat in bulk — check out this advice from an artisan butcher and our readers.
Nose-to-Tail Ordering Tips from Readers
Sample Cut Sheets • You can use these cut sheets as a guideline for making decisions and for help when talking to a butcher. Some processors may not be familiar with all of these cuts.
Home Butchery for the Conscious Omnivore
Homemade Broth & Stock • Glean nutrients and flavor from bones and scraps by simmering and seasoning them.
Get Started with a Livestock Guardian Dog • After choosing a working companion, follow these tips for housing and socializing your LGD.
Guidelines for Selecting an LGD Pup or Adult
Partners in Work: A Comprehensive Breed Guide
Cultivate Local Change • Take inspiration from these firsthand accounts of people who’ve shaped their communities in positive ways.
Gooseberries in the Market Garden • Start your own small-scale berry market with the flavorful and sought-after gooseberry.
Gooseberry Cultivars for Your Market Garden
Incremental Accomplishments • Don’t try to tackle your homestead tasks all at once; prioritize, and then make progress little by little.
Country Lore Readers’ Tips to Live By
Sweet and Spicy Persimmons
2 Herbal Teas for Autumn and Winter • What’s an herbal approach to beating the winter blues?
A 5-Step Guide to Finding a Log Cabin Kit • I dream of living in a log cabin; can I buy the components in a kit?
Make Your Own Elderberry Syrup • A reader shares how to make medicinal elderberry syrup at home.
Photos from the Field