MOTHER EARTH NEWS

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

Finding a Fresh Perspective

MOTHER EARTH NEWS • THE ORIGINAL GUIDE TO LIVING WISELY

EDITORS’ PICK

Dear MOTHER

Faith-Based Farming Feedback

Natural Learning • A standard school day for the average American youth takes place indoors and includes brief recesses that allow students access to enclosed outdoor spaces at certain times of the day. But for some young students who attend “forest school,” most, if not all, of their preschool or kindergarten education occurs outdoors in forests, parks, or other wild sites. At these schools, educators allow their students’ curiosity to guide the curriculum, and rely on nature to aid development and instill environmental values.

Watchdog Group Ranks Organic Food

A Welcoming Way Into Beekeeping • Adopt-a-hive programs provide a low-cost, low-risk entry to beekeeping for beginners who are stumped about where to start.

Them That’s Doin’ • With MOTHER’S 50th anniversary just around the corner, we’re reviving Report From Them That’s Doin’, a department featuring people discussing what they’re learning, who’s inspiring them, what tools they’re using, and more. We want to know what’s captured your interest too. Have you discovered a nifty device or launched a DIY project? Taken an illuminating class or discovered an innovative gardening technique? Tell us at Letters@MotherEarthNews.com. In the meantime, here’s what we’ve been doin’.

Manipulate Your Microclimate • Shrug off those Zone limitations and find areas in your garden where traditional growing advice doesn’t apply.

Earth-Moving Equipment for the Homestead • Load up on versatile machinery to doze those daunting projects.

Natural Care for Winter Skin & Hair • Create hydrating homemade beauty products to treat yourself this season, or give them as gifts to friends and family who could use a little pampering.

Rendering and Cooking with Animal Fats • You’ll add flavor to your food and a selfreliance skill to your repertoire when you render tallow, lard, and poultry fats at home.

Goose Fat Is Pure Gold

Everyday Uses for Animal Fats

How to Render, Cure, and Cook with Fat

Dutch Oven Delight • An annual gathering of cooks from across the nation is keeping the time-honored techniques of camp Dutch ovens alive and well.

Cover Crops on Urban Farms • Cover cropping isn’t a one-size-fits-all approach. These city farmers have adapted the practice to suit their unique challenges.

A Market for Meat Birds • Get the most bang for your cluck: Turn raising and processing poultry into a moneymaking, community-supported agriculture venture.

How Safe Is Pastured Poultry Meat?

Drawing from Nature • Fashion a feather into a custom quill pen that’s perfect for dipping in homemade ink.

A Presidential “Stomp” of Approval • Developed by George Washington, a Mammoth Jack’s primary role is to produce draft mules.

Useful Failures • Pitfalls and slip-ups can be instructive teachers when you’re learning how to operate a profitable business.

Herbal Gummies

Chick Inn Coop • Turn an old play set into the perfect paradise for your backyard flock.

Adventures Up North

Gardening

DIY & Herbal Health

NEW ITEMS!

Real Food & Cooking

Battery Technology Reactions

Photos from the Field