This brilliant book covers most of the topics that beginning homesteaders (essentially those who want to try and live a self-sufficient and sustainable lifestyle, or at least something like it) will be interested in, and puts it all in the context of an urban setting. Which is great, because so much writing about this topic assumes you can, and want to, move to somewhere 'remote' or at the very least want a big block of land. As the realisation spreads that many people who live in urban areas not only because they have to but because they want to, and even believe this is ultimately the more environmentally sustainable way of doing things (okay I step off my soap-box now ...) books like this are sure to become more common. Though I wonder if they will all have the wry humour, realistic attitude and spirituality/superiority free-writing style of this groovy little guide.
Whether you want to know how to grow your own food and how to preserve it, or how to set up a grey-water system, or what you should think about when looking for a rental that will help you in your quest for a sustainable lifestyle, this book has something for you. Pick it up, read it, get inspired, and make it happen! ( )

Got me back on the "what will I make jam out of this summer" and "I really want a few chickens" tip. Sort of lost me at dumpster diving and humanure. DIY EXTREME. ( )

I have to say that I was initially very skeptical of this book; as I perused the table of contents I was nearly convinced that this was just another book for yuppies with yards (YWYs). As I live in a tiny 200 sq. ft. (at best) studio apartment with no land space, no balcony, and only north facing windows, I was certain this book wouldn't have anything useful for me in it.

However, it does have some really great projects and ideas, from growing food to composting, that can be accomplished even by those of us who are almost entirely bereft of space. Although I skipped over the portions of the book not pertinent to me (keeping chickens, I'm a vegan; installing solar power, I'm a renter) there was still a lot of ground to cover in this book, and I'm eager to start composting. When I move to a new place I will look for south facing windows and (maybe) a balcony so that I can start growing some indoor vegetables. I also enjoyed the section on how to can, and how to make your own starter for sourdough bread.

In all, this book seems to have something for everyone. Time and space deprived renters such as myself who want to minimize our daily impact (and costs) as well as YWYs who feel like making a difference. ( )

I love, love, love this book! This provides a fabulous introduction to self-reliant living in an urban environment: from solid advice on starting a garden to tips on easy, cheap grey water systems. It's an entertaining read, too! ( )

I've had a strong interest in becoming more of a a producer, less of a consumer, and in greening up my home. This book covers a broad range of simple strategies to do exactly that: everything from worm composting to making your own yogurt, both of which I've tried using their instructions. The book is well organized, not intimidating, practical, and encouraging. Highly recommended for anyone else who, like me, was looking for a place to start.

Edited to add that while the book is a good primary, I'd encourage anyone to do more research on any specific technique they try in the book. I've had a couple of goofs just going with the page-or-so of info on a particular topic. That said, the book still definitely serves its purpose. ( )