Essays

Techno-Homesteading

The homesteading life has a deep appeal to a wide range of people - from the young urbanite growing food on their balcony, the suburban homeowner canning pickles, or the retiree reconnecting with the land and feeling the dirt between their fingers. Working with our hands, becoming more independent, and finishing a project ourselves creates a strong sense of satisfaction for many of us.

Unfortunately, the difficulties of this lifestyle grow quickly when you try to expand it. The new homeowner doesn’t know where to start, or what to do when things go wrong. The middle-aged homesteader discovers that they are no longer flexible enough to get under the sink, or no longer have the energy to carry bags of mulch around the yard. A pinhole leak or a blown light switch ends up costing hundreds of dollars to repair.