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Why did you pick New Mexico?
Well, one of the few things I did right in my early preconceptions about this project was imagining that New Mexico had really great potential for solar energy. In truth, much of North America does, even Alaska... but New Mexico's definitely one of the best spots. And there's a real beauty and subtlety to the culture and terrain here that I love. It took me a couple years to find just the right location, a place I call the Funky Butte Ranch.
How long do you plan on continuing living this way? Is it just an experiment, or more permanent?
I see this as my home base. I didn't embark on this as a quest for personal happiness; I've always been a pretty happy guy. And I don't feel like I'm some sort hero of the earth... it was just an experiment, but over the course of it, all the elements of my life just fell into place. I have a home that I love, a really good network of friends, and a healthy place to live that's ecologically alive.
And you know, I am not "Mr. Latest Diet," but I have never been healthier. Eating locally and knocking transfats out of my diet, has had a concrete effect on my physical health. So I guess that's sort of the underlying theme – you might set out to save the earth, but you're really saving yourself.
What advice would you give to readers who want to follow your example?
My recommendation to people – and to myself -- is, don't feel guilty if you're not doing it all at once. Most of our carbon miles come in the form of our transportation and the transportation of our food. So I would suggest attacking those two first, and then your utility situation.
Maybe you'll plant a garden and start growing a lot of your vegetables, but you'll still drive your car for a while. Maybe you'll convert your car to run on vegetable oil or something else, but you won't be on solar or hydropower for a while yet. Take it one step at a time and make the changes. It's totally doable.
I'm finding, after a little less than two years here, I hardly miss any of the stuff that I used to have in my life. I don't miss going to the gas station. I don't miss buying eggs and milk at the store.
Every worry that you might get too good at this stuff to be funny?
(Laughs). No. If you just look at my blog, you'll see it's still one screw-up after another. Like a few entries ago, I had to bring a billy goat here, because in order to have goat milk, a goat has to give birth, right? I'm super protective of Natalie and Melissa (the goats). I got them when they were still bottle-feeding, and they think I'm their dad. I didn't want to breed them when they were like teen moms, you know? Anyway, I brought this billy goat in, and it was a nightmare, I was seriously injured by him multiple times, he tore down the goat pen, and I had no idea if he was actually doing what he needed to do... Yeah, there's no danger of my getting too good at this stuff to write about it anymore.
Comments
I just wanted to say i really enjoyed this interview!!!!!!!I bought the book!
Posted by Mark Downing on February 26,2008 | 11:22AM
This article brought to mind a delightful series run by the BBC a few decades backed, entitled "Good Neighbours". Tom and Barbra Good (played by Richard Briers and Felicity Kendal) were a couple who decided to throw in the towel on corporate Britain and "live off of the grid-and off the land" on a 1 acre lot located in the London suburb of Surbiton, no less! No solar panels, they-their home was powered by an effluence digester using their animals' offal to create methane gas. Mr. Fine might want to have a look at this for some creative ideas on how to achieve his dream, as they did theirs-with a lot of innovative inventions, and a generous dollop of humour.
Posted by Sharon L.Casey on February 26,2008 | 04:46PM
Haven't bought your book yet - but definitely intend to!! Great interview - and here's a tip - You need a Great Pyrenees or two for you and your goats - you may fall asleep, but your Pyr won't!! Just a little advice from the boonies in Southern Utah.
Posted by Paula Swapp on February 26,2008 | 06:06PM
Haven't bought your book yet - but definitely intend to!! Great interview - and here's a tip - You need a Great Pyrenees or two for you and your goats - you may fall asleep, but your Pyr won't!! Just a little advice from the boonies in Southern Utah.
Posted by Paula Swapp on February 26,2008 | 06:06PM
A great read full of useful tips on off grid living. Pretty funny at times as well... would love it had he tried using some form of fecal recycling for methan gas.... another great resource is www.off-grid.net The site has tons of info on how to save money and begin taking the steps to living off the grid.
Posted by Lindsay Hobson on February 27,2008 | 04:10AM
Another excellent guard animal for you goats would be a miniature donkey. They are thrifty, intelligent and useful creatures, easy to handle, and well-adapted to SW New Mexico climate and terrain. Not only will they guard your goats, they can help you with your chores (carrying or carting or light plowing), provide you with more composting material for your garden and entertain you for hours with their shenanigans.
Posted by Shiner on February 29,2008 | 10:34AM
Just curious if you have a family...spouse, significant other/partner, children? You don't mention anyone else helping you in your dailey life. How much harder do you think this would be if you had a family to support? Impossible? Easier? Can't wait to read your book.
Posted by Jodie Smith on March 2,2008 | 07:58AM
In the early '80s I lived on the west slope of Mount Cuyamaca in San Diego County in Southern California. Although from the high point we could see the ocean and the lights of the city, we lived without telephones or electricity. During this time we lost a total of four young goats to a mountain lion. My partner and I took turns sleeping in the pen with the herd with a pistol and a flashlight in easy reach. You can read about this in Black Mountain Lady, the diary of a goat herder, my novel, which is now on www.blackmountainlady.com. Our place burned down in the big fires, but the memories will last forever.
Posted by Jay Dyck on March 2,2008 | 04:46PM
love New Mexico, but how's the weather, too harsh? Can see myself in your shoes, but what has been the most difficult part. Is your wife on board for the changes? thanks,
Posted by on March 5,2008 | 12:05PM
Use Akbash dogs to guard the sheep flock myself. The garden is easy, but still more productive with power equipment. The simple fact that pumping water from 600 ft to make life workable on a ranch takes quite a bit of power. Have to go, its lambing season. 7 males, one female lamb so far, 13 more in the pipeline. chow.
Posted by greg Lopp on March 6,2008 | 07:42AM
Hi Doug! We miss you here in Haines, Alaska, but I am sure it is easier to get power with so much sun! It was great to see your fuzzy face in the Smithsonian, will get your book asap. Get a standard poodle! (just kidding) Whoopi barks Hello!
Posted by Sharon Svenson on March 12,2008 | 09:08PM
Hey Doug, What a surprise turning the pages of my magazine and seeing your familiar face. Glad to see all is well with you but how could you ever get rid of a Subaru! Look forward to reading your book, take care and keep in touch. By the way, there is an LP for a Great Pyrenees that needs a home in Skagway.
Posted by Judy Erekson on March 13,2008 | 10:56AM
This article brought to mind a delightful series run by the BBC a few decades backed, entitled "Good Neighbours". Tom and Barbra Good "The Good Life/Good Neighbours" was the first thing that popped into my head when I read the article. Is his goat's name Geroldine, by chance?
Posted by James Cloninger on March 24,2008 | 07:57PM
Hey Doug, I was glad to see you on here. I hadnt heard from you in awhile, was wondering what kind of Crazy things you were up to. Glad things are going well for you! Mom bought 4 copies of your new book. Which reminds me, if your looking for something to scare Critters away from your goats, use my Mom she scares anything that crosses her path:)
Posted by Clifford Wickward on March 25,2008 | 07:37PM
Enjoyable interview, and a book I want to read. By any chance did you attend Holderness School? I also liked the defense-minded creatures suggested as alternatives to your sleeping in the goat pen.The article following your interview makes a good case for Anatlian shepherds.
Posted by Jim Brewer on March 26,2008 | 11:03AM
Think I went to NYU with your Father. Is(was) his name BIll. Thanks.
Posted by Stan Auster on April 2,2008 | 02:30PM
What does he think a plastic bucket is made from?
Posted by Angelet Took on April 2,2008 | 10:55PM
Yes, Doug has finally started coming around. I just don't understand why city people come out West and want to kill what they don't understand. Killing predators is not living Green! Predators deserve some easy meals like chickens, goats, humans, cows or whatever moves too slowly. Guns are for people who feel out of place and scared in their environment. True earth living folks don't need guns. Doug, did you mean that you are green, as is neophyte? Larry Donovan-Baker, Nevada
Posted by Larry Donovan on April 8,2008 | 10:46PM
Excellent article. Joni and I are planning a similiar set-up "off grid" and totally self-sufficient life. Admire you dedication and perseverence. "New American Pioneers"
Posted by Randy Everett on July 12,2008 | 08:00PM
I enjoyed reading your excellent account of going green, a great life. BUT I am writing because you look exactly like my deceased son Forrest, so I believe you must be cousins---just related somehow. (He was 48 years old in 2007.) His father's family was from Long Island, N.Y.and there were many relatives there. I would be glad to correspond with you about the family. Carolyn S. (age 83)
Posted by Carolyn Starrett on August 2,2008 | 01:33PM
This interview was inspiring. I am embarking on a similar venture on a 252 acre farm in the high mountains of North Carolina. We have sun, hydro, and wind power available there. Lots of biomass for heat, too. I will also think about getting a Pyranees, too.
Posted by Mark Owens on October 21,2008 | 08:06AM
Is there a way to create the ozone that is related to the ozone layer and apply it to specific areas?
Posted by Albert Oku on October 28,2008 | 03:23PM