We began living offgrid in the autumn of 2002. We built a conventional home using unconventional methods, emphasizing recycling, conservation, and alternative energy strategies. I am currently writing a series of articles describing this adventure, published at motherearthnews.com/the-happy-homesteader , and the offgrid.weebly.com website. We learned and gained experience by "living the dream". Now, especially in these trying economic times, we want to share with everyone the knowledge acquired.