Making smoked foods A better way to brine

If like me you have no room in your fridge for a bucket full of meat when youre brining, try putting into an icebox.

Throw some ice in with it and youre set.


120 Things in 20 years  thinks this might be a record shortest post ever.

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Great deal on a Greenhouse

The Harbor Freight 10 ft. x 12 ft. greenhouse is nicely affordable. You cant get a store-bought greenhouse of this size for anything close to the $850 Harbor Freight price.

Because its spring, Harbor Freight has reduced the price on their 10x12 greenhouse by $50. At my local store, the sale is good through the end of May.

Better yet, you can get an additional 20% off through May 15th (google Harbor Freight coupon).

So if you have the 20% coupon and go to the store, you can pick up a 10x12 greenhouse for only $640 (plus tax). If you have to have it shipped, tack on $100 S&H.

This greenhouse gets decent reviews. Typical problems can be overcome cheaply. YouTube has numerous videos on "Harbor Freight greenhouse improvements." John at Growing Your Greens gives a nice overview of possible improvements (fast forward to 4:40). An additional idea is sealing the edges of the panels with waterproof aluminum tape.

If you, like me, dont need a greenhouse at the moment, check out the sale price on the 45 watt solar panel kit. Its not as cool as a Solman 135 watt generator, but its easier on the budget...

15 May update - Found another possible greenhouse option at Home Depot. Id have to modify my layout to fit the 10 ft. x 10 ft. footprint, but Im sure I could get it to work. $249 delivered straight to my door is rather attractive (though my community covenants would still prohibit me using this particular product since its 8 ft. tall ::pout::).

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The Great Energy Challenge

Today 9 households around the world start their energy diet.

Mine is not one of the 9 being featured in National Geographics 360º Energy Diet, but Ive signed up.

Here are the points one can earn in each of six categories (Goods, Food, Transport, Home, Water, and Waste). Ive colored the ones Im already doing green, the ones Im not yet doing red.

1) GOODS

15 points each

• Tally your water, electric, & gas use and calculate how you could cut CO2
  
• Switch to organic for three produce items you regularly buy
  
• Switch to natural/eco-friendly cleaning methods for three tasks
  
• Switch from an imported non-produce item to a version produced locally

10 points each

• Swap disposables that you regularly buy for reusables (e.g., cleaning wipes)
  
• Repair or extend use of clothing items rather than buying new ones
  
• Use old printer paper/magazines/retail shopping bags, etc. for wrapping paper
  
• Rent or borrow an item that you rarely use, such as a drill or steam cleaner

2) FOOD 15 points each

• Eat a vegetarian diet one day a week
  
• Eat at home or brown-bag it at least once per week
  
• Limit daily intake of beef to 8 ounces per person
  
• Only consume seafood that has been sustainably raised and fished

10 points each

• Start a food-based garden (hurray for aquaponics)
  
• Go vegan or raw one day per week
  
• Buy grass-fed beef instead of conventional
  
• Give up one processed food that you normally eat

3) TRANSPORT 15 points each

• Drive no faster than the speed limit, and avoid rapid acceleration/braking
  
• Remove extra weight from your car and inflate tires to the proper pressure
  
• Use public transportation instead of your car at least once a week
  
• Reduce planned air travel by one trip

10 points each

• Buy carbon offsets for your travel
  
• Carpool or find a ride-sharing program
  
• Switch to a more fuel-efficient car

4) HOME 15 points each

• Turn heat/AC off when gone & change the thermostat by 3 ºF to reduce fuel use
  
• Set frig to 37 ºF, freezer to 0 ºF, water heater to 120 ºF and washer to cold
  
• Replace at least one third of your light bulbs with CFLs or LEDs
  
• Disconnect TV, stereo, and computers and other electric devices when not in use

10 points each

• If you have a second old refrigerator in your house, get rid of it
  
• If your refrigerator is > 10 years old, get a new one with a top-mounted freezer
  
• Insulate your water heater
  
• Replace appliances with EnergyStar appliances
  
• Hang clothes up to dry instead of using the dryer
  
• Seal all windows and doors in your home with caulk or weather-stripping

5) WATER 15 points each

• Give up bottled water for filtered tap water
  
• Turn off the tap when brushing your teeth or scrubbing dishes
  
• Shortening your shower by one minute or more. If you bathe, switch to showers
  
• Replace shower head or tap with a low-flow model

10 points each

• Use xeriscaping for your yard and avoid thirsty plant types
  
• Install a rain barrel to collect water for garden, lawn and plants

6) WASTE 15 points each

• Recycle all glass, aluminum, plastic, paper, batteries, and CF lightbulbs
  
• Eliminate junk mail by taking yourself off their mailing lists
  
• Change to paperless billing for bank account, credit card and bills
  
• Eliminate the use of plastic and paper bags, both when shopping and at home

10 points each

• Begin composting at home
  
• Using biodegradable bags for walking the dog if the family has one
  
• Recycle old athletic shoes and clothes
  
• Recycle or donate old computers, cell phones and other electronics
  

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Winner The great MPPT solar charge controller competition

So I asked the invention engine what kind of competition I should hold to give away that first solar charge controller I bought, and it said I should ask everyone else.

Helpful.

It said I should get a load of people to submit their ideas.

I asked it why people should spend their precious time helping me out with their ideas.

It said I should provide some kind of incentive.

Like a competition.

So the first ever 120 Things in 20 years competition is as follows...



Whoever can come up with the best idea for a competition wins.

The prize is that solar controller I had so much trouble with because it didnt match my solar panels too high voltage.

There is only one rule*, and that is the winner wont be anyone who enters by simply adding another layer of competition to the competition to see what the competition should be.

I already thought of that one, and Ive decided I probably wont give the prize to me, although I am currently in the lead so I may change my mind.



Mrs 120 Things and I will judge the winner at our own discretion, in our own time, whenever we feel like it, if we feel like it, and reserve all rights to do whatever we want without reservation or regard for others.



120 Things in 20 years thinks the invention engine may have just gained consciousness, or at least the beginnings of a consciousness-free sense of humour.



click the comments thingy to enter or offer derisive laughter

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