MOTHER EARTH NEWS magazine is the Original Guide to Living Wisely. Launched in 1970, each bimonthly issue features practical and money-saving information on cutting energy costs; using renewable energy; organic gardening; green home building and remodeling; fun do-it-yourself projects; and conscientious, self-sufficient lifestyles
Things They Tell You
Mother Earth News
Solar on Schools
Dear MOTHER
Our Suburban Farm • A hardworking couple demonstrates the gardening magic that emerges from commitment, purpose, and a little sweat equity.
Early Sowings for Early Harvests • Plant crops with a fast turnaround time to savor your harvests just weeks after sowing.
Honoring the American Guinea Hog • A former breeder shares stories of rare heritage hogs known for their docile temperaments and flavorful meat.
Coffee Fermentation Methods • Ever wonder how your morning brew came to be? Coffee’s origin story begins much earlier than its placement on grocery store shelves.
Cold Brew, Just Right
Conscientious Choices for Coffee Purchases
Keep Shetland Sheep • Small, hardy, and colorful, Shetland sheep are a natural choice for shepherds and fiber artists alike.
Shetland Sheep Colors
Climate Farming’s Indigenous Roots • Traditional land-management techniques practiced by Native American peoples are paving the way for a more resilient future.
Brew Your Own Hard Seltzer • Sip on refreshingly simple seltzers with the help of a homebrew kit.
Planted in History • An ambitious gardener has made a career of digging into the past at historical museums, including famed Monticello.
Creole Healing Herbs • In the parishes of southwest Louisiana, generations of Creole people have used little-known plants for treating a host of ailments. Today, those plants are making a resurgence.
Creole People and Culture
DIY Coffee-Roasting Machine • Build and operate your own roaster for full control over the color and flavor of the beans in your brew.
The Deep Tradition of Norwegian Yule Beer • A Christmas brew was once mandated in Norway—and these days, Yule ale remains a strong traditional element of the country’s holiday meal.
Frost Giant Juleøl
Natural Funeral Practices • You can choose from many options for end-of-life practices with a low environmental impact, from conservation burials to dedication services at sea.
Death-Care Categories and Comparisons
Craft a Quick-Sew Chicken Saddle • Prevent feather loss with this simple back cover made of durable fabric.
DIY Knitting Loom
Gardening
Homesteading & DIY
Real Food & Cooking
Children's
Use Free Wood from Storm-Felled Trees • I live in an area that gets a lot of storms; how can I put downed twigs and trees to use?
Clicker Training Farm Animals • I’d like to train my pets and poultry without using punitive measures. Is a clicker sufficient for helping them learn new behaviors?
Solar-Ready Batteries for Home Use • Should I buy a solar battery to store excess energy from my panels?
Photos from the Field