Ben Hewitt's family is living off the grid, relying on solar energy and trying hard to reduce their dependence on fossil fuels, but their propane tanks are an eyesore. They represent a measure of defeat in terms of self-sufficiency, not to mention a financial drag. (Published in the June 2006 issue)

It was almost a year ago that we brainstormed with Jamieson and Peggy Jones to map out the first segment of a three-part project called Digital Family. The concept: The Connecticut couple and their kids, Ben and Nina, would put a broad assortment of electronics to the test and report the findings of... (Published in the December 2005 issue)

Energy independence is a compelling concept these days, not just for nations but for individual homeowners as well. But it's not easy to achieve. My wife, Penny, and I have spent the past eight years living on 40 rolling acres of northern Vermont in a house that's not connected to the electrical gri... (Published in the December 2005 issue)