If you did not possess any historical knowledge, you might think that the environmental movement began in the last few decades. In truth, previous generations pioneered the recycling movement during the scrimp and save era, the pre-cycling movement during the waste-free depression years and the limiting of unnecessary transportation during the oil crisis of the late 1970s.

Even in 2007, some older members of our society are still at the forefront of the green movement. Take Barbara Keer, of the Sustainable Living Centre, for example. Her eighth version of a solar oven is the best and most efficient system that can be used to prepare meals—and just one of the many examples of the work that has gone into making her life function independently of outside power sources.

Her solar cooker—constructed of double-glazed glass—can reach temperatures of over 230 degrees Celsius, without using any other power source besides the heat of the sun. The idea of harnessing solar power for food preparation has been around for nearly four decades, gaining speed with the back to the land movement, a set of principles and ideas that initially spurred Kerr into living off the grid.

Her many attempts at perfecting the ideal solar cooker were thwarted by the fact that she’s “not a natural builder”. Instead, Kerr used the undeniably effective system of trial and error to create her sun-powered stove—often putting two designs side by side to see which would boil a pot of rice faster.

Though her little home exists only 300 metres from the power lines that provide energy for the rest of the town, her 960 square feet rely entirely on the heat of the sun for warmth, power and heated water. The house is constructed entirely of cinder blocks—a material chosen for its heat retaining properties. The blocks and the concrete foundation absorb the sun’s strong rays and keep the house as insulated and cozy as necessary. On cold winter nights, Kerr lights her wood stove to provide a little extra warmth.

As well, the house has been designed to take advantage of every gust of wind and every drop of rain that comes its way. A bucket hangs from every downspout to collect rain water for washing, plant watering and other uses. The main water supply is pumped from a 250-foot well using a 100 year old windmill. If the wind isn’t strong enough to pump the water, the windmill rests above solar powers that kick into a small electric generator that does the work.

Kerr’s house and home should be an inspiration to both young and old seeking to limit or completely eliminate outside power sources from their lives. Her combination of old and new technology is a testimony to the environmental wisdom that has existed in our society throughout the ages.