The dig IN event staff organized 5 separate, self-guided driving tours of Winneshiek County homes, taking place Saturday afternoon. Guests were able to take an exclusive, in-depth look a how these families already live sustainably with lternative energy systems and environmentally sound building design and materials.
 “Off-the-grid” living means not relying on municipal water, sewer, natural gas, electrical power grid, or similar utility services. The homes on the tour operate very differently from more traditional homes. Imagine the dollars that are saved annually! Here’s a sneak peek at what you missed: Kittleson residence: This timber frame home features a solar-powered water system, passive solar heating and natural cooling, and zero-emission lawn care. Cookies were baking in the "sun oven" as well as tours of the garden and chicken house.
Grimstad residence: Guests were able to learn how this family's personal commitment to reducing dependence on fossil fuels inspired this home's design. Doable conservation ideas for homes was shared. 
Sliwa Meadow Farm: Solar and wind systems include a small photovoltaic array, a vintage Jacobs wind machine, an Aermotor water pumper and a flat plate collector solar hot water system. Rain water, collected off super insulated, passive solar home's metal roof,  |
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OFF-THE-GRID HOME TOURS |