I’ve been interested in localized resilient economies and off-grid urban homesteading since my cousin and I auditioned for The Amazing Race. Our million-dollar dream didn’t come to fruition, but it planted a seed of sustainability I’ve been carrying around inside ever since. I finally found a place to plant my glimmer – a summer of self-directed study traveling America (and France!) learning about low-impact farming, DIY lifestyles, and some survival skills as well. Because you never know how 2012 is going to end!