Sustainable Living Article Archive

DIY Alcohol Infusions with Recipes Supplies needed Mason jars, or large glass bottles with secure lids Alcohol of choice (typically vodka, bourbon, brandy or rye) Infusion ingredients (included in your kit) Fresh fruit, herbs or additional spice Labels or ribbons for...

Our DIY Kit Subscription just got better! Grow and Make now includes 2 DIY Projects in our monthly subscription. Next month we will be sending out a Fall Chai and Mustard making DIY Kit for our subscription. Still the same low price of $29.95. Check it...

In these times of labor automation and displacement, it's important that we all recognize and embrace the importance of those who work in a trade, with their hands and to make things. We at Grow and Make believe in the value and importance of labor. Interested in...

My kids started school this week and it is always a special time. The excitement of new teachers, seeing old friends, the change of season starting and the symbolic growth and renewal. I'm a huge fan of the New York Times new 'The Daily' podcast. The reporting is...

Making cocktail bitters is a fun way to make distinctive flavors and a high quality bitter. You will need: 3 Cardamon pods, 3 whole cloves, 2 cinnamon sticks, 5 dried apple slices A mason jar with a tight fitting lid (at least 8 oz) 4 oz (about 1/2 cup) of high ABV...

Musings of Grow and Make Owner Will Johnston It seems there is a cultural shift, which recognizes the importance of a good nights sleep. There was a time when it was popular to say "l'll sleep when I'm dead". Now it's pretty clear that lack of sleep makes us less...

I'm writing this during the total eclipse of the sun from my front porch in Portland Oregon. It's an eerie and strange confluence and must have been truly frightening for people who did not understand the source of it in earlier times. Fun to think it will be back in...

Here at Grow and Make we don't usually comment on or make political statements, but these are exceptional times. So much so, that it seems we all have a responsibility to make clear where we stand and what we do not see as acceptable in terms of values. We do state...

I've been reading Sapiens and it is a truly great read. The author makes the story of human evolution fascinating through his excellent writing. Bill Gates and President Obama both recommend it as a favorite read from the Summer.   If you have ever needed to mend...

Will Johnston - Grow and Make Founder & Owner Our camping trips have wound down and my kids are doing their back to school shopping. I feel the air and light changing toward Autumn. Here at Grow and Make we're very busy as we approach the holidays. If you ever...

One week from today is the total solar eclipse. Since Grow and Make is in Portland Oregon, we'll have a great vantage from which to view. If you're in Portland to see it, drop by and visit. I recently discovered this Oi Ocha green tea and have to say I love it. I'm...