Earthineer is a website. The most glib description might be "Facebook for farmers." It's an online site where gardeners, beekeepers, home brewers, small herdsmen, orchardists, alternative-energy technicians, and do-it-yourselfers can meet, swap information, read about each others' accomplishments, and eventually even set up trade networks. Dan Adams calls it "a social network for sustainable living."
Beginner or experienced, it doesn't matter. It's all about connecting with people who want to take care of themselves and their families. There's even an interactive equivalent of "Ask Jackie" — with multiple experts standing in the place of that one irreplaceable woman. Dan says, "I've always been fond of BHM's 'Ask Jackie' column. We could all use a mentor like her. Community Questions are like an 'Ask Jackie' question that is posted for the whole community to answer.
Earthineer will even help find the 'experts' for you. If you have a beekeeping question, for instance, Earthineer will email anyone who says they can answer beekeeping questions and direct them to your post."
Parts of the site are still in development, but might prove very handy once they're online. A trading feature is in the works, for example, which could help you sell your wares and find others to sell you (or barter for) what you don't produce for yourself.
Here's how it will work. You'll create seasonal lists of goods. Out of that list, you'll select items that you have to trade, then items you're looking for. For example, let's say that you have chickens and can trade eggs. You'd like to find someone who can provide cheese. Search for local trading groups within driving distance, join one (or several), and post your list there. People can then respond and — voila! — you have others to trade with.
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