MEN Fair 2012 - Sustainable Living Simplified

Sustainable Living Simplified
Presented by John Ivanko and Lisa Kivirist of Inn Serendipity Bed & Breakfast

I had taken one of John Ivanko's workshops at a previous fair, which I enjoyed, so I was looking forward to taking another one. This workshop was very entertaining. John and Lisa told the story of how they began their journey, and progressed to where they are today.

Prior to moving to the country John and Lisa both worked in the marketing industry. Being unhappy with their lives, they found themselves escaping to the country on weekends. They finally decided that, rather than living and working in the city, so they could escape to the country, it made more sense to live and work in the country instead.

In 1997 they opened the bed and breakfast and began a small garden. In 1999 they expanded their garden and added chickens. In 2000 they added a small PV system, then a wind turbine in 2003, which provides all the electricity that they need to run the business. Between the savings on food and energy spending, they found they were able to save $10k per year, which allowed them to pay off their mortgage early. The renewable energy systems, as well as some other improvements, were purchased through their business, which provided tax advantages that made the investments more affordable.

It was suggested that most of the people in the crowd should strongly consider starting a business, even if only to sell a few hundred dollars worth of product from a hobby. John said that to meet the IRS qualifications of a business the venture must make a some profit once out of every three years. Also, it was suggested that anyone who does have a business, should deduct the expenses for attending the fair as business expenses, providing he/she attending some workshops related to their business, made business contacts, etc. The couple seems to be quite knowledgeable about running a small business. I think I might like to read their book on the topic, Ecopreneuring: Putting Purpose and the Planet Before Profits. They have also published a cookbook, Farmstead Chef, which is a collection of the recipes they use at the bed and breakfast.

When John mentioned that they live in Wisconsin, it occurred to me that I should talk to him about the Midwest Renewable Energy Fair, since I knew he was interested in renewable energy and likely had attended the fair. Before the fair was over, he actually mentioned the fair. I spoke to him after the presentation, and he spoke very highly of the fair. I was afraid that it was targeted to people with more experience with renewable energy than I, but he said they have expanded it to include content for all experience levels and have even added some workshops on topics other than renewable energy. While it is a long distance to travel, I would really like to check out the fair sometime. Maybe we can fit it in for 2013.