Going back to basics

In these tough economic times, many are concerned about being able to pay the mortgage and put food on the table. But what if you built your own home and grew your own food?

It may sound strange to us but, for one central Florida couple, it's their way of life.

Tia and Terry Meer have given up the hustle and bustle of a caffeinated city for what they call the "Simple Life."

When you visit the Meers, it feels like stepping back in time. In reality, they are just minutes away from downtown Orlando. It's not quite Green Acres, but 34-year-old Terry and 29-year-old Tia do live a very green life on their five acre plot in central Florida.

They call it the Econ Farm because of its location on the Econolahatchee River. Spend just five minutes with them and you'll soon begin to understand why they are always smiling.

The day photojournalist Ben Reiff and I visit the Meers, it's a misty morning, just before sunrise. We talk with Terry outside as the sun comes up. He is sipping a hot cup of tea and there are all kinds of noises city folks wouldn't recognize.

Terry says, "It's wonderful. I couldn't imagine waking up to sirens and horns. It's just the birds and beautiful sunrise."

They could have plunked down a chunk of money for a three bedroom home in the middle of suburbia. Instead they opted for this 1,000 square foot log cabin they built themselves using a kit. It took them and some friends a year and a half to complete, but they say it was worth every moment.

Their neighbors have to be envious. The Meers spend only about $35 a month on their electric bill.

Their grocery bill is about $100 a month. They don't own a microwave or television. All of their furniture and appliances are from friends and Craig's List.

Most of us are still very green about going green, but the Meers are practically pros at it.

Tia spends a lot of time in the garden. She grows fruits and vegetables that would make the produce section of a grocery store wilt with shame.

Nothing here goes to waste. That means they generate very little garbage. That's also part of their plan. Terry says they probably take out the garbage once every three weeks.

Tia collects the runoff rainwater from the roof and uses it for her garden. With her green thumb, it comes as no surprise that she was president of the garden club in college.

She shares her knowledge of organics with her neighbors and even founded the Simple Living Institute. The organization is happy to help anyone learn about going green.

Tia explains, "You have to take care of things, like growing your own food, instead of getting it transported across the world and collecting your own water, instead of having it pumped from the city."

Terry says it's important to live in the moment.

"What we've done is created a lifestyle around our life. Instead of playing a video game, where you are doing something that you always wanted to do, we spend time actually thinking of doing it. We are actually living in the moment instead of trying to create a moment through this digital world that we have started."

It's pretty evident that Tia and Terry enjoy each other's company. Instead of watching television or jumping on the laptop after dinner, they play music or just sit and talk.

"Music is a healing form for me," says Terry.

Tia says, "When it comes to the end of the day, when people usually go in their houses and cook dinner and watch television, we cook dinner and play guitar or read a book."

They know their simple lifestyle won't appeal to everyone but, they say, it sure beats the alternative.