Bicycle-Powered Washing Machine in The Burren

Hi, I'm Cearbhúil and I live off-grid in The Burren in Co. Clare.

Fulfilling a life-long dream, I bought 3.5 acres in 2019 and built a shed there for beekeeping and gardening. I now live here with my children Indi and Ruben - girl and boy - 12 and 14.

My biggest challenge however, is washing our clothes.

HOW TO DO IT OFF-GRID!

I am raising funds for the creation of a bicycle powered washing machine that's easy to use, easy to cycle, easy to fix and most importantly washes clothes like a normal washing machine!

All donations will go to the research, design and fabrication of the washing machine, purchase of materials, welding, installation costs and final adjustments.

The bicycle powered machine will be created by 3 men and a woman! One 14 year old, very creative all-rounder, one 15 year-old, very promising engineer, one innovative Limerick designer who will coordinate the team, mentor the teenagers and see the project through to the end and me!

I am fascinated by discussions around off-grid living because I live off-grid! Having a washing machine at home will make a huge difference to our lives. (sounds like an ad for CONCERN but it's true!), and of course it's going to inspire anyone who sees it in use!!!

I am interested in mechanical inventions and inventors!,

in easy to fix solutions, not so much in large solar panel /battery systems that cost money and maintenance and the lives of miners on the other side of the world!

I have been building, creating and learning from Nature here for 5 years now. Living off-grid and close to nature inspires me to come up with creative ways to live a comfortable life.

We are put on the world to share our gifts right? My gift is sharing my off-grid journey with a wider audience.

The bicycle powered washing machine will be integrated into future workshops at The Burren Wilderness Project.

Ar scáth a chéile a mhaireann muid!