Mother Earth News: A History of Self-Sufficiency and Ecological Living
Founded in 1970, Mother Earth News emerged as a pivotal voice for those seeking a life closer to nature. Starting with a modest "shoestring" budget of $1,500, founders John and Jane Shuttleworth launched the publication from their home, with the first issue debuting in January of that year. What began as a small venture quickly grew into a cornerstone of the back-to-the-land movement—a social trend where people left urban environments to seek self-sufficiency in rural settings.
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The Early Years and DIY Philosophy
Originally published in Madison, Ohio, before moving to Hendersonville, North Carolina, the magazine was characterized by a scrappy, no-frills aesthetic throughout the 1970s. While other publications covered ecology from a theoretical perspective, Mother Earth News distinguished itself by focusing on practical, do-it-yourself (DIY) and how-to articles. This approach resonated with a growing population of people relocating to the countryside.
The publication covered a vast array of topics designed to empower the independent homesteader, including:
- Sustainable Infrastructure: Home building and the construction of geodesic domes.
- Agriculture: Farming, gardening, and food storage.
- Alternative Energy: Guides on switching to solar and wind power, creating stills, and running vehicles on ethanol.
- Rural Skills: Hunting, entrepreneurism, and even amateur radio.
Beyond technical guides, the magazine featured the "Plowboy Interviews," a playful nod to Playboy, which provided a platform for environmental leaders to share their visions. This left-of-center perspective attracted a diverse readership, ranging from hippies and survivalists to suburbanites dreaming of rural life and long-term rural residents.
Expansion and the Eco-Village Era
By 1979, the magazine was purchased from the Shuttleworths by editor Bruce Woods and two colleagues. This era marked a period of significant expansion. The Eco-Village, a 600-acre research center, became a hub for experimental energy projects and vast gardens. The brand's influence extended beyond the page through a nationwide radio show and alternative fuel vehicles sporting the Mother Earth News logo.
The Eco-Village also served as an educational center, hosting 20,000 people each summer for seminars on specialized skills such as beekeeping and cordwood construction (a method of building walls using short logs and mortar).
Evolution and Ownership Changes
As the back-to-the-land movement declined in the early 1980s, the magazine faced challenges. In 1986, it was sold to the New American Company, which rebranded it as "The Original Country Magazine" with a more polished, "slicker" image. This shift led some employees to depart and establish BackHome Magazine.
The publication changed hands again in 1991 when Sussex Publishers acquired it. During the 1990s, the magazine continued to grow, featuring contributions from notable figures like mid-Atlantic correspondent Ira Wallace. In 2001, the magazine was acquired by its current owners, Ogden Publications, with headquarters now located in Topeka, Kansas.
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Modern Milestones and Social Evolution
Mother Earth News celebrated its 40th anniversary in 2010 and its 50th anniversary in 2020. Despite the challenges of the COVID-19 pandemic, the 2020 anniversary issues highlighted the title's half-century of history. However, the 50th year also brought scrutiny; authors such as Chris Newman publicly criticized the magazine for a lack of diversity in its staff and contributors. In response, Ogden Publications has since implemented initiatives to diversify its audience, content, and internal team.
Key Facts
- Founded: January 1970 by John and Jane Shuttleworth.
- Initial Investment: $1,500.
- Core Focus: DIY, self-sufficiency, and ecological living.
- Major Research Hub: The 600-acre Eco-Village.
- Current Owner: Ogden Publications (since 2001).
- Headquarters: Topeka, Kansas.
| Period | Owner/Entity | Key Focus/Change |
|---|---|---|
| 1970–1979 | John and Jane Shuttleworth | Founding, DIY focus, and back-to-the-land movement. |
| 1979–1986 | Bruce Woods & Employees | Eco-Village research and nationwide radio expansion. |
| 1986–1991 | New American Company | Rebranded as "The Original Country Magazine." |
| 1991–2001 | Sussex Publishers | Growth through the 1990s. |
| 2001–Present | Ogden Publications | Modern era and diversity initiatives. |
Frequently Asked Questions
Who started Mother Earth News?
The magazine was founded by John and Jane Shuttleworth in 1970 with a starting budget of $1,500.
What was the primary goal of the magazine in its early years?
It aimed to provide practical, DIY, and how-to information for people moving to the country, focusing on self-sufficiency, farming, and ecology.
What was the Eco-Village?
The Eco-Village was a 600-acre research center used for experimental gardens, energy projects, and educational seminars on topics like beekeeping and cordwood construction.
How has the magazine's image changed over time?
It began with a "scrappy, no-frills" style in the 1970s, became a "slicker" publication under the New American Company in the 1980s, and has recently focused on diversifying its content and representation.
Where is Mother Earth News based today?
The magazine's headquarters are currently located in Topeka, Kansas.