Family uses resources to help others

CLAY COUNTY, Ind. (WTHI) - Tucked back from the street, away from society's fast pace, lives the Hart family.

They live without wasting anything, using timber from their property to finish their house, converting used vegetable oil to fuel and using leftover ingredients to make soap are a few ways the family recycles.

"We get some funny looks, even family.  They were suspicious, thinking you're going to have to get new vehicles soon if you do something like that, when, in fact, we find the vehicles actually last longer," Chris Hart said, referring to the use of vegetable oil as car fuel.

It all started when Hart lived in Africa with his wife, Lori, and their children.

"Our time in Africa helped us to see that it's really hard to throw away something that still has good use in it--if it's good use to somebody," Chris said.

Hart says those living in Africa make due with what they have, not letting anything go to waste.

However, something that they haven't found a solution for is off-road transportation.

"Most of the land is useful for farming, but they're only using 7 percent.  [The] reason is...that's all [they've] got good roads to," he said.

That's why he and another partner are working to manufacture an off-road vehicle. 

They're calling the vehicle a BUV.      

He predicts that there's a big enough need to make around 4,000 vehicles a year, creating several jobs per vehicle.

"People think they need money, but, really, our needs are more basic.  We need food; we need clothes; we need shelter, a warm place to sleep," Chris said.  "We need something to drive around.  And, if a person could supply their need directly, how much the better?"

The Hart family puts their resources to good use, never forgetting others' needs.

"Every day, we think about our friends there; and we think about the problems--the needs--they have, and we see solutions for them," Chris said.

For more information about the project and how you can help, click on this link .