Can you tell us a little about yourself and your lifestyle? (Where are you based, how do you travel or live, and what’s your day-to-day like?)
I was born and grew up in Vermont, lived much of my early adult life in New York City and San Francisco, and returned to Vermont in 2001. I spent the majority of my career in magazine editorial, book publishing, and marketing content management. Some cool stuff I did in that period was write one of the first books about web design and the first book on web accessibility. I got to be an integral part of an amazing time in tech as a writer, editor, conference content manager, and adjunct professor. In the past decade, I added vintage camper rescue and renovation to my CV and became head of customer service for Compo Closet in 2023. In my spare time, I continue to write articles and books, road trip, and spend time with my husband, two rescue dogs, and a rescue cat that thinks it’s a dog.
Where do you currently use your Cuddy Composting Toilet? (Van, boat, cabin, tiny home - tell us about your space and how it works for you.)
My Cuddy self composting toilet lives in a 1976 Airstream Argosy 28 travel trailer named Zack that I rebuilt. It’s special to me because vintage camper renovation is something I took on when I knew absolutely nothing about how it was done, so I had to learn everything along the way. I bought my first vintage Airstream (a 1972 Airstream Argosy 20) in 2017, which inspired the book Before You Buy a Vintage Camper.
I’ve had some physical help with some particularly heavy or cumbersome parts, like getting the old air conditioners off and new ones on, carrying and installing the plywood sheets for the new subfloors, and installing the axles—otherwise I’ve been on my own, learning how to work with metal, install solar and shore-power based AC and DC electrical systems, install and fix plumbing, design for efficiency and efficacy, and more.
I’m also fascinated with nomadic living and working, and the communities that support this lifestyle.
What’s your morning routine like when you’re off-grid or on the move? (From breakfast to fresh air - what helps you start the day?)
On weekdays, I wake up, hug all the animals, and spend time with my husband before he leaves for work. I make coffee and read The New York Times daily newsletter. Once I finish the day’s Connections and Wordle, I start work. Weekends are much the same, only ‘work’ is usually on the Argosy or other vintage camp
Coffee or Tea?
Coffee in the morning, kombucha in the afternoon.
What are the top things you always keep in your bag or close at hand? (These could be practical, personal, or just plain useful.)
I’d say my travel bag is pretty on par with average. My one item that has to go with me on the road is my small Nespresso machine.
As backup, I also carry a Jetboil with a cooking cup and a reusable Ortlieb coffee filter in case I need to conserve power.!
What do you listen to while you travel - music, podcasts, or something else? (If you have a favorite playlist or artist, feel free to share.)
Mostly 70s on 7 on SiriusXM. It feels right since I’m almost always hauling a 70s camper.
Why did you choose a composting toilet? (What made you decide it was the right fit for your lifestyle?)
I started out using a composting toilet because I didn’t know how to or want to plumb or use a black tank. I kept using one because I liked it better than standard RV toilets. It’s not gross, doesn’t smell, and I’m not wasting water or using icky chemicals for waste treatment.
What does “JustGo” mean to you? (We see it as freedom to explore, but we’d love your take.)
Freedom, opportunity, and security. Having a home with me when I travel gives me all three.
What keeps you going?
Teaching others what I’ve learned as I learn it. It’s been the crux of everything I do since I first started writing and teaching.
Also, I’ve been sober for 28 years. Every day is an opportunity that I never thought I’d have. I don’t always remember to feel grateful about that, but it’s why I’m here and why I keep going.
Do you have any advice for someone just getting started with off-grid living or composting toilets? (Think: things you wish you’d known or tips for beginners.)
Sounds hokey, but it’s “you can do it”—or at the very least, “you should try it.”
It’s advice I have to tell myself constantly, too.
I can’t tell you how many people—especially women—have told me that something I’ve done is something they can’t do. From towing a camper to welding to writing a book to knitting a sweater, you name it. It took me way too long to realize that anyone who is an expert at something at one point had no freekin’ clue what they were doing, and had to start somewhere. Realizing that gave me permission to try new things.
Follow along on Crystal's journey.
https://www.facebook.com/zacktheairstreamargosy
https://www.instagram.com/zacktheairstreamargosy/
Books, etc.
https://compocloset.com/pages/erica-pugh
