Salvage & homemade energy

Read an interesting article about a "salvage economy":

http://www.energybulletin.net/19630.html

He gives a couple of examples, such as taking all these "useless" old alternators, fixing them, and using them (along with some lead batteries & a piece of wood) into a wind generator capable of powering a refridgerator.

I'd like to learn more ideas like this. These are the tidbits that will help ensure that you can always have at least a little electricity if things get really bad.

If I find a book or something along these lines I'll let yall know.