With pollution on the rise and economic troubles mounting, more and more people are becoming interested in self sufficient living. Let’s take a look at what it means to be self sufficient as well as things to keep in mind when considering transitioning to that lifestyle.
A Definition… Self sufficient living refers to depending on renewable resources for the needs of everyday life. This means choosing to utilize those resources as opposed to depending upon municipal systems for our power, water and fuel needs. It also involves learning to grow our own food, along with preserving and storing that food. As people become more and more accustomed to sustainable living, many also learn how to make a variety of the items they use everyday – like soap, clothing, etc..
The hectic pace many people live is causing them to look for a better way. For many, that better way is found in self sufficient living. They’re concerned about their health – both physical and emotional. Others are concerned about being prepared for the unknown – things like natural or even man made disasters.
Here are the major things to think about when considering the option of self sufficient living.
Alternative Energy – There are numerous solutions to getting off the grid. Some are happy with a simple, generator and battery setup. However, this still requires gasoline, diesel or propane to sustain the system. A far better method would be something like solar power, which is low maintenance and powered by nature. While it can cost around $10,000 for a small system, that investment will be payed back over time. Other choices include wind and hydro power.
Food – There has been increased interest in gardening in recent years as evidenced by an increase in garden seed sales. This is truly a part of self sufficient living that anyone can start right away. While there are many helpful books on the subject, this is one area in which it largely comes down to experience. Thus, the sooner you get started, the better. Even if you only have a small patio, you can start gardening in pots, even during winter months, you can grow some things in the house. The other aspect of food involves learning to preserve and store food. This is something that people used to be better at, but with the convenience of supermarkets, many do not consider just how fragile a family’s food supply can be. Natural disasters remind us of this when interruptions in transport result in shelves being emptied in only a matter of hours. Methods for food preservation and storage include canning, dehydrating, air vacuum sealing, and use of air tight storage containers.
Water Sources – Another important consideration involves water. Where are you getting yours from? Sustainable water sources include springs, wells, and even creeks or streams – in which case you’d need to consider a filtration method. Keep in mind that there may be legal limitations pertaining to the use of surface water where you live. Many overlook the importance of this issue. Furthermore, it’s wise to consider the volume of water required to sustain not only your family, but also additional needs such as agriculture. You can see that there may not be a whole lot you can do about this unless you’re in a country setting with a considerable piece of land with water on it. This takes us to our final point.
Country Living – When considering what is involved in becoming more self sufficient, it becomes clear that living in a metropolitan area makes it more difficult for the average family to pursue a more sustainable way of life. While the subject of locating and purchasing country property is beyond the scope of this article, families are finding that with careful planning and perseverance, making such a transition is possible. Rural living is ideal in terms of becoming more independent.
Conclusion – Self sufficient living is within the reach of most individuals and families if they’re willing to invest the time and energy into making it happen. Furthermore, such a way of life positions people to be better equipped to not only take care of themselves in times of need, but also to be of help to others. In this sense, it is truly a responsible way to live, and thus a noble pursuit.
self sufficient living can be your way of life. Learn more at http://www.selfsufficientlivingblog.com.
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