Self sufficiency and how to make it possible

RustBeltCowgirl

Preaching to the choir, but it's a pretty good article.

https://insteading.com/blog/self-sufficient-living/

Cool quote from the article.:

For the past seven years, I’ve embarked on the quest of self-sufficiency, and I’m positive it is no holy grail forged of unobtanium. Sit down with me for a minute — let’s talk about what it takes to get started on this adventure.

"holy grail of unobtainium". Very neat way to say it.

Michelle D

I love the list of what self sufficiency is not. It is blunt and to the point.

LaurieLovesLearning

Ooh. Her definition of sustainability is right on. No holds barred. I'm glad to see that she acknowledges networking as an important part of it.

Awe, I miss our muscovies. They are so personable. I love her pictures of them. 😍

She addresses the naysayers with authoritative power! Most of our waste comes from industry. That's not self-sufficient waste. We use everything else in one way or another. Propaganda surrounding sustainability, check. Iys not poverty, check...we eat such a variety here that some would only dream of. We may not have much otherwise, but we are rich in many ways others would only dream of. It certainly is a trade off, but one that's difficult, absolutely rewarding, & totally worth it. Relying on government as sustainable? We all know thats not true too...propaganda...I'm surprised that the article is still available to view.

I still want to figure out a good home-grown substitute for chocolate (flavor & scent might be sufficient). If only we could grow it here. I can't even get it to have to grow indoors...unless I pay an arm & a leg for a plant that needs to be shipped (my dream source finally ships across Canada now), and then I need to keep it alive and hope that it produces. Hmm...did I post before that the leaves are usable? There would be that if I could get the tree and keep it alive indoors. That's a huge risk on a huge investment.

Books...I couldn't get that first book listed, but it is readily available in the US. It is expensive! We've got the butchering book, natural cheesemaking & Seed to Seed among many other homesteading skills books & series (some old). I also have a lot of herbal books, particularly foraging books focused on my region (thanks for the recommendations @torey). I think a reputable book from someone who has tanned hides & not just written a book/article is also important. We recently came across a good site that recommended books (excellent, okay & those to avoid). I'll have to find it & post it on the forum. You will have hides when you butcher, so why not use them? I suspect that whittling, woodworking, & log building, and effective trap building would also be of great benefit.

The no freezing & canning book (which we have), is good, but they still have a freezing & canning section, which I was kind of disappointed about, considering the title.

I think learning firemaking & woodstove skills would be good so as not to burn your house down, but perhaps that's covered in the axe book.

One thing she didn't mention, unless I missed it, was gathering the knowledge of our wise ones that went before us. Not just in books, but from our grandparents & other elders in our communities. As the generations continue, the grandparents know less & less, unfortunately. But we should still listen to what they know, ask questions AND write it down on more than scrap pieces of paper. Then wisely file it in a binder. I often wish I could go back in time & ask my grandparents about more aspects of living off the land as an authentic historical homesteading family. I know some, but I wish I knew more.

@RustBeltCowgirl An excellent article! I'd give it 5 stars and 2 thumbs up. 👏

JennyT Upstate South Carolina

I haven't had the chance to finish the article but I love what she's saying so far. I agree with all of it.

I'm curious as to what my husband will think. Seeing as he's only come around to the whole homesteading/permaculture way of life we're trying to do now since buying the property. I'll have to get him to read it after me and see what he says.😊

water2world

@RustBeltCowgirl Thanks for the great article After reading it, I forwarded the article to hubby!

VermontCathy

The only part of this definition of self-sufficiency I would challenge is the off-grid requirement.

Going off-grid is expensive and somewhat challenging for most. Requiring it could deter many people who could be self-sufficient in most other respects.

I would argue you are still adequately self-sufficient if you:

- are on normal grid power

- have an emergency power system adequate for a day or two of power outage

- can perform all the necessities of life without power

Insisting on long-term, completely off-grid as a requirement will make many people unable to achieve it.

nicksamanda11

I agree.