Tips to Become Self-Sufficient

Gardening

• Traveling to the grocery store and purchasing imported produce often wastes time, energy and money. Travel time to and from the store uses expensive fuel and, unless the driver has an eco-friendly vehicle, too much travel is bad for the environment. By planting a vegetable, fruit and herb garden, self-sufficient individuals can tend to and harvest their own produce. They have access to fresh foods and reap the physical and emotional benefits of spending more time outdoors.

Conserving Energy

• There are several sources of green energy productions, some of which are more viable and cost effective than others. These options include solar paneling, wind turbine power and water wheel energy. If individuals cannot secure any of these methods of energy production, they can still save on energy costs by cutting back on energy waste in the home. They can use energy-saver light bulbs, set their water heaters to timers and unplug electronic devices when they are not in use. They can also walk or ride their bicycles on outings rather than driving.

Preserving Food

• Self-sufficiency increases when individuals no longer have to rely on supermarkets and energy-wasting appliances to preserve their foods for them. Canning fruits and vegetables is a cost-effective method of preserving perishable goods. Also, self-sufficient people can leave certain vegetables and fruits, such as grapes, plums, mangos, oranges and peppers, in the sun for drying purposes. They can also save seeds and shoots for planting new crops the next year around.

Livestock

• Though not all families and individuals are prepared to raise or butcher their own farm animals for the purpose of self-sustenance, owning and caring for a few animals is a step in the direction of self-sufficiency. Some farm animals are easier to care for than others, including chickens, ducks, turkeys, sheep, goats, cows and donkeys. Raising these animals will teach individuals and their families how to connect with nature. Some of these animals also provide food sources without needing to be butchered. Chickens produce eggs and cows and goats produce milk, which in turn can be made into butter and cheese.