I have had a lot of people ask me how do you become self sufficient or why do you want to live like that. My answer is pretty simple: We want to live a healthier lifestyle.
Being self Sufficient means not needing any outside help and being emotionally and intellectually independent.
Some things Zach and I do to be self sufficient is grow our own food, compost, and hand make our own items. If we are unable to grow it or make it we will support a local business.
I know some of you live in apartments, houses with small to no yards almost, but you can still be self sufficient!
Garden Veggies and Herbs
There are quite a few veggies and herbs you can grow in pots and they are easy to take care of as long as you have a little light and water you will be set.
Some veggies you can plant are: Tomatoes of all varieties , Peppers, Strawberries, Carrots, and Lettuce.
You can almost grow any herb but some of my favorites are: Basil, Thyme, Chives, Mint, and Rosemary.
Citronella and Lavender are also good to grow because it will help keep the bugs away.
. Composting
Composting is commonly prepared by decomposing plant and food waste. Recycling the organic materials so that the mixture is rich in plant nutrients.
Any veggies, herbs, some fruit, egg shells and coffee grounds you don’t use you can put it in a compost pile. Composting will turn into organic soil that you can use for your plants next planting season.
3. Hand Make your own items.
I have started making my own earrings which has been great because I have every color and style for any occasion.
You can make handmade clothes, jewelry, hand crafted tables and chairs, soaps, candles, perfumes, make-up and lip balms.
As stated above being self sufficient is being independent and not relying on some one else. If you truly want to live this lifestyle there may be some things you will need to give up. This was kind of hard for me as I was a city girl who always had her nails done and got her hair done often and always had the new trendy clothes. Since we have moved I cut way down on my clothes… Only 2 tubs full, which are also summer and winter clothes, But I have had to go more natural.. My hair is no longer dyed and I no longer have fake nails. Not saying you have to do this but I believe being apart of the self sufficient lifestyle also means being more natural.
4. Cut down on the electric
I think Self sufficiency can also tie in with living off the grid. We are not connected to the electrical grid which is also a plus because when everyone else’s power is out we still have power.
There are little things you can do to help cut down on electricity. Turn lights off when you are not in the room, only use the lights when it is truly dark in the house.
And cell phones… This is also a tough one for me as I like to scroll on Facebook, Instagram and Tik Tok when I am bored. I know I can replace my cell phone use with reading a book or making something. I just found out that you can set a time limit on how long you can be on Facebook. I had actually set a time limit for myself that way I can be more productive then wasting my time on social media. Less cell phone use the longer your battery lasts. I believe the less you use your cell phone the more you start appreciating what is around you, The people you love, your pets, the nature around you, different noises and smells.
5. Shop Local
If you are unable to do any of these things on the list you can still shop at your local farmers market or purchase from a farmer!
Shopping with locally owned businesses make generally more local purchases themselves. Plus you are helping your local families, friends and farmers. The foods are better for you and who doesn’t like hand crafted items that people have worked so hard on.
Try being self sufficient out. You may like it or you may not, but don’t knock it till you try it!
Everyone wants to be strong and self sufficient, but few are willing to put in the work necessary to achieve worthy goals. – Mahatma Gandhi
