How to Live Self-Sufficiently
Some people dream of being totally self-sufficient. That means providing for your own food, shelter, clothing, power and at least the most basic medical care. Transportation can also be a factor in planning to live "off the grid." While in today's world it may be impossible to live completely independently, many who choose to become more self-reliant find satisfaction in what they can accomplish on their own.
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Instructions
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Find out about generating your own power supply. There are several options available. Solar power, a popular choice, has the added advantage of being a "green" technology that does not deplete resources in the environment or produce damaging byproducts. Hydroelectricity, generators and fuel cells are other power supply choices.
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Locate a stable water source. Purchase a high-quality water filter with extra filter cartridges to filter water from your source and rain water.
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Plan your food sources by taking the recommended food groups into consideration. To stay healthy, people need to eat dairy products, fruit and vegetables, meat and beans, oils and carbohydrates. Growing vegetables is easy to do, but the other components of a healthy diet may require purchases or supplements. The best plan is to discuss your dietary needs with a professional nutritionist or doctor to be sure you are covering all the bases. If you live in a rural area you can consider raising chickens or other fowl, and taking up beekeeping.
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Purchase a wood-burning stove, a tried and true method of generating heat for cold days. The wood stove has the advantage of being a "green" technology. Propane and solar power are other options for generating heat.
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Use a bicycle to get around so you will not be faced with having to buy gasoline for a car. Of course, this solution works better in some places, like an urban area, than others.
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Buy a sewing machine and learn how to use it to create new clothes and repair the clothes you already own.
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Tips & Warnings
Keep rechargeable batteries and a battery charger on hand. An AC inverter can convert battery output to house current.
Use a wood stove for cooking.
Store a first aid kit for basic medical care.
Buy a self-composting toilet and learn how to use it.
Do not be surprised if you need to purchase goods and services like medical care, fuel, transportation services, cloth or clothing and food from time to time.
References
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