How to Live a Self-Sufficient Life

Be responsible for your own life.

One way to truly free yourself and become more independent of other people and entities is by following a self-sufficient lifestyle. Being self-sufficient involves everything from living in an ecologically friendly manner to being dependent on yourself for your own attire, food and even lodging. Get on the path to becoming more self-sufficient and relying less on outside sources. Control your own destiny and future by doing as much as you can by yourself.

Instructions

1. Grow your own food, if you have a yard. One major step to self-sufficiency is producing your own vegetable garden and fruit orchard, making your own strawberries, grapes, tomatoes, carrots and more. Not only can doing this help you establish a bond with nature and a sense of pride, it can help you to know exactly what you are placing inside of your body, and none of it involves pesticides or other strong chemicals. If you lack a yard, consider other options such as cultivating sprouted seeds and herbs in pots.

2. Utilize natural light. Reduce the cost of your electricity bill, and rely on the light offered to you by nature. Try adding solar panels and skylights to your home, both of which will let in natural brightness during the daytime hours.

3. Arm yourself with useful everyday skills. Living in the modern age can be convenient and at the same time debilitating. People so often depend on other people to provide services for them. To follow a self-sufficient lifestyle, learn as many valuable skills as you possibly can, from sewing your own clothes to installing septic systems to putting down concrete. Having these skills also can help save you a lot of money.

4. Keep your own backyard chickens. If you live in a relatively rural setting and have enough room, consider raising chickens. Although a yard is necessary, chickens do not require a ton of space to thrive. To begin this process, you need to acquire chicks, chicken feed, a grass plot, perch and coop. Consider breeds such as the White Leghorn, Wyandotte and Araucana.

5. Collect a reserve of food and supplies. You never know when disaster may strike. As a result, it is always smart to be safe and prepared. Slowly build up a food and supply reserve with everything from bottled water and canned food to toothpaste and soap. Aim for a reserve that should last for a minimum of three months. Place some cash in your reserve in case of emergency, as well.

6. Get a clothesline. Another way to be more self-sufficient and also to save on utility bills is by using a clothesline. Washing your clothes by hand and air-drying them outdoors can save a lot of money compared to using electric or gas washers and dryers.

Tips & Warnings

• If you have the time, wherewithal and resources, consider constructing your own home or perhaps even beginning your own business.

References

• Huffington Post; How to Be Self-Sufficient; December 2010
• Organic Gardening and Homesteading: Learning to Be Self Sufficient
• Happy Self Sufficient: Happy Self Sufficient Tips