Self- sufficiency is the ability to maintain oneself or itself without outside aid : capable of providing for one’s own needs.
Self-sufficiency can mean different things to different people depending on lifestyle, habits and priorities. Some people may strive to reduce waste, while others just want to learn survival skills. It’s all a personal choice with self-sufficient as the ultimate goal.
Currently my focus is to reduce dependency on large manufacturers and other outside sources. My journey is centered on a few basic survival needs: food, water, and reducing toxins in my body and in the environment. Planting a garden, cooking at home and learning to preserve food, making my own cleaning products, soap, lip balm and other personal care products are ways I am becoming self-sufficient.
Start Here
The very first step is to assess your current situation. Take a look at your resources, skills, lifestyle and priorities to determine where you need to improve.
Next, set realistic goals. Decide what you want to focus on first, second and so on. From there establish a plan of action and how you will get from where you are to where you want to be.
Becoming 100% self-sufficient is a challenge and requires a lot of time and commitment to learn a new set of skills. Taking small steps each day can make a large impact in the long run. Try a few of these suggestions to get started.
- Plant a garden – There are many ways to grow food. It all depends on how much time and energy you want to spend. You can easily plant a small garden on your patio or in the backyard, using only pots, a raised bed or a full fledged garden. Herbs and some vegetables grow well in small, easily maintained hydroponic gardens or in the windowsill. Tomatoes, herbs, greens and cucumbers do well in small garden.
- Cook at home -You don’t have to make a three course meal from scratch right away instead begin by choosing whole foods instead of packaged or processed foods. That’s a great start. Then slowly make time to cook more at home. Look for quick and easy healthy recipes or make ahead meals. The ultimate goal is preserving food by canning, pickling or dehydrating to extend shelf life of whole food.
- Reduce waste – Reuse, reduce, recycle..Choose reusable bags, containers, water bottles, towels, napkins, and shopping bags to reduce waste and expenses. (Be sure to disinfect these items often as they can harbor bacteria!) Repurpose clothing, furniture or household items to minimize waste and make the most of available resources. Check thrift stores for other household necessities.
- Learn to make products – Some common household and personal care products can easily be made at home. Using simple ingredients you can make soap, cleaning products, herbal remedies, lip balm, hand sanitizer, and deodorant. And that’s just a short list!
- Reduce energy – Turn off lights, hang clothes outside, open the windows, limit stove or oven use and unplug chargers and electronics when not in use.
- Clean Water – You must have clean water to survive. Rainwater collection system is one way to accomplish that if you don’t have access to natural spring or well.
- Community – Build strong community relationships with like minded people who share the same goals. Neighbor helping neighbor is a great way to share skill sets, learn from each other’s experience and support each other’s journey.
- Plan – Plan for emergencies, create a disaster plan and develop alternative solutions to unexpected challenges. Look at what COVID did to the United States. Being able to adapt to changing circumstances, handle setbacks, and troubleshoot problems is crucial in maintaining a self-sufficient lifestyle.
- Take inventory of necessities for everyday living and stock up on items you use most.
The final step is to take action. Making small changes every day, gradually expanding your skills, knowledge, experience and resources over time will help you become less reliant on outside sources.
Becoming self-sufficient is a personal journey that involves making conscious choices to reduce dependence on external sources and increase your ability to meet your own needs. Find a balance and focus on what’s important to you. Continue to learn and be patient with yourself as you develop the skills and resources you need to become more self-sufficient.