Baby Steps to Self Sufficiency

Each year as we prepare to celebrate Earth Day, we see promotions in stores and around the internet that advertise eco-friendly and "green" products. Many of us make an effort to purchase items that make less of an impact on our environment, and this is a good thing. It is good for our planet and future generations. However, in some cases, *not* buying these things may be an even better way to contribute to the long-term health of our planet.

Almost every manufactured product takes a toll on the environment in some way. We can see the negative effects of mass production by looking at the energy to make the item, the materials used for packing it, or the fuel used in transporting merchandise to be sold. Modern methods continue to increase the efficiency of these things, but in our consumer-minded society, the truth is that we are accustomed to the convenience of things being made for us, and will sacrifice (often unintentionally) the health of our planet to get them.

I by no means stand outside of this problem. After moving house last year, I was again struck with just how much stuff we own. We are a fairly frugal and minimalistic family compared to many, but the things still accumulate. Now that we own our own home, and have two children to teach, we are taking our role in this world a little more seriously. This year as Earth Day approaches we are thinking less about buying recycled and biodegradable products, for example, and more about living in a way that reduces our need to buy things at all.

You may have heard people talk about their dream to someday live "off-grid" (apart from dependence on public utilities), or maybe you dream of having a place in the country away from hectic city life. Neither of these things are feasible for us right now as my husband works in the city and we can't afford to convert to solar energy or the like, and with gas prices rising, you probably aren't looking for a longer commute either. Still, a more self-sufficient way of life is attainable to most everyone. Like most changes, this one is easier taken one baby step at a time. Here are some of the things we have implemented, or plan to implement this year:

Use Cloth
Start with simply not purchasing paper towels. Use dish and hand towels to clean up spills instead. Pull out those cloth napkins from your grandmother and have the kids help you make some cheap napkin rings. You'll impress your guests, I promise!

If you have young children, skip the disposable diapers, wipes, pull ups, and swim diapers. There are super-cute cloth alternatives to all of these. Added benefits include fewer diaper rashes, easier potty training (they can feel when they are wet), and a HUGE cut in your monthly budget., not to mention less plastic sitting in your local landfill.

Women, stop or reduce your use of disposable menstrual products. You'll experience many of the same benefits as your kids using cloth, and you may find you like the alternatives a lot more than what you have been using! Menstrual pads are available in a wide range of comfortable materials and in fun prints, and if you usually use tampons there's an option for you, too! Consider The Diva Cup or The Keeper.

And if you aren't too weirded out by that last one, take this one on: stop using toilet paper! Use baby washcloths or cut-up t-shirts instead and wash them with your cloth diapers and pads.

Grow Your Own - Plant a garden, grow potted produce on your patio, or harvest fresh herbs right from your kitchen windowsill. Any space can be cultivated with a little creativity. A growing movement of people who want to be self-sufficient even in the city are even tearing up their front yard to plant edibles and beneficial flowers! Check your city codes and then have at it!

Collect Rainwater - Local libraries and botanical gardens often host classes on how to build your own rain barrel, or you can purchase one pre-made. Collect water as it pours off of your roof and use it to water your garden or potted plants or wash your car.

Compost Kitchen Waste - Composted vegetable scraps combined with "brown matter" such as dead leaves or newspaper magically change from trash to treasure over time. Compost is essential for nurturing the food you'll be growing yourself, and it's cheaper to make than buy. A 55 gallon drum is all you need to do the job, though there are dozens of other methods to choose from.

Raise Animals for Food - Many cities and suburbs allow homeowners to raise chickens or even goats as long as they follow certain guidelines. In our town we have to be sure to keep the chicken coop at least 100 feet away from any neighboring buildings. Many cities are even more lenient than that. Can you imagine running outside on a cool Summer morning to collect fresh eggs, chives, and tomatoes for your breakfast omelet? Yum!

I'm not promoting isolation from your community or neighbors. On the contrary, this kind of lifestyle often promotes fellowship with others as they catch on to your vision and want to learn. You may also have the opportunity to help another struggling more than yourself in these touch economic times with the money you are saving or the food you are growing. I think you will find, as we have, that while each of these steps have a bit of a steep learning curve, they are well worth it!