40 Ways to Become More Self-Sufficient
One of the main reasons we wanted to have our own farm is to become more self-sufficient, live off the land, hunt for food or raise food, etc.
No more dependence on the grocery store for veggies and fruits.
No more dependence on the grocery store for meat, or dairy.
Sure, there are some things that we'd have to buy, like baking soda for instance, but for the most part, we wanted to be as independent as humanly possible without being miserable.
I have toyed with the idea of attempting to try eating purely things we've either grown, raised, or hunted... but, honestly, that sounds super tedious and I'm not quite sure I'm ready for that yet.
Not to mention, I'm not sure I want to give up quick cook oatmeal just yet for the kids
40 Skills to Help Your Family Become More Self-Sufficient
With all of that in mind, I've been jotting down ideas for things that could be done by myself and others to become more self-sufficient in our own lives.
The list below is not exhaustive by any means, and you'll likely find things I haven't mentioned.
These are merely things I am inclined to try for myself and wanted to share with others as well.
Grow Your Own Food
1. Grow culinary herbs
2. Grow medicinal herbs
3. Use your lawn for a garden space
4. Build a compost pile
5. Try container gardening
6. Grow vegetables and fruits to sell at the farmers market
Raise Animals for Meat, Dairy, and Eggs
7. Raise chickens
8. Hunt for food
9. Learn how to butcher your own animals
10. Start a farm share
11. Raise meat rabbits
12. Raise turkeys
13. Buy some ducks
14. Dig a pond and raise fish to eat
15. Raise dairy animals (goats, sheep, or cows)
17. Start a bee colony
18. Render your own fat
19. Learn to make butter, cheese, and yogurt
Learn Old-Fashion Skills
20. Hang clothes to dry outside
21. Save money by ditching the TV
22. Learn to sew your own clothes
23. Learn how to weave cloth
24. Start spinning your own yarn
25. Make your own candles
26. Learn how to knit or crochet
27. Consider adding a gray water system to your house
28. Make your own soap, laundry detergent, dish soap
29. Ditch chemicals and use natural cleaners
30. Learn to build a fire
31. Start canning your own food
32. Learn how to tap trees (if there are any in your area)
33. Make your own food from scratch
34. Learn how to build your own buildings
35. Learn how to ferment foods
36. Forage for foods
37. Make your own medicines, salves, tinctures, and more
38. Learn how to barter
39. Learn from others
40. Call on your neighbors when in need
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