Becoming self-sufficient and meeting your own needs, such as food, energy and water, without relying on others, can be a way to protect the environment, save money and feel independent. Whatever your reasons are, this page takes you through the steps of becoming self-sufficient.

(Creative Commons photo by Susie)

• Becoming self-sufficient can mean different thing to different people and can be done to different degrees. First of all, decide if you want to focus on meeting your own food needs or becoming self-sufficient in as many aspects as possible.

• To become self-sufficient, it's necessary to find ways of meeting your need for food. This can include farming and growing vegetables and herbs, and raising livestock animals.

1. Grow a garden which will meet your basic food needs. For example, you might want to grow potatoes, onions, herbs, lettuce, tomatoes, cucumbers and a variety of other vegetables.
2. Decide on which fruit and berries you would like to grow. Things to consider are how easy they are to grow, how fast they grow, how much produce they will result in and how nutritious they are.
3. Unless you are a vegan, consider having cows to provide your calcium needs. This is especially important if you have children.
4. If you are not a vegetarian, decide if you want to farm animals, such as cattle and chickens. Build a water pond and farm fish in it.
5. Consider having bees to provide the need for a sweetener. If if there is a nearby maple tree, you can make maple syrup instead.

• If you want to live of the Grid without relying on energy companies for electricity, decide on which energy source you would like to live on.

1. Alternative energy sources such as solar power and wind power are most environmentally friendly. They turn the power from the sun and wind into electricity for your household.
2. If you are familiar with power installations, you can construct and install your own solar panels or wind turbine. Otherwise, it's best to hire a professional.
3. If you don't want to live completely off the grid, consider alternatives, such as using partly alternative energy or using a fireplace for your heating needs.

• To become fully self-sufficient, there are other steps you will need to take.

1. Construct a compost to take care of household waste.
2. Construct a sanitary and environmentally friendly way to get rid of sewage.
3. Build a well or gather and purify rain water.
4. Learn how to do your own plumbing and electrical work.
5. Spin wool to make your own clothes and linen.

• Becoming self-sufficient requires a lot of preparation and will mean a lot of work. But it gives you the opportunity to save money, be independent, help the environment, eat healthier and have more control over your own life.

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• Introduction
• Step 1: Hunting, Gathering and Farming
• Step 2: Energy Sources
• Step 3: Other Things to Consider
• Conclusion