Becoming Self-Sufficient: 5 Practical Tips for a Self-Reliant Person
More people than ever are looking at becoming self-sufficient. Around one in three American households grow at least some of their own food. More homes than ever are raising backyard chickens or other small livestock.
If you’re hoping to become a more self-reliant person, you’re far from alone. However, many people are unsure of how to go about it. If this sounds like you, continue reading to learn five of the best survival tips for those hoping to be more reliant on themselves.
1. Invest in Solar Power
Using solar power means being less reliant on the electrical grid. Although it requires a significant upfront investment, solar can help save a lot of energy costs in the long run. Solar power will also run during typical power outages, as long as enough power has been saved.
You can find a lot of information about solar energy online. For example, people living in Illinois can find more information at https://blueravensolar.com/illinois/.
2. Start a Kitchen Garden
Growing your own food means always having something fresh and healthy for your own table. What you can grow depends on where you live, but there are always plenty of options. Some states do well by adding fruit trees or berry bushes to their home-grown food options.
Want to take it a step (or two) further? You can install rain barrels to reduce the household water your garden uses. You can also fertilize your kitchen garden and reduce household food waste by starting your own compost.
3. Raise Backyard Chickens
Raising backyard chickens is an affordable way to add both meat and eggs to your table. Chickens can also eat certain table foods, which helps reduce waste. Some locations have limits on how many backyard chickens you can have, so be sure to check into that before setting up your coop.
Another option for small livestock is meat rabbits. Rabbits breed quickly and offer a reliable food source year-round. There are also often fewer limits placed on how many rabbits you can have on your property.
4. Use a Clothes Line
Ditch the dryer and start using a clothesline to dry your clothes. Dryers take up a lot of electricity. Those who choose to invest in solar will find their renewable energy goes significantly farther when the dryer is cut out of the equation.
5. Learn to Can Food
Canning food is still a practical skill you should learn when becoming self-sufficient. Canning keeps certain fresh foods safe to eat for months or even years. Not only can you use this for things you grow, but any deals you may get at local farmer’s markets.
More Questions About Becoming Self-Sufficient?
If you want to become more self-sufficient, the five tips above are a great place to start. Remember, it doesn’t have to be all or nothing. Incorporating a few skills can still make a big difference in how self-sufficient you are.
Do you have more questions about becoming self-sufficient?
Check out our other blog posts. You’ll find articles on self-improvement, homesteading, and closely related topics to help you dive further into the subject.
