Sustainable Living Through Homesteading

If you ever thought you were born in the wrong era or that pioneer life sounded good, now is your chance to get back to your roots and capitalize on the trend of homesteading. This new lifestyle focuses on self-reliance and encourages people to grow their own food, supply their own needs and economize wherever possible.

But you don’t have to go whole hog and move to a farm. To a lesser degree, this trend is about utilizing local resources and living a zero-waste lifestyle. Not only is this mentality better for the planet, but it is better for your bottom line. Replace store-bought staples with homemade items — make your own bread, learn to can and preserve garden produce. Use your kitchen scraps for compost to fertilize your garden. Eating local foods and in-season produce is another way to reduce your impact and live off the land.

In addition to food, clothes are another way to bring out your inner pioneer. Use low-impact laundry detergents or make your own and opt for a clothesline rather than a dryer. Mend worn clothes or recycle your clothes at thrift shops. Or, if you’re in the mood for an adventure, make your own clothes.

No matter how seriously you plan to take the homesteading trend, the movement to self-sufficiency is food for thought.