It doesn't have to be a complete start: 10 tips on how you can live self-sufficient in everyday life.
Why live self-sufficient at all?
To be self-sufficient means independently to be, yourself take care of yourself to be able to and also to satisfy oneself. In a society in which a few large corporations have several areas of life in their hands and which is increasingly performance and consumption-oriented, the desire for (more) self-sufficiency matures in some people. However, there are many reasons for a self-sufficient life, sometimes a mixture of several aspects, for example the need for a healthier lifestyle, for more closeness to nature and sustainability, for less (performance) pressure, for independence (from consumption and business) and after more self-determination and freedom.
However, even the thought of complete self-sufficiency can be frightening and is not the right way of life for everyone. Now it is by no means necessary to quit your job, move into a yurt in the forest and spend your life as a hermit (apart from the legal difficulties that would entail …). More independence and control over your own life is also possible in other ways, for example with a self-sufficient house.
Self-sufficient house
When a house is considered to be self-sufficient is not precisely defined. This often refers to energetic self-sufficiency, e.g. through a photovoltaic system on the roof. In addition to independent energy and heat supply, the self-sufficient water supply or sewage system can also be meant. However, there are legal requirements in these areas, e.g. B. when connecting to the sewer system, which you should inquire about in advance. In caravans, construction vehicles and tiny houses, you can live largely self-sufficiently with various solutions (e.g. composting toilet, wood stove).
The advantages of a self-sufficient house are clearly in the Reduction of running costs (e.g. electricity), on the other hand, are often at the beginning high investment in technologies. Also the Independence from different providers and their pricing policy is quite advantageous. There is no such thing as one hundred percent independence, because then you are dependent on its autarkic technologies and it is better not to have any failures (but of course there are bridging solutions!).
Live self-sufficient – but how?
You feel the desire to live self-sufficient, but what does that look like in your imagination? Is it living and working on the farm with complete self-sufficiency, living together in an ecovillage, a simple life in a self-sufficient tiny house? Or are only certain areas of interest to you for whatever reason?
To find out what suits you, ask yourself why you want self-sufficiency. Need for (more) closeness to nature or complete independence from companies? Only when you know what is important to you can you decide how far you want to go. For orientation, you can define and formulate a goal and sub-goals and approach your (re) self-sufficient life step by step. Even in the smaller, you can live self-sufficient.
DIY, gardening and poultry – making life a little more self-sufficient
Whether as a start into a self-sufficient life or just a bit more independence: these 10 tips will help you to take care of yourself more and more in everyday life.
1. Grow vegetables
The classic in self-sufficiency is a private garden for growing fruit and vegetables. This can be raised on a large scale so that you (and your family) can make a living from it. However, this requires sufficient and suitable land as well as a lot of work, time and willingness to learn. A planting plan is useful so that enough can be harvested all year round.
Even with less land, even on a balcony, you can grow fruit and vegetables! Here you can find out what you should pay attention to with a raised bed on the balcony and when filling a raised bed.
2. Composting
A compost may be just a small step, but it helps you self-sufficiency with good fertilizer. Creating a compost is very easy, even in an apartment there is always a place for a worm box.
3. Use of rainwater
You shouldn't use rainwater as drinking water, but it is ideal for the house and garden. Catch rainwater (e.g. in a rain barrel) and use it in dry phases to water the plants or to flush the toilet.
4. Make your own food
Not all food has to be bought ready-made in the supermarket. Much of it is easy to do yourself, here is a selection:
5. Preserve food
Whether bought or grown yourself: Leftover or excess food can be preserved in various ways:
This not only prevents food waste, but also provides you with a reasonable supply!
6. Keep chickens
Your own chickens regularly deliver fresh eggs, so you don't even need a large herd. Here you can find out what else you should watch out for with chickens. Other animals such as B. Goats can of course also be kept, but this will probably be difficult in a residential area …
7. Ride a bike
Do you really need a car If not, sell it. Riding a bicycle is good for your health and you save yourself all the obligations and costs related to the car – and do the environment a big favor.
8. Repair and upcycle
A small hole in the sleeve or a broken toaster – many things can be repaired with little effort and do not have to be bought new. If you don't have a knack for it yourself, you can get support in a repair cafe or other neighborly help. Things that you no longer have a use for become upcycling! With a few simple steps and a little imagination, you can create something new from useless objects that you will enjoy.
9. Make care products yourself
There is a simple DIY variant for many everyday care products, try the following ideas:
In addition to care products, household items and supplies can also be easily manufactured:
10. Acquire skills
Skills are an essential point. The more you master yourself, the more independent you can become. If you make household and care products yourself or tend a vegetable garden, you already have a lot of know-how (e.g. about permaculture in the garden).
Nobody has to have a knack for everything – try out what suits you and what you have fun with or what you can use for your everyday life. Basic knowledge of sewing, knitting or other manual skills are also beneficial. Some things can be learned according to the motto "learning by doing", for others there are online and offline instructions or courses (e.g. DIY courses).
Tip: In the BRIGITTE community, you can talk to others about everything related to home improvement.