Homesteading is a type of lifestyle that involves living in a self-sufficient and sustainable manner. The practice has been around for many years, and at one point, was even encouraged by government entities around the world.

Now that climate change is a hot button issue, more and more people are becoming aware of their impact on the environment. And as a result, sustainability through homesteading has become a more viable option for homeowners all over the nation.

6 Ways To Create a Self-Sufficient Lifestyle

Homesteading is an attractive lifestyle for many people, but achieving self-sufficiency is much easier said than done. A lot goes into becoming self-sufficient, from growing your own food to building your own home. For this reason, it’s important to start slow and ease your way into it to avoid frustration. If you want to learn how to curate a more self-sufficient lifestyle, here are six practical places to start:

Grow your own food.

When it comes to building a more self-sufficient life, obtaining food is pretty high on the priority list. People who live this lifestyle often grow fruits, vegetables, and herbs in a garden. You could also plant bushes or trees to reap fresh produce throughout the year. To preserve your produce, consider learning how to pickle or can your foods in glass jars and metal tins for later use.

If you’re a meat eater, consider buying livestock like chicken or pigs if you have room for it. You could also install a backyard fish farm to enjoy fresh fish whenever you like.

Generate your own power.

Just because you’re self-sufficient doesn’t mean you won’t need electricity for things like a water pump, recharging batteries, or air conditioning. But you can generate your own power by investing in solar panels, wind turbines, or other renewable sources.

Collect rainwater.

Rainwater is a great natural resource to use on your journey towards self-sufficiency. There are many different ways to use it, from gardening to bathing. Plus, depending on how it’s collected and stored, rainwater is safe to drink as well.

To collect rainwater, set up rain barrels, install gutters, or invest in a large cistern so you can store water to use later. Utilizing rainwater is not only healthy for the environment, but it can also shave off part of your monthly utility bill. Just remember to shop for a quality filtration system to ensure your water is always clean and safe to drink.

Learn how to make your own goods.

Living a self-sufficient life requires you to be a jack of all trades of sorts. You’ll need to learn new skills so you can do things like sew clothes, make soap, and concoct home remedies for common ailments. When it comes to homesteading, the more skills you learn, the better, so consider taking up classes in sewing, carpentry, soapmaking, and herbalism.

Manage your waste.

If you’re really about that life, you’ll have to learn how to make do without the garbage man. And while managing your own waste sounds gross, it can actually be a really beneficial practice. By learning how to compost, recycle, and repurpose your trash, you not only help protect the earth but save a few dollars on your monthly bill, too.

Integrate energy efficiency into your home.

As the seasons change, so does the weather. With this in mind, you can prepare for the shift in temperatures by integrating more energy efficiency into your home. Investing in insulation, weatherproofing, and energy-efficient appliances can make a world of difference when it comes to reducing dependence on outside energy sources.