Taking Steps Toward a More Self-Reliant Life

Interested in learning to become more self-reliant as a family? You're not alone.

Becoming more self-reliant is about creating a lifestyle rooted in the values of simplicity, sustainability and mindful living - all while helping you save money and stay grounded in the fullness of family life.

Steps Toward a More Self-Reliant Life

  • Avoid over-consumption. We live in a throw-away society. Take small steps to reduce, reuse, recycle and repurpose products and materials. Cloth diapering is a great way to start.
  • Make you own cleaning products. Natural cleaners are easy and cost-effective to make at home.
  • Maintain a compost pile. Composting reduces food waste and can save you money on trash disposal fees.
  • Learn basic skills such as sewing, canning and preserving. Or, if you're feeling ambitious, try your hand at knitting, weaving, woodworking or soap making. They're practical, fun and can even be profitable!
  • Make an effort to make basic repairs. Search the internet or YouTube for tutorials on just about anything!
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  • Make an effort to grow your own food. Start small but dream big! Harvesting and eating produce grown in your own backyard is rewarding and delicious. Gardening with kids is especially rewarding!
  • Patronize local farmers. Buy local! Supplement your family's diet with products grown or raised nearby. Consider joining a CSA or getting to know local producers at farmer's markets - it's a great way to support their efforts. Then, check out these 5 Vegetable Side Dishes Inspired by the Farmers Market for some fresh and tasty recipes.
  • Be mindful of your energy use. Turn off lights and unplug appliances. Use energy-efficient halogen incandescent, CFL and LED lights. Try washing clothes in cold water, it saves a ton of energy.
  • Walk, bike and/or carpool to your destination whenever possible.
  • Consider raising your own farm animals. A flock of laying hens are relatively easy to maintain and provide fresh eggs daily. Hobby farming chickens, pigs, goats, sheep and/or bees can be realistic to maintain for many families and can provide an abundance of milk, meat, honey and eggs.
Steps to a More Self-Reliant Life


Many small changes can make a big difference!

Image credits: www.kidsandeggs.com