Becoming Self-Sufficient

I have mentioned in previous posts that prepping is all about becoming more self-sufficient or self-reliant.  What I mean specifically is that we need to lessen our dependence on other people for our basic needs. We don’t realize on a day to day basis how much we rely on other people for absolutely everything.  We get our food, water, gas, entertainment, electricity, ect, from outside sources. People really have no idea how to get any of these basic needs for themselves, and this is a serious problem.

This dependence has been caused by improvements in technology. These improvements have made moving and acquiring resources much easier than it was in the past. For this reason we totally take for granted that these resources will always be provided for us, because we never have to think about where these things come from. What most people don’t realize is that the complex network we rely on is actually very fragile and can be interrupted pretty easily. For example, a snow storm or flood can cut off an entire town from receiving any large trucks, which carry in all the food, or one car crash into the right pole can put us without power and heat during a snow storm. 

Other than the obvious reason to provide for ourselves and our families, there are several reasons why we should strive to be more self-sufficient. First it helps us save our hard earned money.  For example, supplementing your food supplies with vegetables from your garden can save a significant amount on your grocery bill. Secondly it is a socially responsible thing to do. By providing for ourselves we reduce the strain on modern supply chains and make its collapse less likely. Being self-sufficient can also be better for the environment. Third is that during an emergency situation they can become even more important.  People will always need clothes, candles, and soap. If they don’t know how to make it themselves they will pay someone else to make it for them.  In this case being self-sufficient in one area can help provide for your family in another. 

So what can we do to start to untether ourselves?  We just need to look back to what our forefathers did to survive. For most of human history people were forced to be self-reliant to survive day to day life because there was no guarantee that they could make it to the store for supplies. They didn’t have the technology to ensure that their resources would constantly be supplied, so they took it upon themselves to become self-reliant, and provide for themselves. The principals of providing these resources are the same, we just need to re teach ourselves.

It all comes down to learning valuable skills. For example learning how to plan, grow, harvest, and then store food. Or you could learn how to fix your own car instead of taking it in to a mechanic. Simply learning how to do anything on your own, instead of relying on others.  The best part about this is that you can pick stuff that you are interested in. Turn it into a hobby, and enjoy learning everything about your specific skill.

Here are some ideas 

1.       Handiwork, such as carpentry, engine repair, welding, or plumbing.

2.       Making your own soap, including dish soap, laundry detergent, or scented bar soap.

3.       Making your own beer

4.       Gardening, and storing food.

5.       Making dog and cat food.

6.       Baking your own bread. Or making your own spaghetti noodles.

7.       Making your own candles

8.       Sewing, quilting, or leather working

9.       Pottery making

These are just a few, but you get the idea. Any hobby where you make something useful can help you save resources today, and could become important in a survival situation. It’s an all-around good deal, so start doing some research, and figure something out. The sooner you get started the better.