For me, homesteading means actively pursuing a lifestyle of self-sufficiency. By providing for myself and my family, I can keep more of our hard-earned dollars in the home.
The Soul of Money by Lynne Twist talks about money in a unique way. She calls attention to the fact that money is neither good nor evil, but our intentions with it can be. It is a current-cy, a mode through which our energy or intentions can travel. We can (and should!) spend money on what's important to us! We should direct our currency towards what we value in life.
For me, by buying quality organic foods, often from my local community, I am sending a message that quality nutrition and my neighbors matter to me. By purchasing quality clothing or homegoods (or - even better - making them myself) I'm saying I value craftsmanship and quality and my own ability to create more than something slapped together in a sweat shop in China.
So if homesteading is pursuing self-sufficiency, and directing our currency towards what's important to us, we can get started homesteading no matter where we are. Whether we're on an 100 acre family farm or an apartment in the city, there are ways we can all homestead -- and most are free, or almost free!
I've gathered my top 50...
Cook from scratch
Buy in bulk
Learn how to can
Use less electricity
Learn how to sew
Learn how to knit
Learn how to crochet
Learn woodworking
Learn basic car maintenance and repair
Make your own all natural house cleaners
Grow medicinal herbs (in pots)
Learn how to make herbal teas
Learn how to make herbal salves
Learn herbal medicine
Learn how to make medicinal tinctures
Meditate or take regular time out for yourself
Spend time in nature
Learn yoga (there are tons of videos on youtube)
Learn first aid and CPR
Grow vegetables in pots (tomatoes and garlic and onions are great potted veggies to grow)
Learn food fermentation
Learn how to can
Learn how to dry or freeze food
Learn how to make butter and cheese
Hunt
Fish
Join a CSA
If you have a deep freezer, buy half a cow or half a pig
Learn how to brew your own beer/wine/whiskey
Learn how to tap trees for syrup
Learn how to forage for plants and mushrooms in your area
Compost or try vermiculture if you have the space
Line dry your clothes
Ditch the tv, or at least cable
Make your own candles
Install rain barrels
Get a small solar panel to charge your small electronics like phone or kindles.
Read, read, read
Watch homesteading videos on youtube
Join homesteading Facebook groups to surround yourself with like-minded people
Get your friends and family involved – it’s always more fun with friends!
Sign up for newsletter for a few of your favorite homesteading blogs. Surrounding yourself with knowledgeable people and getting behind-the-scenes look into the lifestyle of other homesteaders will give you an endless source of ideas, recipes and information!