As the world's population continues to grow and resources become more scarce, people will have to learn to live in harmony with the natural environment rather than trying to exploit it. To that end, self-sufficiency – particularly in terms of energy production – will become increasingly important in the years ahead. Self-sufficiency will be crucial to humankind's future and what people can do today to prepare themselves for that future.
Why is self-sufficiency important?
We live in an age of inflation, where the price of everything is going up and wages are not increasing at a similar rate. Organic food is more expensive than your average grocery store fare, and chemical free products are even more costly. It can cost upwards of $1,500 per month for a family of four to buy all organic, chemical free food. With that amount, you could put a down payment on a house or pay off debt. Self-sufficiency means growing your own food, raising animals (which many people cannot do), making household goods like soap, lotion and detergent; it also means producing electricity from solar panels or wind turbines. The goal of self sufficiency is not only cheaper prices but also independence from outside suppliers who may not always be reliable sources for quality goods.
Why should we focus on it?
Glyphosate, an herbicide and pest control agent, has been linked to a variety of health problems including Parkinson’s disease, cancer, gut bacteria imbalance and weight gain. The microbiome is a term used for all of the different microbes in our bodies (bacteria, fungi, viruses and protozoa), which are important for digestion and immune function. Our environment is so polluted that it is negatively affecting our health on many levels. Healthy habits can be adapted or changed over time with effort and persistence. It may take some time to learn about new habits but it will be worth it in the long run. With more people focusing on these healthier practices, we can change society as we know it.
The concept of permaculture
The idea behind permaculture is that we can design a society where everything is used and reused by mimicking nature. It has many different principles, but three of the main ones are reuse, composting, and rainwater harvesting. Reuse involves designing communities where materials are given new life in another form, rather than being wasted. Composting is important because it reduces waste, prevents land from becoming too acidic, and gives back nutrients to crops grown on that land. Rainwater harvesting saves water resources, provides a natural way for plants to be watered, and helps conserve underground aquifers. Lastly, bacteria helps decompose organic material like animal manure or vegetable scraps so they turn into rich soil with nitrogen and other nutrients for plants.
How to get started with permaculture?
The best way to get started with permaculture is by first considering what you want your goals for the project to be. Do you want a food garden, medicine garden, natural pest control, food storage, compost? Considerations like these will help dictate what type of land and water collection methods you need as well as how much time and money you are willing to spend on your project.Â
The good news is there are many resources out there to help. There is no need to go at it alone. Click on the link below for more information about a resource I really love, The Self-Sufficient Backyard book.
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