Self Sufficiency - A Sustainable Future

Self Sufficiency is a dream lifestyle for many peopledisadvantages of modern living, whilst allowing us to
although few take steps towards it. Time and moneyenjoy all the benefits of both worlds with a minimum
are always short and it never seems compatible withof effort. Work should be varied, interesting and
city living or 20th century thinking. But this is the 21stalways challenging whilst accomplishing something
century where Global Warming has started to fightworthwhile. Doing otherwise is like keeping a monkey
back and ideas of sustainability are top of thein a concrete cage, which is somewhat similar to the
agenda. New innovations in sustainable building such asurban environment we have unwittingly created for
eco insulation, grey water systems, Wood fuelledourselves, which many long to escape from whilst
heating/boilers, rainwater harvesting, solar watertemporarily enjoying the lifestyle it affords.
heating, air/ground source heat pump, solar power,There is a compromise, a way to enjoy the
wind turbines and eco building can all be utilised forconvenience of a concrete jungle and remain
their cost effectiveness, with increased selfunaffected by the lack of contact with life and
sufficiency as a bonus rather than the overall goal.nature, and live free of guilt and worry at the state
Meanwhile Organic food is increasing in popularity andof the planet and inevitable collapse of the
price as consumers take interest in issues such asunsustainable practices in economics and agriculture
food miles, animal welfare, natural foods and lesswhich hold up our booming society. Self Sufficiency is
common varieties. This means any food you canthe solution to a world of problems and almost any
grow yourself on a small plot of land, container orsolution to global issues of sustainability, from
even a windowbox is absolutely priceless, as well asPermaculture and Organics to Recycling and
an enjoyable hobby. You don't have to move to theRenewable energy, can be scaled down to enable
country to live the dream, Self-Sufficiency is aany individual to help themselves achieve a greater
journey of small steps that make a big difference.level of Self Sufficiency.
The benefits of self-sufficiency are as endless as the