What does self-sufficiency mean to you?

[miss_thenorth]

Maybe this would be a thought-provoking thread to get the creative juices flowing for an essay.

What does self sufficiency mean to you? Is it about being frugal? About being independant (as much as possible) on consumerism?

Is it a lifestyle choice, where it is important to you to grow/raise your own food for health reasons? Is it a hobby only?

How about goals of being off grid--solar, wind power, etc.

Is it about emergency preparedness?

I will work on my answer later, but I thought this might be a good way to break into ticks idea for having a homepage for SS.

 

[justusnak]

Hmmm, thats a good topic. What is Self Sufficient to me?

Growing my own food, and preserving it. I know its healthy, and, if it isnt, I have no one to blame but me. Raiseing my animals humanely. All of our animals will get good humane treatment, wether they are for production ( eggs, milk, wool) or meat. They will be happy and comfortable untill thier end. Knowing, if and when the time comes...I can support my families and hopefully my animals eating habits. Going off the grid is a plan for us. Either solar, or wind, or both! Its a long term plan, because of the expence, however, we DO plan to make that switch one day. Being Self Sufficient mean my daily work is not for someone else to line thier pockets...and when I lay my head down at night, I can feel deep in my tired old body, I have done well.

 

[me&thegals]

Ditto to Justusnak.

I would also add that I have the power to withhold my $ from anything that I think hurts people, the environment, animals or our culture (industrial food versus local production) if I can produce those things myself, buy them from local friends or barter for them locally.

 

[dacjohns]

Here is an almost identical thread.

http://www.sufficientself.com/forum/viewtopic.php?id=1517