Self-Sufficiency 

(Main Page)

   There are many methods and procedures for maintaining a self-sufficient environment (and many reasons). Consider building an earthship as your house. Here are the major considerations:

Power, Food, and Water.

   Self-sufficiency has been a dream of mine for a long time. I always felt my views caused me so much disassociation from the "real world". There are many evils we as Americans commit each day just to live our happy lives. Most people do not recognize these things as evil, but most don't want to. I know that the only way to be free of these issues is to be self-sufficient. That does not guarantee safety from a nuclear war or from the government, but it leaves you free of the rest of the problems with the world. If my goal was to simply live self-sufficiently than objectively, that would be fine. But personally, I don't want to just bail out. So this is the beginning of my effort to document my progress and discoveries in this field so that others can learn and judge for themselves.

   I'm afraid to say it, but I really think the most honest way to do this would be to build a biosphere, but that's way out of my league and besides, I'm claustrophobic :)  Just kidding. Enjoy.

Power:

    Power can be achieved through an assortment of methods. First, you will need to buy a power system that is capable of producing the kind of power you will need. ([Fuel Cells*], Batteries, Charge indicators... etc.) 

    It is recommended that you acquire land with a stream at least five feet wide and knee deep, (all flowing, not in a well or dip) at it's slowest season, (generally late summer). Any hydroelectric power you can draw from this stream will be a steady flow for charging your power system. Wind mills are very effective and Solar Panels are good too. The idea is to use a combination until you can produce slightly more power than you need to keep your power system at full capacity.

     *Another possibility for power is a fuel cell that can run on sugar or some other resource that can be easily grown.

Food:

     The first thing to consider when designing your greenhouse is what you will need to grow. From there you can begin to get an idea of how things will be arranged. You may need to separate your greenhouse into zones to accommodate plants from different climates. The best method for watering is a High-Tech drip system. 

     Remember to consider three things when determining what you want to grow; your available (artificial or natural) growing climate; nutrition; and what you like to eat. After some research, you will find a balance that works for you.

      It is likely that you will want to preserve food. There are two methods that are considerable, jarring and freezing. 

     Fertilizer is expensive and generally unnecessary, with a little research, you will find that there are plants you can grow with the rest that will work to deter pests from your greenhouse and keep your plants and soil healthy. However, By simply digging a compost pit, you can have all the fertilizer you can throw out.

     Hygiene is in the food section because you will be growing most of your hygiene products. Health products (Medicines) will also be grown.  Health & Hygiene procedures should be followed. This is to avoid contaminating your plants and your family.

Water:

      If you have not acquired land with a stream, you will have to water your greenhouse from your ground well. This shouldn't be a problem if you are using an efficient drip method, however, It is not recommended. A stream provides an "unending" supply of water for your greenhouse and power for you.

      If you do intend to acquire land with a stream, be sure to learn of its source and any possible contamination points in between you and the source. Have samples tested for safe levels before committing.

      It is also a good consideration to build a small fish pond if feasible. This will give you a bottom to dredge for natural fertilizer, and if you enjoy fish or clams, a food source.