Namaste all,

I was wondering if any members lead a self sufficient lifestyle? If so (or even if you don't) can anyone recommend any good websites and/or books on the topic?

We have strong aspirations to be as self sufficient as possible and are aiming to put this into firm operation in five years (hopefully we'll have the money to purchase land and establish it then). However, I have to admit that we are relatively naive about the realisms of it and figured it was about time to start getting to grips with the reality of such large aspirations.

Any tips, suggestions, recommendations, warnings, insights, or general comments would be appreciated. Thank you.

Om Shanti
Neil

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A good starting place, with lots of factsheets and appropriate links here:

Low Impact Living Initiative

Trin
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Namaste Trinity,

Thanks for the link. You're a star!


Om Shanti
Neil

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I would recommend Ran Prieur's site http://www.ranprieur.com/ It's a little bit doom and gloomy but he has some great articles about preparing for the future and becoming self sufficient.

Deconsumption is a pretty good blog, although it's rarely updated these days. http://deconsumption.typepad.com/deconsumption/ If you check out the right side column further down the page he links to a lot good resources on self sufficiency.

Another site I'm aware of is Off Grid. http://www.off-grid.net/

Last edited: 21-01-2007 02:51:08 PM

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Namaste Andy,

Cheers for the links. The Ran Prieur site has a lot of interest essays on it relating to a far broader range of topics than what I was anticipating to find there, interesting stuff. Lots of food for thought!

Thanks again Andy.

Om Shanti
Neil

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www.selfsufficientish.com

Just found this informative, down to earth site... Self-sufficient "ish". There's a really happening forum for anyone interested in becoming more self sufficient and piles of interesting articles and tips.

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Namaste Trinity,

Thanks for the great link. There is a lot on that site, good for a kind in-between stage or even for the beginning organic gardner, and also for those with limited space - which is pretty much most of us!

Om Shanti
Neil

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Hi Neil,
Have you come across the Lets system? Its a non-money based local currency where you can swap or trade skills, goods or favours. These groups can be quite active in certain areas. Here is the link http://www.letslinkuk.net/

Good Luck with it all.
Kate
www.GreenFinder.co.uk

Last edited: 5-02-2007 10:55:22 AM

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Before the modern era took hold sustainable living came naturally to older generations who knew how to make the most of what they had available, how to fix stuff, re-use, recycle, effectively maintain their homes and gardens using natural products. Ahhh we can learn a lot about the art of resourcefulness from good 'ol Grandma :angel:

"Grandma Knows Best..." is an awesome practical, down to earth website, stacked to the rafters with everyday sustainable living tips..
Go to GRANDMA KNOWS BEST

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Namaste Kate,

I've not heard of this. I will be sure to investigate it. Sounds like a more harmonious way of progressing and exchanging with people, rather than always using cold cash.

Thanks for posting it.

Om Shanti
Neil

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Namaste Trinity,

I have thought this for a long time and strangely enough I was thinking about this again today when I was in the shower. Great minds, eh? LOL

Looking forward to having a look at it tonight. Cheers!

Om Shanti
Neil

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dear neil, I looked at the downsizing/downshifting and simple living/frugal web sites which had a lot of tips and links worth looking at. I have also had some good practical experiences as a volunteer at Rudolf Steiner Camphill communities following an anthroposophical early christian type almost pagan philosophy. Also the campaign for climate chaos practices sustainablilty and holds workshops. General searches will bring up information on topics such as water harvesting, composting toilets etc. good luck, rebecca.

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Namaste Rebecca,

Thanks for your posting. I think the workshops would be great. I can look at all the websites and books in the world, and potter about a bit in the garden, but larger scale workshops would be a big help in starting to develop the practical abilities, skills and working knowledge.

Thanking you,

Om Shanti
Neil

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Bit late!! But you might want to check out this site. I used to live there several years ago, between the ages of 8 and 16. The website's not that great but there's a lot of info on it and lots of links too.

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When I lived in Spain in the 70s & 80s, we had a lot of self sufficiency going on. It's hard if you have to earn a living as well - as most of us do, as money is just about indispensible - but very fulfilling. It kind of keeps you tied to one place though. And a warning if you like to eat meat - make quite sure you're able to slaughter your animals!!! That's a tricky one & very hard to do!

We had the benefit of the fact that most rural Spanish houses are built with their own underground water cisterns, that collect rain from the flat roof - worth thinking about if you're starting a build from scratch. Any luck in locating that bit of land yet, Neil? The price of land is soaring!!!

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Namaste Helen,

Helen wrote:

Any luck in locating that bit of land yet, Neil? The price of land is soaring!!!

I haven't even started looking for the land yet. At present I'm busy learning some of the skills and further educating myself on how to make it work long term.

The price of land is indeed high and even though I'm anticipating quite a crash in the property market by this time next year, I don't think land will have fallen much (if any) if only because of the high demand for affordable housing. I'm not looking to purchase land until three and a half to five years from now (probably closer to the five mark). So who knows what the state of the market will be then.

Should you see any cheap land before then Helen give me a nod!

Om Shanti
Neil

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