August 15, 2008
Issue #002, August 15, 2008. In This Issue...
A Return To Homesteading - Ten Reasons People Are Becoming More Self Sufficient.
Homesteading Income - Fourteen Ways You Can Earn Money From Your Land.
Want a Great Source of Homesteading Income? Sell Eggs!
Cutting Costs at the Grocery Store - Ten Ways to Slash Your Grocery Bill in Half.
Cut Your Utility Bills While Keeping Your Cool This Summer.
Avoid Fast Food - Ten Reasons to Stay Home and Cook Instead.
Use a Cistern As a Backup For Your Solar or Wind-Powered Well and to Collect Rainwater.
Whew! Are you ready to pursue the self reliant life? Then read on!
A Return To Homesteading
Tired of the rat race, fast food and feeling out of touch with your world? These days people are becoming more self reliant, depending on themselves for what they eat, what they wear and even how they light their homes and run their appliances. Here are ten reasons why people return to homesteading.Inflation
A year go at our local supermarket, a bargain loaf of bread cost about a dollar. Today, that same loaf of bread costs almost twice as much. As the dollar decreases in value and the cost of food increases, more people are turning to growing a garden, raising chickens and even keeping goats for food, eggs, meat, milk and cheese.The Economy
The recent loan crisis, the recession and the housing market have a lot of people concerned. Many believe there is a very real possibility of another great depression. During the last depression, those who had their own land and a big garden were able to avoid the soup lines and starvation. A return to homesteading is insurance against possible tough times ahead.Disaster Insurance
Likewise in the face of disaster, it’s wise to be self-reliant and to be able to produce or have on hand sufficient food, water and even energy. Few cities have more than a few days worth of food on hand. Should we face a terrorist attack or another natural disaster like Katrina, self-reliance is a good way to be prepared.Foodborne illnesses
Salmonella in our peanut butter, e coli on our lettuce and tomatoes and even beef, and poison in our pet food. People these days are growing more concerned about what is going into their food – and looking for ways to prepare that food themselves instead.Chemicals in Food
Even when they don’t have salmonella or e coli, most of the food we buy is processed, loaded with chemicals such as MSG and preservatives. When we return to homesteading, we begin eating simple, whole foods that truly nourish our bodies.Concern For The Environment
Homesteading is a saner, more balanced approach to food production. With organic gardening, you don’t just take from the earth; you also give back by composting. Many homesteaders also use solar and wind energy to power their homes – clean, cheap and safe for the environment.Pesticides
By growing organically, we not only eliminate dangerous pesticides from our food, we also eliminate it from our patch of land, cleaning up the earth one small patch at a time.Health Benefits
Homesteading involves chores outside and lots of fresh air and exercise. We raise our own food, which means we have a more whole and natural diet that strengthens our bodies.A Yearning For Simplicity
Modern society is fast-paced, complex and exhausting. Most people are too busy earning that four-car garage to actually enjoy anything. Many return to homesteading for the slower pace and the chance to actually enjoy life.Reconnect With Family
When we weed the garden or feed the chickens, we can get the children involved to help. We can turn to our parents and grandparents for advice on how to pluck a chicken or grow tomatoes. Homesteading connects us to family in a unique and powerful way that an office job never will.So take the first steps toward self reliance today. Plant a garden or even get a chicken or two. That way, you can begin your return to homesteading and face the future with confidence.
What's New
The focus at Organic Gardening and Homesteading for the last couple of weeks has been on self reliance, cutting costs, eating more at home and even making an income off your land. Here are the topics:Want to become more self reliant? Learn how to live off your land and be prepared for whatever comes your way.
Have you ever been interested in a homesteading income? Here are Fourteen Ways you can earn money from your land.
Ever thought about selling eggs? They can be a great source of homesteading income.
Live frugally. Here are ten ways to cut costs at the grocery store. Follow these tips and you can cut your grocery bill significantly.
Want to cut your utility bill? Here are some tips to save energyand still keep your cool this summer.
Feed your body and your wallet. Here are ten reasons to avoid fast food and cook that meal at home instead.
And finally, why every homesteader should use a cistern as a back up for their solar or wind-powered well and to collect rainwater.
And until next time, happy homesteading!
Organic Gardening and Homesteading
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