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Self-sufficient living doesn’t have to mean moving to a cabin in the woods and going back to basics. These tips will help you explore ways to produce your own food, use less energy, live healthier and save money, no matter where you liveYou are most likely aware of the increases in the price of electricity, water, and other utilities, along with growing concerns for our environment and the effects of global warming. In response to these issues, more and more people are pursuing the idea of living in a self-sufficient home. What is a self-sufficient home?Self-sufficient homes supply all their own energy, water, sewer needs, and food – they are the ultimate in green living dwellings! A self-sufficient home is also built from recycled or renewable products that are locally sourced. You can either start a self-sufficient home from scratch, or you can adopt changes to make your current home more self-sufficient. Benefits of having a self-sufficient homeHaving a self-sufficient home has a number of benefits which includes:
Ways to create a self-sufficient homeHere are three things you should consider if you’re looking for ways to improve your home to be more self-sufficient. Water managementSecuring an independent water supply can be difficult. Drilling a well is one of the more obvious choices, but this is not always an option. Another idea is to collect rainwater and use it as a clean, renewable resource. The water can be pumped through a filtration system and then used safely for showering, cleaning, and laundry. Or, you can simply collect rainwater in water storage tanks and then use it directly in the garden. Tanks For Everything, explain how “there are many benefits to storing rainwater, the main one being the saving made on metered water costs which can see up to 50% savings. Other key benefits to harvesting rainwater include contributing to reduced flood risks and lowering the load on combined sewer overflows improving river water quality.” Alternative electricityThe next step to creating a self-sufficient home is to switch to renewable energy, such as solar power. Although the initial installation may seem costly, it is much more efficient, and is likely to save you money in the long run. Solar power experts Mypower state that “with solar PV you are effectively able to forward buy your electricity at around 5 pence per unit. This cost compares with a rate of 11 to 15 pence per unit from the grid – a significantly higher cost.” Solar is a clean, maintenance-free, energy source that will provide your home with electricity that has absolutely no harm on the environment. You also have the potential to earn an extra income with solar via the Feed-in Tariff. This is a government scheme where households with solar panels receive a payment for any electricity they generate and don’t use. This payment is set for the next 20 years and so now is a great time to take advantage of this incentive and earn an extra income from solar! FoodGrowing your own organic fruit and vegetables is a major step towards achieving a self-sufficient home. Although this will require effort and dedication, it is definitely worth it. Not only will this reduce your carbon footprint, but it will also save you money on groceries, and provide a healthier alternative for you and your family. If you don’t have enough room in your garden to grow all your needs, then start small and choose a few of your favourite herbs or vegetables to grow. You could also look into renting a plot on a nearby allotment. Final thoughtEnvironmental concerns, along with increases in the price of electricity, water, and other utilities, have created a recent surge of interest in self-sufficient living. Making your home more self-sufficient will save you money and is the ultimate way to minimise your environmental impact. All it takes is some dedication, and the result with lead to a cost-efficient and healthier home. Editor's Recommended ArticlesHow much does it cost to build a self sustainable house?The average cost to build a sustainable house is between $395,804 and $423,237.
What is needed for a selfFortunately, the same methods that are used by you die-hards can also help the average modular homeowner. There are four primary needs that need to be met for any home to be considered Self-Sufficient: Generating electricity, heating and/or cooling the home, access to fresh water, and a waste disposal system.
How do you build a sustainable house completely?Creating a Sustainable Home: Building/Retrofitting. Start with an eco-friendly location and layout. ... . Utilize recycled building materials. ... . Implement living walls or a living roof. ... . Install energy efficient doors and windows. ... . Try a non-traditional home style. ... . Utilize the sun. ... . Use high quality, eco-friendly insulation.. What is a selfClimate change, high energy prices raise demand for self-sustaining homes called Earthships 05:43. Along a rural road in northern New Mexico, homes rise from the dusty desert with futuristic shapes resembling something from another planet. They are known as Earthships: off-the-grid homes built into the ground.
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