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This is a collaborative post.
A self-sufficient lifestyle can save you money and save the planet. While going completely off-grid is a challenge in today’s society, we can all takes steps to reduce our reliance on mains utilities and shop-bought goods. Here are just a few of the ways in which you can create a more self-sufficient home.
Energy
You can reduce mains energy usage by generating your own energy. Solar panels are one of the cleanest ways to do this and can be used for both power and heating. These are best placed on the area of your roof that receives the most sunlight throughout the day. Unfortunately, solar panels are a big investment – installing them can cost thousands. This cost is going down and you’ll make your money back in several years by not having to rely on mains power, eventually saving huge amounts in your energy bills. Some homes are even able to function solely using solar power.
Water
You can also become more self-sufficient by harvesting some of your own water. By learning how to harvest rainwater you can replace up to 50% of water usually obtained via the mains. While many people use rainwater for gardening, it can also be used for toilet flushing and your washing machine. Depending on where you live, there may even be the option of digging a well to harvest further water. As with installing solar panels, these water harvesting solutions will cost you a lot initially, but you’ll eventually make huge savings by not having to rely as much on mains water.
Sewerage
On top of the water that you consume, there’s also the waste water that you produce to consider. It could be possible to recycle your greywater – this is waste water from the sink and shower, which could be recycled and used for processes like toilet flushing. Meanwhile, when it comes to waste water from the toilet, you may be able to build an off-grid septic tank. Handling your own waste water could also save you money in the long run.
Food
Producing your own food could also be a way of becoming more self-sufficient. This could include growing edible plants in your garden or even owning chickens to produce your own freshly-laid eggs. Even if you live in an apartment and don’t have a garden, there are still edible plants that you can grow inside your home. Hydroponics is becoming more popular in homes, while you can grow foods like tomatoes and carrots in plants pots in a window. Grow enough food, and you could start to save money on your grocery bills.