This post may contain affiliate links. If you purchase through the links we may earn a commission on any sales at no additional cost to you.
What is self-reliance? How important is it to rely more on yourself than others and outside resources in these times of great uncertainty? We discuss what self-reliance is all about and some steps to think about in becoming more reliant on yourself
What is Self Reliance
To start, it is important to describe what self-reliance means here at Empire Homestead. We strive to reduce the need for outside resources. What does that mean? It means producing and creating as much as we possibly can on site, rather than having others do it.
For example, instead of buying a new pair of jeans, how can you mend your existing ones? Simple, by learning how to sew and patch the jeans you have.
Do you need eggs or meat? Simple, again. Raise your own chickens for eggs. Raise other animals for meat or to use them to produce other products such as wool or milk. Reducing reliance on supply chains takes effort and hard work, but it can be done.
Having Peace Of Mind
With uncertain times, peace of mind is important to have. Having the available tools, products, food, and other resources can provide that relief. It reduces the need to go searching for things when you need them.
At the local grocery store in my area, meat and dairy have been sparse and replenishment is not happening every week like it was in previous years. If you had your own chickens and goats, most of your meat and dairy would be provided for. Processing your own animals reduces the need for store-bought meat. Also, it reduces the questions surrounding the treatment of the animals since you personally tended to them.
The agricultural industry tends to treat animals as a product rather than an animal. It is important to localize your meat and dairy products to those close by. The best way to do it is to have your own animals and produce eggs and meat yourself.
Another option is to buy locally. Local farmer’s markets keep the money you spend in the nearby communities. You also get to know the sellers personally over time. You can ask those you buy from how the animals were treated if you are concerned.
Final Thoughts
We all have a responsibility to take care of ourselves. There will be times when we need help and in those times, it is good to lean on those who care about you enough to get the help you need. In the good times, though, we all can make our lives simpler and less reliant on the supply chains, and outside resources.