9 Ways to Bring Homesteading Principles to the Suburbs
At some point over the last two years, I think we’ve all probably considered moving off the grid to become the most earthy, self-sufficient, granola-mom versions of ourselves. Even when these daydreams don’t work out, we can still keep a sliver of hope alive. Bring homesteading principles into the cities and suburbs with these tips!
Upcycle unusable household fabrics instead of throwing them away. Click here to learn how to use old t-shirts and a hula hoop to make a floor mat. This is a great craft for kids to help with, too! If you have a sewing machine, you can really get creative here - old fabric (clothing, sheets, etc.) can become quilts or reusable shopping bags. Keep it simple and resolve to patch clothing to get more wear time.
Thrifting is a great way to reduce your carbon footprint and get away from fast fashion. Look for high-quality brands that will continue to last for years to come.
Become a plant mom (or dad). This can look like a succulent, a tiny terra-cotta pot of basil, or a complete home garden. Gardening is way easier than you would think and you don't need much land - ¼ acre is doable! You can start with hardy veggies like tomatoes, squash, and kale. If you’re not up for quite that much commitment, spend a few dollars on some soil and seeds for a windowsill garden. Try wildflowers or herbs.
Reduce your exposure to artificial light. Open your window shades and let the light in! Opt for a few natural soy or beeswax candles over a lamp in the evening.
Prioritize sustainability - keep your reusable shopping bags in your trunk so you don’t leave them behind. When shopping online, choose brands that are transparent about their carbon footprint, packaging materials, and trade ethics.
Composting is a great way to reduce waste and improve the nutrient density in the food you grow in your garden. Fruits & vegetables don’t contain the same level of nutrients that they did in the past due to soil depletion. You don’t need a fancy setup - this is as easy as buying a tumbler and adding your leaves and food scraps. Go heavy on the leaves for the quickest decomposition process.
Can & pickle seasonal produce - It’s not difficult and it will save you a lot of money.
Shop for toys made from natural materials like wood or cotton. I wrote a blog post about this around Christmas time. Read it here.
If you’re really dedicated to this thing (kudos to you, by the way), you might be interested in buying a few chickens. You might be allowed to have up to 3 chickens in your backyard in your township. A simple web search will give you the answer. Chickens can clean up your garden and fertilize it. In the summer months, you can get 1-2 eggs a day, per chicken. You’ll notice that the yolks from fresh eggs are bright orange - they are far more nutrient-dense than typical store-bought eggs.