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As the twentieth century drew to a close and globalization took hold, a strange shift occurred… Agri-business became the norm and the family farm disappeared. Skills such as canning, milking, brewing, foraging, baking bread, as well as repairing and tending to one’s own equipment, became passé. Why till the ground myself when I can purchase (supposedly) fresh tomatoes year round? Why fix a mower, when I can purchase a new one?
As the twenty-first century dawns, many now question the rush towards globalization. Recent scares with Peoples Republic of China-supplied products could provoke us to reconsider a more self-sufficient lifestyle. The rising costs of oil and the distances that food is transported may inspire the same thought. Does it really make sense to ship apples from New Zealand or grapes from Peru to the United States? Are the carbon emissions worth it? The same produce could be grown locally and have the benefit of providing nutrition optimized for the location in which it is grown. People can feel isolated or adrift in today’s insular society. Many of us miss the days when the local community supported each other with offers of help, bake sales, barn-raisings or old-fashioned socializing. A self-sufficient lifestyle can help provide the basis for some of that community interaction. It is difficult, if not impossible, to be fully self-sufficient; at some point we all need help. However, if we enjoy the lifestyle and participate, we can develop valuable skills to offer others in exchange for the help we may require. It can be as simple as making mustard or applesauce and giving it to a few others who might enjoy it. It doesn’t have to be hard work.
It’s about understanding one’s place in the world and treading lightly thereon. It’s about using our skills and efforts to help ourselves and all of our neighbors. That is why Groundwaters.org subscribes to the principles of self-sufficiency. We hope you’ll walk the path with us and share your stories, knowledge and talents.
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