Living Self Sufficiently - Purchasing Land Checklist - Water

Probably the most important thing to think about, before you move off grid towards your self sufficient lifestyle, is the land you will be living off.

From my research so far, the following points are vital (but not exhaustive) to giving you the best start on your new journey. As I learn more and get closer to the end goal I will update this list.

Other topics will follow ☺

1. Water Source.
We all know that fresh, drinkable water is the number one necessity for life. Think about the amount of water you will need for you and your family in terms of drinking, cooking, cleaning, showers/baths, toilets...as some examples.
Think also of your garden. Most of your crops are going to be maturing over summer requiring daily watering.
If you are keeping animals for eggs, milk and meat, all of which require a constant water source.
In New Zealand we face drought every summer in most regions. Where is your water coming from when there is no significant rain fall for a couple of months? On the flip side, during periods of heavy rainfall, how is your plot of land going to handle it. Will some areas become boggy or flooded? Is there a stream or river on or near your land that might overflow?
Something one of the ladies I follow on You Tube (Starry Hilder) says, which I think is great and will be keeping in mind is "two is one and one is none". Two water sources is the goal.
Rain water collection is easy. With some financial outlay you can purchase water tanks, guttering and piping to connect to your house. You can set it up yourself. Use common sense, think about gravity and use the Internet to get inspired and find out about the finer details these set ups.
The second water source will depend on the location of the property. Look out for streams, creeks, springs and if there are any bore or well opportunities. Again, use the Internet to figure out how to utilise these sources.
As an aside, it is probably a good idea to have any natural water sources tested so you can be certain they will be fine for consumption. If it's a stream or river that flows through the property, find out from neighbours, Google maps etc to see if there is anything untoward that could potentially harm your source. I'm thinking commercial pesticides and fertilizers which might contain some nasties.
With rain water and other water sources, even after having confirmation that they're potable, I would recommend boiling the water as a minimum requirement.

That's all I have to say on water at this stage :) I hope it helps!

Please leave comments and questions!

SheeForce

The War On Sugar - Jamie Oliver ' New TV Show "Jamie's Sugar Rush"

Go Jamie. Cant wait to watch his new series called Jamie's Sugar Rush.

Sugar is BAD people. You don't need it. Have honey instead. Use fruit. Stevia. Even better, save some pennies and invest a little time and less money by putting some soil in a pot and sowing some stevia seeds like me! There are plenty of alternatives to the white stuff around.

Beware the hidden sugar. Avoid processed foods. Learn the different names for sugar marketers and the like have invented to confuse you.

Check ingredients lists...they are there for you. Food industry and government do nothing to protect uneducated people from their food choices. Educate yourself.

This is scary stuff guys. Time to wake up and start asking more questions. Question everything. Do your own research. Don't rely on studies funded by big business. This goes for everything. Stop consuming. Start creating and learning and acting.

Peace.

SheeForce

Starting an Edible Organic Garden - 1

Introductions are in order...

Hi and welcome to my blog! I thought I would start with a little bit about me and what I hope this blog will become.

First off, I'm a 20 something first time Mama to a beautiful baby boy. We live together with my partner and my Mum in a little country, at the bottom of the world, called New Zealand.

Since becoming pregnant with our first son, my outlook on life and the world has changed. I have always had an appreciation for the environment and some concerns about the industrialised way in which our first world culture affects it. Pregnancy gave me the opportunity to reflect more on these issues. Researching and learning how to care for a baby opened my eyes to our world of corporate reliance, social conditioning, fear, and debt - to name a few!

How did I go from baby rearing to this, you might ask? I'm not entirely sure to be honest. But perhaps it's partly because of the billions of products made for babies (and humans of all ages) which turn out to be detrimental to their health and our environment. Countless reports on hidden chemicals which could affect the health of our offspring (and us!). Disposable nappies filling up holes in the ground along with the rest of our rubbish. The truth is, most of these products we don't need. But clever business marketers tell us that we need to buy these products and there is no other alternative if you are a modern, civilised human.

Growing up, I wanted to make a difference. My Mum has a memory of me coming home from school one day and saying something along the lines of, "Mum, I want to change the world". I haven't been successful in this adolescent quest just yet, and maybe I won't be able to singlehandedly change the whole world but I am starting to figure out what exactly needs to be changed.

And that my friends, is what my plan is for this blog. Figuring out what is wrong with the world and giving some solutions a go. Sharing my research and experiences with like-minded people and documenting my attempt to 'change the world'.

SheeForce