planet HOMESTEADING

Homesteading is experiencing a resurgence and increasingly a necessity in a time of product shortages and spiralling costs. Here’s how to get started according to mentors in the lifestyle.

Words LINDA MOON

Aretro lifestyle based on providing for our own practical needs, homesteading focuses on activities like growing food and producing our own energy and household products. With food, fuel, power bills and more on the rise, it’s a good time to get on board.

While associated with the backto-the-land movement, elements of homesteading can be practised almost anywhere, including in the city. Benefits include reduced costs, connection to nature, traditional knowledge and our own creativity and initiative, plus a greater sense of security. It’s also friendlier on the environment — items made at home accrue fewer food miles and contribute fewer pollutants.

In reality, homesteading occurs on a spectrum. It’s impossible to be fully selfsufficient. However, providing for many of our own needs can make a difference and generate joy and satisfaction.

Getting started

Homesteading requires time, energy, knowledge, skills and practice. Begin with something you enjoy. To build skills, explore the range of courses, DIY books, blogs, vlogs, niche magazines and more on subjects like permaculture, herbal medicine, Indigenous crafts, building and so on — whatever appeals to you. Also source help from the older generation and those following the lifestyle.

Illustrations Getty Images

As DIY requires various tools and materials, free up workspace and storage at home for your activities. But before you fork out on stuff, have a plan.

Nevin Sweeney, founder of the Under the Choko Tree sustainable living blog and a former industrial chemist and president of Permaculture Sydney West, says having a plan will help you maximise your time, resources and money. Start by measuring your consumption. “What you don’t measure you don’t control,” he says.