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Review by
Richard Sumrall
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"Point
is, it feels good to get dirty, work hard and slow down." |
It is known as self-sufficiency, self-reliant living or urban
homesteading. Whatever you choose to call it, it is a choice that is gaining
renewed attention as a way to retake greater control of your own life. Jenna
Woginrich is someone who has made that choice. The author of the new book
"Made From Scratch," Woginrich is a Web designer by day and a homesteader by
choice.
In her new book she explains how she took the path toward an independent
life of self-sufficiency: "It happened when I started learning more about
how products get to us consumers. ... The more I educated myself about how
the meals I was eating got to my plate, the more disgusted and disappointed
I became." Woginrich used this as a starting point to take a fresh look at
the necessary means of sustenance in her life -- food, clothing, energy --
and decided that she "wanted a lifestyle that was no longer part of the
problem. ...I wanted a more sustainable life."
The knowledge and skills she has learned are showcased in the book's 11
chapters and include these topics: Chickens, Grow Your Own Meal, Beekeeping,
Country Kitchen, Old Stuff, DIY Wardrobe, Working House Dogs, Angora
Rabbits, Homemade Mountain Music, Outside the Farm, Want More?
"Grow your own meal, or I get cocky with my hoe"
The foundation of any decision to become self-sufficient centers on the
production of the food you eat. According to Woginrich, "this might be the
single most satisfying accomplishment the human animal can achieve. ... If
you can garden, you're literally giving life to what sustains your own."
Growing your own food can reduce your costs, ensure freshness and eliminate
any dietary exposure to pesticides, insecticides and fertilizers.
Gardening usually begins with starting your plants by either direct seed
or a transplanted starter plant. Always make certain that you grow the foods
you enjoy eating and that those foods can be grown in your outdoor climate.
If you choose to partially supplement your food consumption with a garden,
you might prefer container gardening to in-ground plots. Regardless of your
growing method, the fundamental rule is always WEED, WATER, REPEAT.
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"Old stuff, or antiques for the renters' homestead"
There is an old saying that goes, "Out with the old, in with the
new." This is not always the case with a self-sufficient person.
Woginrich writes: "There are a lot of really good reasons I run to
the past when I need something utilitarian. ... Things were made
better, looked prettier and lasted longer before plastic took over.
I also go vintage because I want my home to be full of awkward,
lovable items that are imagined with memories of people and stories
I could never forget."
Some of the items she suggests purchasing are percolating
coffeepots, metallic cheese graters, glass dishware (such as Fire
King), hand-powered kitchen appliances, Westinghouse fans, metal
canisters and old radios. Aside from their practicality and inherent
beauty, going vintage is a great way to recycle and help preserve
the environment.
"Outside the farm, or it's time to make some friends"
For anyone contemplating this lifestyle, there are numerous
sources of information. Books, libraries, organizations and
associations are a good first step. Woginrich reminds us of other
indispensable sources that can be equally inspiring and informative
-- the local people who already live such a lifestyle. Local
homesteaders "have more to teach you than anything this or any other
book could, and they'll be happy to help you." Other great sources
include local farms, county fairs, becoming an agritourist (to tour
successful homesteaded farms), hiking clubs, signing up for classes
and shopping at the local farmers market.
"Made From Scratch" is a wonderful introduction to the philosophy
and practicality of a self-supported existence. In the introduction
Woginrich writes: "I still dream that someday I can support myself
without an office job. ... I've come to understand that what I do in
my professional life is not as crucial as I had thought. When I
realized that the heavy stuff, the real stuff, was back home
on the farm and not at my desk, everything changed."
This book is recommended to anyone considering the
self-sufficiency lifestyle or simply trying to reduce their expenses
or impact on the environment.
[Text from file received
from Richard Sumrall,
Lincoln Public Library District] |
