Self-Sufficiency and Frugalism: A Symbiotic Relationship

“I make myself rich by making my wants few.”

– Henry David Thoreau

Gathering rain to water your garden, growing a food forest in your backyard, raising chickens in your own coop—these are often things that people associate with the term "self-sufficiency"—but they're not the whole story. Sometimes, in order to be frugal and living on our own terms, we can't afford a big piece of land and we may not have enough room to fit a large rain barrel. The good thing about self-sufficiency is that almost any amount of it can have a positive effect on your well-being, the earth, and your wallet. Read on to learn about how living a frugal life and being self-sufficient can be simultaneous steps towards the same goal.

Food Store or Food Forest?

If you grew your own cabbage, tomatoes, fruits, potatoes, and other foods, you could save a good amount on groceries. Depending on what part of the country you live in, you can grow some crops that cost a pretty penny when you buy them. And thanks to the many videos and sites out there offering guidance, it is pretty simple to learn how to do high-density urban gardening, which can even be done on an apartment balcony.

High density urban gardening makes it possible to grow more food in compact areas. In this gardening method, crops are planted close together (and sometimes vertically growing) to maximize space utilization and boost harvest yields.

Many herbs and spices can be grown inside, as well. Are you a smoker? I am not going to lecture you on the fact that it causes cancer, but I will tell you that it is healthier and way cheaper to grow (and roll) your own. Virginia tobacco is super hardy, and will grow anywhere that is warm enough to grow cabbage. And since we're on the topic of vices, if you live in Oregon (like I do) or a few other states, it may be legal to grow your own marijuana as well. Like wine? Dandelion wine is made from dandelion, that pesky weed that's found, well, everywhere. And the most popular drug of all, caffeine, is found in several South American plants that grow well in tropical areas, and Yaupon, a plant in the same family as Yerba Mate that can grow in many places in North America.

Composting

I bet you're thinking "Um, I can't save money from composting, and... it's gross." And, well, you're wrong. On all counts. Manure (shit) composting, well yes, that is a bit gross (but can be very effective). I don't compost with poo. In our household, all we do is take all kitchen scraps (except meat, which we try not to waste) and throw them in the compost container to be taken outside, eventually. Because we are too lazy to go outside to the compost bin and pile a few times a day. We also have a plastic storage bin by the back patio with a lid on it where we toss our kitchen scraps, looseleaf tea, and coffee grounds (and also dead leaves and grass). When that is full, it goes to the big compost pile behind the shed that is currently covered with fallen leaves. Six months later, we have beautiful, nutrient and microorganism-rich soil that gives us plentiful harvests for spring, summer, fall, and even winter. So not only do we have to pay for soil less, but we get bigger, more bountiful harvests of food. In addition, between reusing and repurposing plastics and other things as well as composting kitchen scraps, we are able to have the smallest trash can that our waste company offers, which means a smaller bill.

Garden or Side Gig?

In addition to providing food and sustenance for your household, you can also use high-density urban gardening to start a small produce stand, right in your driveway! If you rent, make sure that there is nothing in your lease that prevents you from doing business on the property, and if there is, check with your landlord anyway and offer them free produce or a small percentage of sales to entice them to allow it. In addition, many landlords will discount your rent (sometimes by a few hundred dollars a month) for taking care of the yard. If you add plants that bear fruit or are edible, then its a win-win.

Climate Resilience

Having a yard full of food not only saves you money, but it can literally be a lifesaver for when (not "if") supply chains fail again, like they did in the first year or two of the COVID pandemic. Canned food in your storage space is well and good, but having fresh, homegrown veggies, fruits, and medicinal herbs is a much more sustainable option for ongoing resilience as the weather worsens, fire seasons lengthen, and pandemics happen more often.

To wrap up, picking up sustainable habits like gardening and composting can save you tons of money over time. Just think about how low your living expenses would be with (possibly) less rent, a lower grocery bill, no reason to spend money on your vices or coffee (grown your own), a lower trash bill, and another way to keep you and your loved ones healthy in hard times.