Homesteading: The Key To Self Sufficiency

A Guide To Efficient Homesteading

By: Dahlia Smith

TABLE OF CONTENTS

Table of Contents

Publishers Notes

Dedication

Chapter 1- What is a Homestead?

Chapter 2- How to Design an Efficient Homestead

Chapter 3- Starting the Homestead Garden

Chapter 4- Growing Animals on the Homestead- Which Animals are best to Start with?

Chapter 5- Homesteading-Cooking, Baking, Canning and Preserving

Chapter 6- Candle and Soap Making on the Homestead

Chapter 7- How to be Energy Efficient on the Homestead

Chapter 8- Recycling on the Homestead- Methods to Process Waste

About The Author

PUBLISHERS NOTES

Disclaimer

This publication is intended to provide helpful and informative material. It is not intended to diagnose, treat, cure, or prevent any health problem or condition, nor is intended to replace the advice of a physician. No action should be taken solely on the contents of this book. Always consult your physician or qualified health-care professional on any matters regarding your health and before adopting any suggestions in this book or drawing inferences from it.

The author and publisher specifically disclaim all responsibility for any liability, loss or risk, personal or otherwise, which is incurred as a consequence, directly or indirectly, from the use or application of any contents of this book.

Any and all product names referenced within this book are the trademarks of their respective owners. None of these owners have sponsored, authorized, endorsed, or approved this book.

Always read all information provided by the manufacturers’ product labels before using their products. The author and publisher are not responsible for claims made by manufacturers.

Worldwide Copyright 2013

Magnum Results Corp.

British Columbia, Canada

Kindle Edition

DEDICATION

This book is dedicated to my parents who introduced me to homesteading.

CHAPTER 1 - WHAT IS A HOMESTEAD?

Homesteading, which was essentially a farming act, is nothing new, it is something that was promoted, with great enthusiasm, during the period of reconstruction in the United States, as well as in the late 1960's, and 70's. Consequently, because of the fact that corporations have taken over the role of the family farm, most traditional farms have gone away, in place of manufactured food companies.

In particular, the idea of the homestead in America, came from an actual law, labeled the Homestead Act, in which people moving to, or living in America, were given incentives to move into certain settlements, and harvest, or manipulate the land, for an agreed upon amount of time, so that these areas could become populated, and begin to grow.

To be even more accurate, the particular reason these unassigned parcels of federal land were being pushed was for the purpose of establishing farms, and farmers, who were willing to do the work of growing food for the communities, which would, in turn, stabilize the growth of the new country.

With that said, the actual original Homestead Act was realized by one of the most famous U.S. Presidents, Abraham Lincoln. This law was broadly encompassing, and was open to any friend of the United States, who could be defined in terms of someone who had never gone against the country, insofar as wielding weapons, or doing harm to the country, anyone who was 21, or older, and this included women, as well as former slaves.

With respect to the idea of slaves, the slave trade actually had a significant impact on the Homestead Act, in terms of how the law was developed, and the agenda that it served to meet. Because of the effect of slavery, and the way that rich, previous slave owners, farm owners had gained, and then maintained, their lands, the mission of the Homestead Act was to circumvent these rich land owners from perpetuating slave based practices, which had led to their unparalleled growth.

The reason that this was a problem for the country was for the fact that this process of the slave trade was something comparable to mass marketing, or mass production, if you will. It was something like having a manufacturing line, with low overhead, that no other farm owner could legally compete with. So, in essence, this business of homesteading was a response to the marginalization of independent farmers, who were know being given the chance to reestablish themselves, and to help to reconstruct the country, and also the new image of the country.

After the initial homestead act was instituted, there were a few amendments that worked off of the basic founding principles of the act, and extended the practice of providing free land, in exchange for some type of work done to, or for, the benefit of the land, and in turn the country.

This idea was successful, as well as innovative because whether the family was rich, poor, or newly immigrated, they were able to access large plots of land easily, for free, in most cases, or hardly any cost.

In today's modern times, homesteading is not unlike the days of old, minus one major difference, which are the acres of free land. The recent resurgence of the term homesteading has sustained the principle of developing the land; however, it is something that is done on a case-by-case basis, by the individual, and without the government incentive of the past.

The act of today's homesteading practices has to do with developing ones land, so that the family has the capacity to be self sufficient, and sustaining, with respect to basic food necessities of life. Because of the removed presence of farmers in modern times, the general U.S. Population has lost a connection to the food that they eat, and even, how it is produced. Food production has become a task handled only by professional business, and is not often something done by any one family.

Nonetheless, with the changing global economics, and domestic economic conditions as well, individuals, and families have begun to seek out alternative food sources and prices than those standardized by the corporate food industry.

With respect to the tradition of free government land, there have been recent reports that declare certain small U.S. Towns, with shrinking populations have begun to offer homestead-like deals, which center around low housing costs, waived property taxes, and more, with a promise to stay on the land for term of ten years or more, with the additional requirements of constructing residential structures on the land.

For anyone looking to move away from overpopulated city areas, as well as suburbs, this has been somewhat of an attractive idea at first glance. However, this deal is something that comes with the cost of relocating ones family, or oneself, in mostly Midwestern areas. For instance, places like Kansas, and Texas, and of course, Alaska, which is a state that has offered this sort of deal for decades.

Overall, whether it was the process from centuries ago, or a new age homesteading style, the term has been coined to signal the importance of maintaining, and developing the land, which is crucial to sustaining life, but even more importantly growth. No matter the source, the federal government, or the family unit, or a suburban project, there is empowerment in deciding to realize a homesteading project, but keep in mind that a homesteading project requires the investment of a long-term plan, which typically ranges from 5 – 10 years.

CHAPTER 2 - HOW TO DESIGN AN EFFICIENT HOMESTEAD

When designing an efficient homestead, there are many things to consider. By using various proven techniques and strategies, a person can design a very efficient homestead that allows them to maximize the benefits that they derive from their resources.

Using Solar Energy

Solar panels are excellent tools that can be used to generate a large amount of free energy. Once a person purchases and installs solar panels, they can use solar energy to generate electricity, and even when it is dark outside, the panels will generate electricity from the energy that they stored during the day.

While the initial cost of solar panels may be slightly high, they are exceptionally cost-efficient in the long-term.

Growing Your Own Food

Many people do not take the time to grow their own food unless they own a farm; however, deciding not to grow food can be a serious mistake.

Planting and managing a small amount of crops is relatively easy, and the benefits of growing one's own food are substantial. The costs of seeds are low, and a person can purchase various types of seeds in order to grow several types of food, such as wheat, corn, fruits and vegetables.

When a person grows their own food, their financial situation won't be affected as much by fluctuating food prices, and they won't have to visit the supermarket as often. In addition, a person can sell any excess food that they produce.

An Energy-Efficiency A/C Unit

If a person lives in a particularly warm climate, having an air conditioning unit is vital. There are many a/c units that have been specifically designed to use a low amount of electricity, and a person can choose the one that provides optimal performance with the lowest amount of energy consumption.

Windows for the Winter

A person who lives in a cold climate should have windows that are designed to keep heat in a home during the winter. These types of windows can significantly lower the costs of operating a heater or a furnace.

Use a Fireplace

While having a furnace or a heating unit is important if a person lives in a cold climate, it can consume a relatively large amount of energy.

Using a fireplace is a much more energy-efficient way of heating a room or a home, and by cutting firewood or purchasing firewood, a person can ensure that they can keep their fire burning for as long as they would like to.

Energy-Efficiency Lights

Many people do not realize the large amount of electricity that lights can use over time. By using energy-efficient bulbs, a person can save a large amount of money in the long-term.

Buying Food in Bulk

Buying food in bulk is an excellent way to save money, and many wholesale stores offer discounts if a person buys a large amount of food at one time.

People are accustomed to visiting the grocery store at any time, and if the grocery stores were to close, there would be a serious shortage of food. Buying food in bulk helps to ensure that a person is always prepared for any event.

Hunting

Hunting is an excellent way to get food, if you are the hunting type. If a person lives in a wooded area or near a national forest that allows hunting, they can easily hunt large animals.

Raising Animals

Raising animals, such as cows, chickens and pigs, is an excellent way to generate a consistent supply of milk, eggs and meat.

Cows can produce large amounts of milk throughout the course of a year, and with the national price for a gallon of milk currently at around $2.50, having a consistent supply of milk from a cow can save a person a large amount of money in the long-term.

Performing Repairs or Completing Renovations

If a person's home needs repairs or renovations, completing the renovations oneself is usually much cheaper than hiring a contractor to do so. Usually, the costs of materials are relatively low compared to the costs of labor, and by learning how to complete renovations; a person will learn a skill that they can use in the future.

An Energy-Efficient Roof

If a person lives in a warm climate, purchasing an energy-efficient roof can save them a significant amount of money. By installing a roof that has a light color, the rays of the sun will reflect off of the roof.

During hot summers, this type of roof can keep a person's home very cool, and it can significantly lower the costs of operating an a/c unit.

Energy-efficient roofs are so effective that the government has now begun to offer tax benefits, full deductions and credits for people who install this type of roof.

Build a Well

Wells can be efficient and consistent sources of water, and once a well has been built, a person will no longer have to pay for tap water.

There are many step-by-step guides for building a well available, and once a person builds it, they can connect pumps to the well and use a filtration system in order to filter their water and maximize its level of purity.

There are many techniques and strategies that a person can use in order to maximize the efficiency of their homestead. Some of these include using solar energy, growing one's own food, obtaining an energy-efficient a/c unit, buying windows that are designed for the winter, using a fireplace, purchasing energy-efficient lights, buying food in bulk, hunting, raising animals, completing renovations, installing an energy-efficient roof and building a well.

CHAPTER 3 - STARTING THE HOMESTEAD GARDEN

Whether you have been settled into your home for only a short time or you have lived there for years, it is never too late or early to start your own garden. Not only do gardens add aesthetic value to your property, but they are also incredibly effective in minimizing your grocery-shopping budget. However, starting your own garden takes time, work, and motivation, so be sure you have those things first before you head out and start digging. Also, it wouldn't hurt to stock up on some gardening equipment as well.

If you are a newbie to the gardening world, then the first step would be to do a little research. Figure out when is the best time to grow what, determine what kind of soil you will need, and what exactly it is that you want to grow. There are many factors in the mix when it comes to tending the land, but have no fear-- there are countless guides out there to help you, both online and at your local gardening store. But a good place to start since you are here already is in the steps provided in this following list of tips:

Plan Your Garden

As it has been said already, an important question to ask yourself is what kind of plants you want to grow. Consider making a list to keep track of what kind of crop you want to produce so that you know which seeds you will be after when you go to the gardening store. Also, take into consideration where you will want to put your garden and how much space you will have for each plant. Since each plant differs in size, you should plan to keep a certain amount of distance between your seeds in accordance to the potential that each species has for growth.

Furthermore, it is important to find out when the plants will thrive best so that you can figure out a good time for planting. You will also need to take into account what kind of equipment you will need to sustain the plants, as well as other products such as pesticides and weed killing devices to protect your growing specimens.

Planning your garden could be one of the greatest factors weighing in on the success of your garden, so it is important not to take this step lightly. There is no such thing as "too little planning".

Plant Your Garden

This step requires that you have your seeds, your fertile soil, and a location exposed to ample sunlight. Once all these things are ready to go, get your gardening gear together- your shovel and a watering can or hose, and get ready to plant.

The process of planting is fairly simple, especially if you are simply putting in seeds. Make sure that your holes are deep enough-- nothing more than a foot for most. Then place your seed in the hole and fill it with fertile soil, packing it in with your hands. A pair of garden gloves may be handy, particularly for those less inclined to get their hands dirty.

When you are planting a sapling, you may need to dig a deeper hole, making sure that the soil, which came with the sapling in its bucket, goes past the surface. Also, make sure that you aren't planting the bucket either. To remove the sapling from the bucket, simply squeeze the bucket and gently twist out your plant away from it. Make sure to do this gently, or else the soil may crumble apart.

Once the sapling is placed in the hole, pat in the fertile soil while adding plenty of water. Even after the hole is completely filled and your sapling is standing securely in the ground, water it well to ensure its healthy growth.

Maintenance

After you have planted your seeds, you will need to maintain them to ensure that your garden is fruitful. This means that you are making time everyday in your schedule to go out and water each plant, as well as looking out for any weeds that might steal the nutrients and pulling them out by the root the moment they show up.

It will take time before certain plants start to emerge from the ground, but remember that a key part of gardening is patience. As long as you are regularly watering and weeding, then it will only be a matter of time.

Once your garden grows to full bloom, sometimes trimming may be in order. Remember that your plants need sunlight, and if a larger plant is overshadowing a smaller one, you may want to trim it down. Also, in the case that you are growing vegetables and fruit, keep an eye out for ripeness so you can pick your produce at the right time.

Starting a garden is a great asset in terms of long-term provision for certain produce, but make sure that the sole reason behind starting one is simply because you enjoy gardening. If you don't like to be in the dirt, maybe it would be best to stick to regular visits to your grocery store rather than pouring in money and time into something that will require your long-term supervision. However, if you have a green thumb or want to see if you do, then starting a garden in your own backyard will be well worth all the effort.

CHAPTER 4 - GROWING ANIMALS ON THE HOMESTEAD- WHICH ANIMALS ARE BEST TO START WITH?

Raising Animals on a Homestead

If control over your food supply is a concern, then starting a small backyard farm can be the solution. Homestead farms are a resource for food and self-sustainability. It just takes a little know-how and practicality to get a farm going. Some livestock are especially practical for the small-farm environment of a homestead.

Poultry

Chickens are a great starting point for building a self-sufficient homestead. Certain livestock can easily found, are fairly easy to rear and don’t require a lot of space. Chickens can feed off of bugs and grubs in the yard and be supplemented with commercial feeds. They are efficient foragers and can help control pests and weeds. Chicken manure makes a great fertilizer and certain nutritional supplements can reduce the moisture and make their droppings easy to remove.

The wonderful aspect of raising chickens is that not only do you have the end product of fresh and healthy meat but eggs can be collected as well. Supermarket eggs can’t compare to the tastiness of fresh eggs. To keep an adult hen laying eggs, you will need to have a rooster as well. Just bear in mind that roosters are notorious escape artists. Chicken pens should be taller than 7-feet, or the chicken’s wings should be clipped. Wing clipping can be done early in the chicken’s life.

A homegrown hormone free chicken makes a better meal than the young hormone-filled chickens in grocery stores. A farmer can butcher chickens himself on-site. The feathers shouldn’t be overlooked. They can be used to fill bedding and pillows.

Over 160 U.S. cities have adopted ordinances that allow for “urban” chicken farming, or backyard chicken coops. Big cities like New York, Chicago, and Los Angeles have allowed for the return of the chicken to the city. The growing interest in backyard chickens has caused a boom to high-end coops and supplies. Resources for raising chickens have never been so accessible.

Other animals in the poultry family share the benefits in a homestead environment. Turkeys, guinea fowl, ducks, and geese are great additions to a backyard farm. Purchasing stock is a bit more expensive than chickens, which makes them less popular, but guineas are even more efficient than chickens in foraging for bugs and pests. They will even eat bothersome wasps, hornets, and ants. Some poultry, like turkeys, are best for a small farm environment when they are a “heritage breed” that is native to the area and able to survive and be productive in that region.

Goats

Goats have become popular with backyard farms since they need a relatively small amount of space and help control weeds and overgrown grasses. Some breeds are better suited for milking and others for meat. Goat meat is a common food in many cultures, including the Middle East, Central America, and the Caribbean. Goat butchering requires a bit of know-how and can become messy. So, it’s not for the faint-of-heart.

Breeds used for milk production are popular. Goat milk can be used as an alternative to cow’s milk, and to make cheeses, butters, and soaps. While one doe can supply a gallon of milk a day, milking comes with its own demands. Typically, a goat requires milking twice a day, every day, for the lactation period, usually around 9-10 months.

While the milking process isn’t difficult because of a goat’s good nature, the time demands and limitations to leave the farm can be seen as a disadvantage. Another consideration with raising goats is the loud nature of goats, especially young goats. They often become separated from their mothers by only a few yards and bleat for their mothers until they realize she is nearby. If noise pollution and nearby neighbors is a factor, goats on the homestead may not be the best scenario.

Sheep

Sheep may be a great alternative to goats because they are quieter, more docile, and not as inclined to escape or become entangled in fencing. Their meat is especially desirable while they are still young. Adult sheep can also be used for meat and are quite productive in relation to their grazing and feed supply. Sheep, of course, also provide wool. They must be sheared every year, and this can be a difficult skill to learn by practice. Professional shearers usually work large farm operations and are not inclined to make calls on small, homestead farms.

Pigs

The beauty in raising hogs is that they can grow to over 200 pounds from mainly eating kitchen scraps and past-prime produce. Pigs don’t require much space, but should be kept in an area that is mainly manure free. During hot summer months, pigs need a puddle of water or shallow water source to stay cool. Butchering hogs is usually left to those with experience, and while there’s no such thing as too much bacon, storing 200 pounds of meat at one time can be challenging.

Catfish and Other Fish

Fish farming shouldn’t be overlooking when planning a homestead. A small pond can be well stocked with catfish. Some fish are able to thrive in larger fish tanks, but are not as easy to maintain as a pond. Ponds are great because they can also serve as a habitat for waterfowl, such as ducks and geese.

Rabbits

Rabbits can be a great start for backyard farming since they use only a small cage area. While rabbits can be fed commercial pellets, they can benefit from eating greens that are past their prime. Rabbits have earned their reputation as prolific reproducers, and your stock can increase quickly. With ample meat and fur produced within a small area, rabbits are especially useful in cases of limited space. Rabbit is delicious meat and is a common food in many European cultures. In the U.S., rabbits have been mainly seen as pets, so convincing the rest of the family that rabbit is for dinner may be an issue.

Beekeeping

Honey could be considered the ultimate self-sustaining food source. Bees don’t need any animal husbandry efforts other than providing a place for them to set up their colony. They produce honey and beeswax and help pollinate nearby crops. While you’ll have to ignore your fears of things buzzing around you to get the honey, there’s no “butchering” involved.

While some people may see killing your own food as insensitive it is the opposite. Raising your own livestock gives you control over the treatment of the animals that eventually become your dinner. When you purchase meat from another source it is difficult to know what quality of life the animal had. Taking control of you food sources and finding a way to be self-sufficient are the great benefits of a homestead.

CHAPTER 5 - HOMESTEADING-COOKING, BAKING, CANNING AND PRESERVING

Homesteading is a lifestyle that many people are starting to embrace once again. A family that chooses this lifestyle usually wants to live a more self-sufficient life. One of the easiest ways to start this lifestyle is through the cooking, baking, canning and preserving of home grown food or food purchased through any farming cooperative.

Cooking and Baking

Homemade, made from scratch, and unprocessed are all terms that people use today to describe food that is prepared and made in the home. Cooking and baking using raw and natural ingredients can be intimidating to some people, but fortunately more and more communities are offering free cooking classes through local cooperative extension offices and grass-root organizations. If your local community does not have a program to help with cooking and baking, there are plenty of resources online as well.

As new homesteaders start to get more comfortable with cooking and baking from scratch, they start to choose to cook and bake in large quantities and then store the food in the freezer. By using airtight containers and vacuum sealers, people can store a variety of foods in the freezer for several months. When it is time to eat the frozen food, it can easily be thawed in the refrigerator or in the oven. This allows for faster meal preparation when busy times arise without sacrificing a homestead way of life.

The process of making large meals and freezing those meals is also popular when a homesteader has a large crop of a particular food item. Many homesteaders like to cook with in-season food and choose to can or freeze the excess in order to enjoy the food during the off-season. More seasoned homesteaders are able to be completely self-sufficient even during long winters due to proper planning, cooking, canning and preserving during peak growing seasons.

Canning and Preserving

Whether a homesteader grows his or her own food, buys from a local farmer, or joins a farm cooperative, canning and preserving food is essential to self-sufficiency. Many vegetables can be picked and canned all in the same day. Some vegetables require blanching prior to canning, which may mean using a large pot for quick boiling and a large bowl of ice for quick cooling.

Other vegetables can be washed, cut and put directly into cans without blanching and may just require a hot water bath. It is important to become familiar with the best way to can each type of vegetable in order to reduce the risk of bacteria growth in the food. Jars and lids also need to be sterilized and any water that goes into food jars should be distilled.

Jams, jellies, and sauces can also be made in large quantities and canned for later use. Again, the jars must be sterilized and some items also need to be prepared with a pressure cooker, not just a hot water bath. The National Center for Home Food Preservation has a USDA guide available online to help homesteaders know which foods need to be blanched, hot bath sealed, and pressure-cooked. The guide also covers pickling of various vegetables and canning of meats and seafood.

Health Benefits and Dangers of Using Canned and Preserved Food in Cooking and Baking

Since most canned foods are picked fresh and stored shortly after, the loss of nutrients is less prevalent, thus making home canned items healthier than store bought canned items. By preserving and canning items at home, the final product has no artificial sweeteners, excessive preservatives, or unnecessary chemicals, which some studies have linked to causing cancer risks in both men and women. Although, there are plenty of health benefits of using your own canned and preserved foods to cook and bake with, there are still some dangers to be aware of when making food at home.

If the food and storage containers are not properly cleaned and sanitized before and during the canning process, there is a chance that the canned food could make someone sick. Botulism is a serious paralytic illness that can be caused by food borne bacteria. Since Botulism can be fatal, it is crucial that all precautions are taken during the actual canning and preserving process to avoid problems later on. Low acid foods like green beans and beets are more susceptible to Botulism toxins, but those toxins are easily killed through heating. If foods are canned through pressure cooking or heated for at least ten minutes before eating, the risk of Botulism is greatly decreased.

Staying Self-Sufficient

Although there may be some health risks involved in canning and preserving food, those same risks can also be present in processed and manufactured food. If someone is considering leading a more sufficient and homesteading lifestyle, a local cooperative extension office can provide useful information, materials and tools to help someone work towards full self-sufficiency. From soil testing to pressure canning classes, this federally funded program helps people and even small business owners learn the skills they need to become as self-sufficient as they want to be.

By meeting other homesteaders at local classes or through online connections, people can find new ways to cook, bake, can and preserve their own food on their own land. As more and more people move towards this lifestyle for personal or health reasons, they can feel supported by others while still being considered self-sufficient.

CHAPTER 6 - CANDLE AND SOAP MAKING ON THE HOMESTEAD

Not long ago, people weren't able to rely on going to a convenience in order to pick up the things that they needed. On the homestead, people had to make all of these things that they need on their own. This is a skill that some now would like to learn how to do again now, and it is a great hobby to have. There are beautiful candles and soaps that people can learn to make in the same fashion that people on the homestead did before. Whether people want to sell them or keep them for use in the home, being more self-sufficient is a great skill to have in this day and age.

Learning to make candles is a long process, but it can be very rewarding for those who stick with it through the end. A popular way to make candles in the same way that people did long ago is to make it using bees’ wax. On the homestead, families would raise their own bees and get the wax from there. Nowadays, people can buy their own bees wax if they prefer, but they can also try their hand at keeping bees. While that is very hard to do, it isn't hard to find some bees wax. It is optional to make the candles while the wax is cooler, but using hot wax is often the best way to get a more attractive product.

The process starts by getting a small wooden plank, and laying string to be used as a wick across it. It then needs to be dipped many times into the melted bees’ wax, after each dip it is essential to allow the wax to cool so that another layer can be added to the candle. This repeated until people have a candle the size and width that they want, and then they must be allowed to cool completely. These look beautiful, and families can teach their children that this is what people used and some still use to have light in the home. It is an easy process, but it does take a very long time to get to the finished product.

Another thing that people on the homestead had to do was make their own soap. They had to do this if they ever wanted soap, and making soap to do their laundry was a normal activity. In this day and age, making laundry soap is something that can teach children what people used to have to every day, as well save some money on buying more expensive laundry detergent from the store. Many don't even realize that people continued to make their own soap all the way into the 21st century.

One of the main ways that pioneers used to make their own soap was to boil animal fat, ash from wood and some water. When people used to this, it was common to make very large batches of soap only once or twice a year. It was very mess and took up a lot of time, so people wanted to make sure that they made enough soap to last a very long time. Nowadays, it is still possible for those who want to get an authentic homestead experience to make their own soap and even save some money.

What people who want to make their soap are going to need is some tallow made from beef fat, several ounces of lye and several gallons of tap water. The exact amounts of ingredients you’ll need will depend upon the kind of tallow that is used and the amount of soap that is needed to be made. In order to get started, the fat first needs to be cut into cubes. Any part that appears to have meat still attached to it needs to be cut off. After this, the fat needs to be boiled and have all of the grease taken out of it.

Once the grease is gone, the next step is to strain the fat and get rid of anything solid that may still be left in the mixture. Cheesecloth is often the best way to strain it, as it doesn't damage the fat. Once all of these impurities are removed from the liquid fat, it is time to start adding the several gallons of water. As it cools, it will slowly begin to solidify and as time goes on it will take on a creamy texture. After this entire process has been finished, it is time to add the lye. As a word of caution, it is very dangerous to handle lye. Those who are doing this with their family need to make sure that they keep their children away from this substance, as it can burn the skin or eyes. Then, the soap is cooked for about an hour. When it cools, it will be in waxy sheets which people can shape however they like.

Candle and soap making on the homestead is something that people have done for hundreds of years. Anybody can learn to do it with the right equipment, and it is a fun activity for families to do together. Remembering what life in the past was like can be a great learning experience for everybody, and there are tons of resources for those who want to start learning more about what life was like hundreds of years ago. Being more self-sufficient is a skill that everybody can use.

CHAPTER 7 - HOW TO BE ENERGY EFFICIENT ON THE HOMESTEAD

Everyone is concerned with the environment these days. It is important to try new things in order for the future of our planet to be efficient. Many people are wondering what the best ways to be energy efficient on the homestead are and here are some easy ways!

LED Lighting

When thinking of your home, think about how many light fixtures and lamps you use on a daily basis. The lights over the sinks in the bathrooms, the kitchen lights, even your outdoor porch lights are probably used multiple times a day. Your television is most likely used daily, as well. An easy and affordable way to save energy is by switching out each and every light bulb in your home with a LED bulb.

These LED light bulbs may look odd and be a bit pricey at first, however once you have them all changed out, you will actually see a decrease in your energy bill per month. This small change, and upfront investment, can not only save energy, but also save on your monthly bills. Obviously, you cannot just switch out a television's bulb, but if you are in the market for a new TV, purchase an LED version. Prices are pretty much stable with other televisions but they are best for saving energy usage.

Automobiles

Many people do not have the luxury of riding a bike to work or school however; carpooling with others is a great way to conserve energy at home. Cars and trucks produce a great deal of pollution in our environment and with the cost of gas so high, using our vehicles less is essential! If you do not know others going to the same areas, you can post ads online or via social media asking for people who would be interested in starting up a carpool system.

You will be surprised by how many would be interested! If carpool and riding a bike are both not options, try to use a vehicle that is most gas-friendly. Many people are choosing to trade their fancy Sport Utility vehicles for more economical cars. There are many great looking and spacious cars on the market today that are extremely good on gas. You are able to save on gas and taxes with a smaller vehicle, but not lose all the desired features that you must have.

Solar Energy

Although solar energy is not common for homeowners, it is beginning to make its presence in neighborhoods. Solar energy can be used to power any and all things in your home that require power. Plus, solar energy does not create pollution or other harmful elements. Check online to find local companies who can install solar panels on your home. This investment can save you money on your monthly power bills but the impact it will have on the environment is absolutely priceless.

Gardens

Gardens are another easy way to conserve energy on the homestead. Each and every homeowner can create a garden where they live. If you do not have a home, but live in a rental such as an apartment, there are easy ways to create raised garden beds that are not permanent; with a few pieces of wood and some good soil, you can grow vegetables and fruit to your liking. If you have a larger space, you can grow all kinds of plants, vegetables and fruit that can be canned and used for years and years.

Recycling your eggshells, peelings and other things can provide enough nutrients to create compost to for your garden, as well. Having a garden is incredibly affordable. You can grow what you need in your own space, all from seeds or small plantings. Not only are you producing your own food and saving money, you are using less gas and energy by not having to driving to stores to purchase grocery items.

Simple Tasks

While the previous things are all great ways to make an impact, there are so many little things that can be done to become more energy efficient at home. The simple act of making sure all lights are turned off when you leave rooms is so vital. Leaving a light on by accident for an extra five minutes a day can use up a great deal of energy. Making sure to not leave a television on at night is also important. Televisions utilize a lot of energy and having it on at night, just for sound or light is incredibly wasteful. Make sure you are not running a dishwasher more than you need to.

Some people will run a small load after each meal. That would equal to three loads of dishes each day that can really use a lot of energy from the power and from the water. Washing dishes by hand is a much more energy conservative way to get your dishes clean. While washing clothes change the cycles to use cold water instead of hot as hotter temperature uses up more energy than you can imagine!

If everyone on Earth began utilizing some these ways to be more energy efficient, planet Earth would be a much more stable place. Small steps taken by everyone can make a huge impact for our children's future. It is important to teach the future generations about being eco-friendly and about conservation so they can pass the same information down to the next generation.

CHAPTER 8 - RECYCLING ON THE HOMESTEAD- METHODS TO PROCESS WASTE

Personal household trash is something everyone has to deal with. Increasing human consumption results in an increase in the waste that is produced. It is a current challenge for governments around the world. The great thing is that people are becoming more aware of the problem and that large amounts of trash have a detrimental impact on the environment. Every little step taken by individuals contributes and brings the world closer to solving the problem of excessive global waste. Taking steps in the home to decrease personal waste is a great start. Here are some methods of how to process household waste and steps to formulate a household waste management plan.

Monitoring and Analyzing

Awareness of your own household trash output is very important and is the first step to better household waste management. Some people do not think about how much waste they are actually producing. One night of eating takeout or having dinner guests can fill multiple trash bags with containers and food wrappers, so take a week to be vigilant of the amount of trash your home produces. The less trash taken away by the garbage man, the better off things will be environmentally. Analyze the types of things you throw out and make a mental note every time you take out the trash or begin writing it down. This will help you when you are researching and deciding on removal methods later. During this week be very aware of new items you are bringing home. Will new purchases produce more waste or can you buy alternatives such as rechargeable batteries that will not have to be thrown away? Being able to cut down on your own waste is great but cannot happen if you do not even know what is currently in your trash.

Research Your Removal Options

Learn about your local waste removal services and their guidelines for the waste items you are throwing out. What does local sanitation collect and on what day? What recycling programs do they have? There are methods for the disposal of different forms of waste materials. Sometimes, local sanitation will provide free recycling services for the removal of these certain items that do not fall under the normal trash category, items such as electronics and office equipment, holiday decorations, and yard rubbish. If these things were put in the regular trash, they would not decompose and would contribute to the larger global waste problem.

If there are items you constantly throw away, which you have identified by monitoring, and your local trash removal does not recycle them, research other possible recycling programs. There are other nonprofit organization programs such as recycling pickup or recycle by mail. There are also a number of programs that collect things such as cell phones to raise money for organizations. Decisions must be made on better ways of waste removal and the recycling of trash that cannot be reused.

Learn About Methods of Recycling

After you have determined items that are constantly in your trash and may be reused instead of tossed in the garbage, be creative. Find more items you do not have to throw away. Are there other things in the trash that can be used in a different way, maybe in your home? Many creative people are now following a trend of what they call up-cycling, making jewelry and other items from trash, which they also make small profits from. The food scraps that are being thrown away, perhaps you have a garden and can consider making your own compost? If you do not garden is it possible you could profit from making compost and selling it to a local gardener or farmer?

Write Out the Waste Management Plan

After you have monitored your trash output, identify which items can be reused, and research methods of recycling and removal, you now can come up with a formal plan. Here is a checklist to help with the planning process.

Which materials will be salvaged or reused?

Which materials will be recycled?

How will materials get to the recycler?

Are there still items I constantly throw away I want to research alternative methods for?

Who will be responsible for extra tasks involved?

Communicate With Your Household

Hopefully, you have involved all household members during this process. After coming up with a plan, communicating your ideas to your family is crucial, especially if others will be asked to take on extra tasks. They may also have suggestions for improvement. If you live in an apartment building you can get neighbors involved or take your plan to building management.

Setup, Monitor and Have Goals

It is now time to implement things. Make things easier on everyone by setting up the desired flow of waste.

* Clearly label recycling bins

* Put up lists of things that can be recycled and things that cannot be recycled

* Make recycle bins easily accessible and close to where waste occurs

* Have someone designated to empty recycling bins

* Have someone designated to check trashcans for misplaced recyclables before trash is taken out

* Have your process for mail in or pick-up laid out and call for pick-up before bins are overflowing

You may be so motivated that you have a goal to cut down your household trash by a certain percentage. Keep monitoring your efforts and if something is not working revisit the initial plan or find an alternative. In the long run, finding new ways to process your household waste is contributing to a better future for your family and the world.

ABOUT THE AUTHOR

Dahlia Smith is what many term an urban homesteader. She grew up outside of the city and lived in a family that was mostly self-sufficient. Her parents grew their own crops, reared their own animals, had solar power and were able to can their own goods. They even had a great way to reuse some of their waste. From them she learned how to live frugally and save for a rainy day.

She ended up having to move to the city and after a while she found a way to get some things done in the same way they were done back home. She even started to teach her colleagues the benefits of homesteading.

Upon the suggestion of one of her colleagues she made the decision to write a book that would help folks learn about the many facets of homesteading. This book is a great addition to any household looking for viable solutions to save money.

Table of Contents

Table of Contents

Publishers Notes

Dedication

Chapter 1- What is a Homestead?

Chapter 2- How to Design an Efficient Homestead

Chapter 3- Starting the Homestead Garden

Chapter 4- Growing Animals on the Homestead- Which Animals are best to Start with?

Chapter 5- Homesteading-Cooking, Baking, Canning and Preserving

Chapter 6- Candle and Soap Making on the Homestead

Chapter 7- How to be Energy Efficient on the Homestead

Chapter 8- Recycling on the Homestead- Methods to Process Waste

About The Author