07-19-2008, 05:41 AM
Musing a bit. I will not have any time to attend any of the current events addressing the topic, and would be interested to know what any of you may have learned.
I think the term "sustainable living" has become a sort of blanket term to cover all sorts of styles of semi-rural semi-self sufficient lifestyles. At some point, the idea itself is completely flawed, as there is no such thing as "sustainable self-sufficient living." It's physically impossible, if for no other reason that at some point the sun will burn out--so really what we're talking about is a matter of degrees. As well, no one can learn to do everything, at least in any semi-modern society. It may be possible to live in a feral state in an unspoiled wilderness, as long as you don't trip and break an ankle, or get blood poisoning, but we're hardly in any state to approximate that kind of life. Impossible anyhow, as there's simply too many human beings to live in that minimally impactive but utterly inefficient manner.
So, the goal from, distilled from that perspective is this: assuming that one's security can be enhanced, and one's quality of life enhanced as well, by less and less reliance on goods and services that one cannot provide for oneself--one seeks "self-sufficiency" in a sustainable manner. That may be sensible, to a point, and I think that few would argue that "eliminating unneeded and unrewarded exposure to risk" is NOT likely to be constructive. Obviously, many of us disagree at this point what constitutes "risk" and what does not. That is hardly the point, really, because the actions themselves are wholly personal and quality of life is the key.
I think that it's important to emphasize that none of us will get away with being an "island unto ourselves." In the culture is which we live, the model of the small self-sufficient farm or homestead must in many ways approximate a very lean efficient BUSINESS. The business model is what I have always applied to my "sailboat living" and it has been helpful. It isn't going to be enough to grow one's food to eliminate sensible risk. One will need to grow a profitable amount of food. You will not be able to pay your property tax with green beans, nor the dentist will "manifest" services. The homestead will need to have some income potential beyond the break even point, or it will not be long term viable, nor in any meaningful sense "self-sufficient."
Not too well worded. Will need another cup of coffee to clear the fog a bit. Thoughts?
I think the term "sustainable living" has become a sort of blanket term to cover all sorts of styles of semi-rural semi-self sufficient lifestyles. At some point, the idea itself is completely flawed, as there is no such thing as "sustainable self-sufficient living." It's physically impossible, if for no other reason that at some point the sun will burn out--so really what we're talking about is a matter of degrees. As well, no one can learn to do everything, at least in any semi-modern society. It may be possible to live in a feral state in an unspoiled wilderness, as long as you don't trip and break an ankle, or get blood poisoning, but we're hardly in any state to approximate that kind of life. Impossible anyhow, as there's simply too many human beings to live in that minimally impactive but utterly inefficient manner.
So, the goal from, distilled from that perspective is this: assuming that one's security can be enhanced, and one's quality of life enhanced as well, by less and less reliance on goods and services that one cannot provide for oneself--one seeks "self-sufficiency" in a sustainable manner. That may be sensible, to a point, and I think that few would argue that "eliminating unneeded and unrewarded exposure to risk" is NOT likely to be constructive. Obviously, many of us disagree at this point what constitutes "risk" and what does not. That is hardly the point, really, because the actions themselves are wholly personal and quality of life is the key.
I think that it's important to emphasize that none of us will get away with being an "island unto ourselves." In the culture is which we live, the model of the small self-sufficient farm or homestead must in many ways approximate a very lean efficient BUSINESS. The business model is what I have always applied to my "sailboat living" and it has been helpful. It isn't going to be enough to grow one's food to eliminate sensible risk. One will need to grow a profitable amount of food. You will not be able to pay your property tax with green beans, nor the dentist will "manifest" services. The homestead will need to have some income potential beyond the break even point, or it will not be long term viable, nor in any meaningful sense "self-sufficient."
Not too well worded. Will need another cup of coffee to clear the fog a bit. Thoughts?
