Table of contents : Introduction Chapter 1: The Realms of Self-Sufficiency What Is Self-Sufficiency? Why Do People Choose to Be Self-Sufficient? The Types of Self-Sufficiencies When Is the Right Time to Become Self-Sufficient? What Is Sustainable Living? Why Do People Choose to Be Sustainable? Self-Sufficiency and Sustainable Living Self-Sufficiency and the Future Finding Balance Chapter 2: Importance of Self-Sufficiency More Time It’s about Getting Closer to Nature A Stricter Sense of Community More Money Comfortable and Sustainable Living Spaces Security and Financial Independence Opportunities for Self-Employment and Business Ownership Spend Time with Your Family Develop a Strong Work Ethic Save Money and Plan for the Future Believe in Yourself and Stay Positive Learn from Your Mistakes and Keep Improving Follow Your Heart and Stay True to Yourself Improve Your Skills and Education Travel and See the World Always Have a Plan B Don’t Be Afraid to Ask for Help Have a Plan for Emergencies Keep Yourself Busy and Find a Way to Enjoy Your Life Think About Your Priorities in Life Look for Ways to Make Money Online Make Sure Your Partner Is on the Same Page Think About What You Can Do on the Side Find New Ways to Improve Your Life Keep Up with the Latest News and Ideas Keep Your Focus On Yourself and Your Actions Find New Opportunities for Growth and Exploration Get Involved in Your Local Community Make New Friends Learn to Relax and Take a Break Learn to See the Positive Side of Things Take Up a Hobby Find the Right People to Support You Take a Class That Will Help You Grow Think About Volunteering Find a Mentor Chapter 3: Challenges of Being Self-Sufficient Necessity The Pantry Challenge Laundry Challenges Going Green Keeping Up with Modern Technology Challenges with Transportation Other Challenges with Self-Sufficiency Chapter 4: How to Get Started Determine What You Need to Become Self-Sufficient Think About the Basics What Will You Eat? Before You Even Get Started! Chapter 5: The Road to Sustainable Living What Is Living a Sustainable Lifestyle? The Problem with Modern Society Organic Foods vs. Conventional Foods Choosing Organic Produce Choose Local Produce Are You Getting Enough Fresh Air? Chemical Products vs. Natural Cleaning Products Save Water and Energy at Home Ban Plastic Bags and Get Reusable Bags Carpool Taking Care of Your Pets What Do You Do with Your Leftovers? Plant a Garden and Grow Your Food Make Your Own Household Cleaners Reusing Items Using Solar Power for Your Appliances Thrift Stores and Garage Sales Using Less Gasoline Public Transportation Composting Recycling Buying Locally Using Fewer Plastics and Paper Lose the Dryer Collecting Rainwater Using the Sun for Power Using Less Stuff Using More Efficient Appliances Reducing Waste When Cooking Food Using a Bicycle Recycling Instead of Throwing Away Carpooling Turning the Water Off What You Can Do to Save the Environment Focusing On What You Can Control Chapter 6: Surviving Off-the-Grid Off-the-Grid Defined A Life Off-the-Grid Rainwater Collection Composting Toilet Wood-Burning Stove Growing a Garden Raising Animals Crafting and Repurposing Items Storing Drinking Water Efficient Off-Grid Cabin Heating and Cooling Conserve Power and Water Use Solar-Powered Appliances Stay Warm Save Money on Your Bills Chapter 7: Surviving the Worst Conditions Earthquakes Hurricanes Volcanic Eruptions Lightning Wildfires Floods and Mudslides Diseases and Infections Food and Water Contamination Avalanches and Snowstorms Chapter 8: Shelter Where to Go Types of Outdoor Shelters How to Prepare for the Worst-Case Scenario Emergency Kit What to Do When There Is No Possible Way for Rescue Long Term Shelter Solutions Chapter 9: Food and Water How Much Food and Water? Where Should I Store Food and Water? What’s the Best Way to Store Water? Is There Such a Thing as Too Much Water Storage? What Are the Benefits of Using Water Treatment Solutions vs. Chlorine? What Should You Cook? What Foods Should You Store? Foods to Avoid Storing Methods What Foods Should You Eat First? Tools for Preparing Your Meals Preparedness Cooking Tips Chapter 10: Protecting Yourself from the Elements Survival in Cold Conditions Survival in Hot Conditions Survival Tips Conclusion References