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Self Sufficiency

13 Incredible Self-Sustaining Homes For Your Homesteading Passion

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What really are self-sustaining homes? Every homesteader worth his salt knows all about self-sustaining homes and dream of totally living off the grid. If you’re on your way to self-sufficiency, include these ideas, inspirations, and guide to your goal of living in self-sustaining homes!

Self-Sustaining Homes: Tips, Ideas, And Inspirations

Self-sustaining homes are a hot topic in discussions among skeptics and optimists alike, but I wondered how many people are actually into it. Sure, the possibilities of being entirely independent with your food and energy sources are so awe-inspiring, plus with the low maintenance cost, anyone would want to jump right in. I might have been a skeptic once upon a time, but finally living off the grid afforded with a freedom I never thought possible. If that didn’t inspire you, I’m sure these ideas, guides, and inspirations for self-sustaining homes will.

1. Earthship Self-Sustaining Off the Grid Home

Earthship Self-Sustaining Off the Grid Home | Incredible Self-Sustaining Homes For Your Homesteading PassionEarthship Self-Sustaining Off the Grid Home | Incredible Self-Sustaining Homes For Your Homesteading Passion
image via WorldTruth.tv

The idea is to build a home with a unique architectural concept with a purpose. This house may seem all too modern but every curve or tilt has a purpose to it. It might be to catch rainwater or fully receive sunlight, whether to light up the home or power a solar panel.

2. Luxurious Off-Grid Tiny Home

Luxurious Off-Grid Tiny Home | Incredible Self-Sustaining Homes For Your Homesteading PassionLuxurious Off-Grid Tiny Home | Incredible Self-Sustaining Homes For Your Homesteading Passion
image via Inhabitat

Try a small self-sustaining home or room first before you go all out in living off the grid. This luxurious self-sustaining home has all the amenities and comfort of a larger home. Best of all, you can take this out camping or on the road, as it’s set on a trailer with wheels.

3. Freedom Cove

Freedom Cove | Incredible Self-Sustaining Homes For Your Homesteading PassionFreedom Cove | Incredible Self-Sustaining Homes For Your Homesteading Passion
image the plaid zebra

While this self-sustaining home looks more like a dreamland than a typical place where people live, people do manage to thrive in this amazing place. You might think this is an overnight undertaking, but living off the grid with the help of nature is a work in progress and a real-life adventure with all the ups and downs.

4. Floating Home

Floating Home | Incredible Self-Sustaining Homes For Your Homesteading PassionFloating Home | Incredible Self-Sustaining Homes For Your Homesteading Passion
image via The Mind Unleashed

A vacation house is probably one of those luxury projects a lot of families would break the bank for, in our quest to continually de-stress and relax. But you can consider innovative and ingenious ways to save money through sustainable homes. Take this luxurious looking floating house or cabin you can customize, complete with amenities and sustainable energy source.

5. $2000 Self-Sustaining Solar Cabin

$2000 Self-Sustaining Solar Cabin | Incredible Self-Sustaining Homes For Your Homesteading Passion$2000 Self-Sustaining Solar Cabin | Incredible Self-Sustaining Homes For Your Homesteading Passion
image via simple solar homesteading

Yes, you can build a self-sustainable home at an outrageously low cost as $2000. And it doesn’t stop there, with a renewable source of energy you’ll be able to cut down on energy expenses in the long run. A house this size, you’ll be able to cut a sizeable amount of money for maintenance.

6. Environment-Friendly Home

Environment-Friendly Home | Incredible Self-Sustaining Homes For Your Homesteading PassionEnvironment-Friendly Home | Incredible Self-Sustaining Homes For Your Homesteading Passion
image via Higher Perspectives

Living in an arid landscape can really leave you racking up a huge bill on fuel, energy, utilities, and maintenance. Understanding your landscape and learning more about self-sustaining homes can help you cut on those expenses. Thicker walls in your structure, for example, helps cool down your home, saving expense for air conditioning.

7. Soleta ZeroEnergy One

Soleta ZeroEnergy One | Incredible Self-Sustaining Homes For Your Homesteading PassionSoleta ZeroEnergy One | Incredible Self-Sustaining Homes For Your Homesteading Passion
image via Home Adore

An eco-home from Foundation for Inventics and Sustainable Technologies (FITS). The idea is to build homes from renewable materials and rely on a renewable source of energy for power. A natural ventilation and lighting system is also adapted to this concept and design structure with wide open spaces.

8. Tiny Off-Grid Cabin

Tiny Off-Grid Cabin | Incredible Self-Sustaining Homes For Your Homesteading PassionTiny Off-Grid Cabin | Incredible Self-Sustaining Homes For Your Homesteading Passion
image via Inhabitat

Other than cutting down on costs and helping the environment in your own little way, being in a peaceful place with a spectacular view inspires us to live off the grid. Now, you don’t have to live like a hermit to do this, because you can still enjoy modern amenities in a self-sustainable home such as this.

9. Container-based MEKA Modular Luxury Housing

Container-based MEKA Modular Luxury Housing | Incredible Self-Sustaining Homes For Your Homesteading PassionContainer-based MEKA Modular Luxury Housing | Incredible Self-Sustaining Homes For Your Homesteading Passion
image via Meka World

Container homes are becoming quite popular these days simply for their modular structure and for being low cost. They can be your base structure for creating self-sustainable homes where you can apply renewable energy source and free water source.

10. Ecocapsule

Ecocapsule | Incredible Self-Sustaining Homes For Your Homesteading PassionEcocapsule | Incredible Self-Sustaining Homes For Your Homesteading Passion
image via bored panda

Looks like something out of a sci-fi movie, but this tiny camper is, incredibly, quite real. Well, I guess the future is now and you won’t escape this innovation given the unique design. Whether you’re out camping or on a rooftop in the city, you can minimize your carbon footprint and expense through this self-sustainable home.

11. DIY Self-Sustainable Micro Cabin

DIY Self-Sustainable Micro Cabin | Incredible Self-Sustaining Homes For Your Homesteading PassionDIY Self-Sustainable Micro Cabin | Incredible Self-Sustaining Homes For Your Homesteading Passion
image via Apartment Therapy

Starting small or doing it small will make self-sustainable living possible. Take this couple who managed to get it done at their own pace. It looks like a huge undertaking, but with a passion for homesteading and living sufficiently, this is nothing but an adventure.

12. Earth-Sheltered House For $5000

Earth-Sheltered House For $5000 | Incredible Self-Sustaining Homes For Your Homesteading PassionEarth-Sheltered House For $5000 | Incredible Self-Sustaining Homes For Your Homesteading Passion
image via Green Building Elements

Looking at this design reminded me of the hobbit’s village in a film, which actually ignited a dream in me to build such a place. It hasn’t happened yet, so kudos to this family who took the courage to do so. Eco-roofs are having quite a moment as of late, and looking at this homemade self-sustainable home will definitely reignite the dream.

13. How To Build A Self-Sustaining Home

How To Build A Self-Sustaining Home | Incredible Self-Sustaining Homes For Your Homesteading PassionHow To Build A Self-Sustaining Home | Incredible Self-Sustaining Homes For Your Homesteading Passion
image via Fast Company

Living in a self-sustainable home really seems like a lot of work, but working slowly on one project at a time will get you to where you want in living off the grid. This infographic clearly illustrates all you need to get done for a self-sustainable living.

Check out this video for more ideas for a self-sustaining home:

While these self-sustaining homes are designed amazingly, many of us will turn the idea down simply for the cost and effort it takes to work on or even start the project. I’ll say this again, start small, test the waters, and check the difference with this lifestyle and the previous. Who knows, one of these days you’ll look at these ideas for self-sustaining homes that inspired your own.

Do these designs inspire you to create your own self-sustaining home? Let us know below in the comments section below!

Up Next: 61 Solar Powered Inventions That Will Change The World [2nd Edition] | Homesteading

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Editor’s Note: This post was originally published in April 2016 and has been updated for quality and relevancy.

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Self Sufficiency

NYC Adds Nearly 4,000 People Who Never Tested Positive To Coronavirus Death Tolls

New York City added nearly 4,000 people who never tested positive for the coronavirus to its death toll Tuesday, bringing coronavirus-related deaths in the city to around 10,000 people.

The city decided to add 3,700 people to its death tolls, who they “presumed” to have died from the virus, according to a report from The New York Times. The additions increased the death toll in the U.S. by 17%, according to the Times report, and included people who were suffering from symptoms of the virus, such as intense coughing and a fever.

The report stated that Democratic New York City Mayor Bill de Blasio decided over the weekend to change the way the city is counting deaths.

“In the heat of battle, our primary focus has been on saving lives,” de Blasio press secretary Freddi Goldstein told the Times.“As soon as the issue was raised, the mayor immediately moved to release the data.”

The post New York City added nearly 4,000 people who never tested positive for the coronavirus to its death toll appeared first on Daily Caller

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Self Sufficiency

How To Make Lacto-Fermented Sauerkraut In A Mason Jar

The thing about homesteading is you get to create your own ingredient right from scratch! Cheese, yogurt, butter and now sauerkraut, a delightfully sour and crunchy ingredient you can use on your meals — or consume by itself — while on a homestead, or while facing this health crisis!

This homemade sauerkraut is a great meal because it has a long shelf life. You can either make plain sauerkraut or mix it with herbs and spices. In this tutorial let us make Lacto-fermented sauerkraut that preserves all the good probiotics in a jar, good for your guts.

So how to make sauerkraut in a mason jar?

RELATED: How To Make Buttermilk On Your Homestead

Delicious Sauerkraut Recipe Every Homesteader Should Know

Why Make Sauerkraut?

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Not only does sauerkraut spoil a long time, but it is also a meal in itself, and it is also easy to make! You don’t need to be an expert cook, all you need to do is follow these simple steps.

So let us get started. Here are the steps in making sauerkraut in a mason jar.

Ingredients:

  • 1 head of cabbage or 2 1/2 lbs cabbage
  • 1 tablespoon of salt

Tools Needed:

  • knife
  • bowl
  • mason jar
  • smaller jar
  • rubber band

Step 1: Wash & Clean the Tools & Ingredients



Wash all the equipment and utensils you need. Wash your hands too.

You don’t want to mix your sauerkraut with bad bacteria, anything that is going to make you sick.

Next, remove the faded leaves from your cabbage. Cut off the roots and the parts that don’t seem fresh.

Step 2: Cut the Cabbage Into Quarters & Slice Into Strips



Cut your cabbage into quarters and remove the core. Then, slice it into strips.

Step 3: Place in a Bowl & Sprinkle With Salt



Put the stripped cabbage into a bowl. Sprinkle the cabbage with 1 tablespoon of salt.

TIP: Use canning salt or sea salt. Iodized salt will make it taste different and may not ferment the cabbage.

RELATED: Homemade Yogurt Recipe

Step 4: Massage the Cabbage



Massage the cabbage for five minutes or more to get the juice out.

TIP: You’ll know it’s ready when you see a bit of juice at the bottom of the bowl and will look similar to coleslaw.

Step 5: Press Cabbage Into the Mason Jar



Add the cabbage to the mason jar gradually. Press it in hard to allow the juice to come out. Do this every time you add about a handful of cabbage.

IMPORTANT: Food should be covered by the liquid to promote fermentation. Add any excess liquid from the bowl to the jar.

Step 6: Press a Smaller Jar Into the Mason Jar



You want to squeeze every ounce of that juice from the cabbage. To do this place the mason jar in a bowl and get a smaller jar.

Fill it with water or marble to make it heavy. Press it into the bigger mason jar. Allow any juices to rise to the surface.

Step 7: Cover the Jars With Cloth & Tie With Rubber Band



Leave the small jar on. To keep your jars clean from annoying insects and irritating debris, cover your jars with a clean cloth. Then, use a rubber band to tie the cloth and the jars together, putting them in place.

Step 8: Set Aside & Check Daily

Set it aside in a cool dry place, away from direct sunlight. Check the water level daily. It should always be above the cabbage.

Step 9: Taste Your Sauerkraut & Keep at Cool Temperatures

Homemade Sauerkraut Cumin Juniper | How To Make Lacto-Fermented Sauerkraut In A Mason Jar

After about five days, you can taste your sauerkraut. If the taste is to your liking, tightly cover it with the lid and store in the fridge or cellar.

NOTE: If after five days it’s still not your desired taste, leave it for a few more days. This will allow the fermentation process to continue.

You can now enjoy your sauerkraut in a mason jar. Enjoy its goodness! You can use it as a side dish or mix it with your favorite sandwich.

Things to Remember in Making Sauerkraut

  • Store away from direct sunlight and drafts.
  • Colder weather will make the process longer. Spring is the best time to make them since the warmth helps activate the fermentation.
  • Always make sure that the cabbage is below the water level during the entire fermentation process.
  • If the water level decreases during the fermentation process, you can make a brine and add it.

Let us watch this video from Kristina Seleshanko on how to make delicious Lacto-fermented sauerkraut in a mason jar!

So there you have it! Making Lacto-fermented sauerkraut in a mason jar is as easy as slicing the cabbage into strips. Remember that as long it remains unopened, your sauerkraut can last for months. Best of all, you can partner this sauerkraut in many recipes.

What do you think of this homemade recipe? Share your best sauerkraut recipe in the comments section below!

Fellow homesteaders, do you want to help others learn from your journey by becoming one of our original contributors? Write for us!

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Self Sufficiency

9 SPRING VEGETABLES FOR YOUR GARDEN

Having plants in the house will bring peace to people. Having a little garden with vegetables is even better! You can grow these vegetables in your backyard garden easily as well!

RELATED: Microgreens Growing Guide

In this article:

  1. Tomato
  2. Eggplant
  3. Beet
  4. Spinach
  5. Pea
  6. Carrot
  7. Radish
  8. Cauliflower
  9. Asparagus

Growing veggies in your garden will give you an opportunity to understand what you eat and value it more. Early spring is when most vegetables are being planted. Keep reading to learn about 9 spring vegetables that anyone can grow in their garden!

Tomato

Tomato is the most popular garden vegetable in the States! There are different varieties to choose from. Tomatoes need to be planted in early spring because they won’t survive a frost.

Because tomatoes are consumed daily, try adding them to your garden! They’re not difficult to grow either.

Eggplant

Eggplants are known to have low-calorie, vitamins, minerals, and nutrients. Plus, they are delicious! So why not plant them in your garden?

Eggplants shouldn’t be planted too early because they won’t be able to survive a frost. So you could consult an expert in your area before you plant your eggplants.

Beets

Beets are known to be a superfood for its various health benefits. They’re easier to grow in the garden, usually around late March or early April.

If the weather is always cool, beets will keep getting bigger and bigger. Once the weather starts to warm up, you’ll need to harvest them, or they’ll go to waste.

Spinach

Spinach is a delicious early spring veggie, and it’s also very beneficial for health. And it’s not difficult to grow spinach in your garden!

Spinach needs cold weather to grow. Getting spinach to grow is easy, but keeping it growing will require some extra care.

Pea

Peas are usually planted in late April. Peas will die in freezing temperatures, but they also won’t survive the heat either. So make sure you plant your peas in early spring.

Peas are widely used in many different ways, and there are different types of peas. The soil you’ll be planting your peas should be suitable for them, so make sure you ask while buying seeds.

Carrot

There are different types of carrots, but regardless of their size and color, it’s a fact that carrots are both delicious and rich in vitamins.

They’re root vegetables, so with proper sun and watering, they can be picked up as baby carrots as well.

Radish

A radish is an excellent option for beginners because it doesn’t require too much care. Radish is easy to harvest.

Radish grows fast, so it’s better to keep an eye on it after a few weeks. Radish usually is grown pest-free, but there’s always the chance of unwanted guests, so watch out for worms. Radish can be eaten raw or can be added to garnish recipes.

Cauliflower

Cauliflower isn’t the easiest vegetable to grow at home, but it is very popular.

Cauliflower grows better in colder weather, so before you plant it, consider the climate of your garden. Cauliflower can be eaten raw or cooked, and it is known to be very beneficial for health.

Asparagus

Freshly picked, tender asparagus is very delicious!

Asparagus plants get more productive with each harvest, and mature asparagus harvest can last for months! Make sure you plant them at the correct time, or else they might go to waste.

All the vegetables listed above are great for your healthy diet, and it’s fun to watch them grow. So don’t miss out on the opportunity to grow your own veggies and eat healthy this spring!

So tell us which veggies will you be growing this spring? Tell us in the comments section!

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