Jamie

Horton

Self-
Sufficiency










Jamie Horton
Mrs. Beckman
Self-
Sufficiency

AP Literature and Composition
16 April 2014
Table of Contents
I. Self-Sufficiency: What is it? . . . . . . . . . . .
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 1
Research Process . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 1
II. Lets take a step back. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . ..2
Early Ages. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 2
Transcendentalism. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 3
Current Day. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . ..4
Homesteading. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 4
III. Green Living. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . ..5
Why? . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .5
Benefits. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .. .. . .6
Drawbacks. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .. . . . . . . 6
Details. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .. . . . . . 6
Relevance. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 8.
IV. Subsistence Living/Homesteading. . . . . .
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 8
Why? . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 8
Benefits. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .. . . 9
Drawbacks. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 9
Details. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . ..10
Relevance. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .11
V. Intentional Communities. . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .11
Why? . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 12
Benefits. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 12
Drawbacks. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 13
Details. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 13
Relevance. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 14
VI. States of Mind. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .. . . .14
Innovative/Creative and Active Mind. . . . . . . . . . . . . .
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 15
Dedicated. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .15
Knowledgeable. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .16
VII. Social Aspects. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 16
Education. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 17
Health Care. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 17
Socialization. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 18
Entertainment. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
. . . . . . . . . . . . . .. . . . . . . . . . . .18
Money and Careers. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 19
VIII. To Conclude. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .19
IX. Works Cited . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
. . . . . .. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .21


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I. Self-Sufficiency: What is it?
Of course, none of us really know what its like to have to dig in a grimy
garden for a single carrot, nor do we behead chickens after school for evening
supper. We may never do these things. Self-sufficiency, though, comes in many
forms and can accommodate even the most unenthusiastic individual.
On the extreme end of the scale sits a rugged and rare breed of human.
They participate in complete self-sufficiency. This is defined as the use of wild,
renewable resources for direct personal or family consumption as food, shelter,
fuel, clothing, tools, or transportation (Subsistence). Their surroundings are
used as a means of survival; at all times, they must, as we say, keep their head
in the game.
When the scale of self-sufficiency flips to the opposite side, we find a more
familiar way of life: green living. Enthusiasm about the environment and earth
may be an influence, but recycling might be a habit due to community and
societal encouragement. Regardless of the reason, any effort made will
reciprocate itself into something beneficial, whether it is to oneself, ones
community, or the world.

Research Process
This extensive search was fairly painless. Articles and magazines were
readily available and easy to come by. After finding these articles, I printed and
annotated them for the key points of information, and wrote about these in the
margins. The running Works Cited page allowed me to keep all of my sources
organized. It helped me be free from the stress of trying to track down and cite
each source and website at the closing of this grand process.
There are a lot of knowledgeable people in this field, and the information I
received was all very helpful. It was a bit difficult to find individuals to
interview, but the interviews I conducted provided me with a lot of insight that I
would not have found in a website or a book. The outline I had sketched
throughout this process allowed me to be able to focus on the main points I
was trying to make. Also, the writing of the final draft was simplified by the
presence of the detailed outline I had previously made.

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The topic of self-sufficiency sparked my interest years ago; I can say the
peak of my intrigue appeared when I was a wee girl. My grandfathers garden
was always active, and we planted and pulled and poured and picked and
shucked all summer long. The food was always distributed between family
members, and let me tell you, we had vegetables coming out of our ears!
Ultimately, it comes down to the power of the earth to make these things with a
seed, sun, and water, its amazing, and the
harvesting is immensely rewarding.
I have always enjoyed the outdoors
and living on open land, with few
neighbors, has encouraged me to
appreciate nature for all that it is. Others
may value it more, and these people make
the active efforts to better the world they
live in. Its admirable, and we can learn
from them, too. Self-sufficiency, in any
degree, can be beneficial to the person
participation, the environment, their community, and the list goes on. The wide
scope of variation in self-sufficiency, too, is fascinating, and may shock and
amaze average suburbanites.
For these reasons, self-sufficiency was an easy topic to choose. The power of
the human and the earth can so easily cooperate to make change. Various self-
sufficient lifestyles exist all over the world, with opponents and supporters
alike. These predispositions may range from every day recycling to gathering
berries for a dinner meal. Above all, even an essence of self-sufficiency can
instill valuable qualities and environmentally beneficial actions any person can
adopt.
II. Lets take a step back.
Early Ages
It is defined as living without outside assistance and working to provide a
sustainable life in the process. Incredibly, self-sufficiency has been an idea for
so long, it was even on Greek-philosopher, Aristotles mind. Around 335 B.C.,
Aristotle was teaching and spreading his ideas to Greece and its people. He

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believed in self-sufficiency and its practice as beneficial to not only the people,
but the nation. Its advantage comes in terms of economic stability. Aristotle
stated that political and economic self-sufficiency as a basic prerequisite of
the ideal state, and this nation must only be large enough for the appropriate
level of sustainability (Heilperin).
Also emphasized by Aristotle, was the existence of
a good life; he believed this comes with self-
sufficiency, as well. In this way, the benefit of this
way of life applies to the nation, as a whole, but also
trickles down to the community, the families, the
individual. Eventually, this idea spread to the Far
and Middle East, with varying interpretations; these
called for territorial expansion in order to create an
ideal self-sufficient state (Heilperin). Although,
varying in nature, these ideas all share the common
idea of self-sufficiencys benefit to society.
Transcendentalism
In the mid-1800s, Transcendentalists appeared
with a sort of humanist belief about people as a
whole. They thought individuals were inherently
good and were best when in solitude, when left to
focus on their own individualism (Goodman). Many
ideas of conformity and spirituality were seen as
corrupt and controlling. As a result, leaders such as
Henry David Thoreau and Ralph Waldo Emerson
elicited these ideas through their works of literature. Self-Reliance by Ralph
Waldo Emerson, specifically, draws self-sufficiency into focus.
In this essay, written by Emerson, he
writes about the hindrance of conformity
and dependence on the individual. The
ultimate way of life exists only within the
mind of the individual, and only he can
locate it. Self-sufficiency is seen as a way
to benefit the individual. After all, the
hard work and persistence is highly
There is a time in every
man's education when he
arrives at the conviction that
envy is ignorance; that
imitation is suicide; that he
must take himself for better,
for worse, as his portion; that
though the wide universe is
full of good, no kernel of
nourishing corn can come to
him but through his toil
bestowed on that plot of
ground which is given to him
to till. The power which
resides in him is new in
nature, and none but he
knows what that is which he
can do, nor does he know until
he has tried (Emerson).

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individualized and is seen as fortifying only a small group of people.
Current Day
In the early days of our Nations founding, self-sufficiency was the only way
to be able to adapt to the life on new land. The colonizing Europeans came, and
anticipated the challenge of living off the land alone. Native Americans were
experts at it. They taught the new settlers, and as a result, the Europeans were
successful at making progress in America. Eventually, ideas were established
about spreading this claim over the countrys land, and around the
urbanization of Eastern cities, the move Westward began. With this, came a
new term.
Homesteading
Primarily, it comes from the initiation of the Homestead Act of 1862. The
government, looking to populate the west, allowed Americans and even freed
slaves, to have a 160 acre plot of federal land. Only three years later, in 1865,
over 15,000 homestead claims had been established, and more followed in the
postwar years (History.com Staff). Soon enough, a total of 1.6 million
individual offers were claimed, making up over 400,000 miles of territory. This
vast and rapid expansion of population
infiltrating the west also began a very new
way of life; the people attained the land for
free, but they were new to this lifestyle and
did not have sufficient knowledge. It was
required of the yeomen farmers to quickly
adapt to this difficult lifestyle, and
sometimes resulted in a smaller number of
larger farms due to the benefit of teamwork
and using others skills along with their
neighbors (History.com Staff).
Homesteading, as a way of life, still exists today; specifically, in Alaska,
homesteading is a sort of tradition. In fact, the final claim, for 80 acres in
Southeastern Alaska, was approved in 1988 (History.com Staff). The television
show, Alaska: The Last Frontier, follows the life of the Kilchers and their
experience with subsistence and self-sufficient living.
In the remaining 49 states of America, the idea of homesteading is a very
romantic image. A young Wisconsin couple, in 2004, made the decision to live

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out this dream of theirs. It required years of preparation, saving money and
learning old fashioned skills, natural building techniques, and various arts and
crafts (Schulz). They find that it takes a lot of effort and the development of
long- and short-term plans for [their] homestead (Schulz).
The ideas about homesteading and living off the land are not limited to
American minds; the presence of self-sufficient families and communities exist
on every continent, and in hundreds of countries, including Australia, Brazil,
Costa Rica, France, Germany, Belarus, and Thailand (Intentional Community
Listings). Across the globe, active and knowledgeable minds are seeing self-
sufficiency as a part of their life. Some of the most popular ways people are
going about this are listed below.
III. Green Living
A Green style of living is defined as an environmentally-conscious alteration
to everyday ordeals. This could mean organic-buying, home-growing,
environmentally-conscious, and earth-loving people, or it could just be the
ritualistic recycling that exists in many Americans lives. Of course, it varies
depending on the individuals dedication and reasons
for wanting to be Green.
Why?
One of these reasons could be the impact going
green can have on ones health; organic eating and
gardening is a large part of green living. Many instances
of cancer-causing agents have been found in cleaning
products or pesticides used on the food in grocery
stores (Wagner, Your Top 16 Ways To Go Green). Also, environmental heath is
important to people who want to live a simple and sustainably green life. The
environmental pollution is hurting the ecosystems on earth, and working to
lessen that impact is important to people who are Green.
Societal pressure can also play a large role in what kind of green activities in
which a person participates. In fact, it is likely that the majority of Americans
(who may not consider themselves Green) are living in a world with Green
tendencies.
Think about how many times an ad has been created about recycling.

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Every plastic cup and paper bag is printed with a recycle symbol.
Elementary school students are taught about saving the earth on Earth
Day each year.
Cloth bags are encouraged over plastic ones at the grocery store.
Bottled water is being replaced by the idea of having a reusable bottle.
Turning out the lights before leaving a room and stopping the sink while
brushing ones teeth are all new ideas about how energy can be
conserved.
Benefits
These ideas and many more are present in the wide realm of green living, so
as to accommodate many people. Green living is fairly moderate and attainable
for all people. As a result of the popularity in
our culture, the benefit to the environment
will be seen as increasingly important in
future generations.
Green living means conserving energy,
such as oil and natural gas. Billions of tons
of carbon dioxide are released as a result of
the presence of this energy (Wagner, Your
Top 16 Ways To Go Green). Also, the
conservation of energy in ones home results
in a much lower energy bill. Frugality is a
part of green living and this will amount to a lot of extra money over time.
Drawbacks
There are a limited number of drawbacks to this lifestyle. The reason for this
is that green living is so adaptable. Small changes in a familys life can make a
large difference to something as small as their community or something as
expansive as the environment.
Details
Learning and Sharing
! Continual retention of knowledge about green living is important to
sustaining it. Spreading what one knows to others can help
increase its popularity and valubility.

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Gardening
! At-home growing of ones own food means no pesticides and food
provided at the expense of ones effort. This is rewarding and
delicious, although some small wild creatures may pose a threat to
the produce.
Recycling/Reduce Waste
! Utilizing the recycling bin in ones home is easy and beneficial.
Attempting to reduce waste in the home is also another way to cut
down on landfill pileups.
! Limiting the amount of junk mail sent to ones home can reduce
the amount of paper used.
Water bottles/Drink Tap Water
! Using less bottled water and more of the tap water found in ones
home can immensely reduce the number of the current 30 billion
plastic bottles sold in the United States, annually (Wagner).
Conserving Resources
! Turning off the lights, turning off the sink, dishwasher, dryer, etc.
These are all things that
will assist in cutting down
on resource usage, and
will save the homeowner
lots of money.
! Line-dry clothes instead
of putting them in the
dryer.
! Utilizing candles as a
light source will save
energy and money, as well
(Alink).
Alternative Power Sources
! Solar and wind power has been increasingly popular with new
developed technology. According to President of Earth Wind and
Solar Energy, Riana Caravette, the use of renewable energy
sources is endlessly beneficial and people as well as the earth can
benefit (Caravette). Also, in almost every state, tax breaks are
available to those who use clean energy systems (Davidson). The
use of renewable energy is growing in popularity by approximately
33% a year (Davidson).

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! Instead of using batteries, crank lamps and flashlights are
available in the case of a power outage (Alink).
Relevance
Today, green living is important because of its benefit to society. Most
importantly, though, this lifestyle is attainable for any person. Some changes
are difficult, but the ones currently in place exhibit a small hint of self-
sufficiency. Americans are able to accept this way of life because it is simple
and clean. Many people today experiment or regularly use these techniques
and it is making the world a healthier place.
IV. Subsistence Living and
Homesteading
Subsistence living is defined as using various and wild renewable resources,
such as wildlife or plants, for consumption or survival; more specifically, these
resources might be used for making shelter, creating fuel, or making clothing
and tools (Subsistence).
Why?
Many people who choose to live like this are members of a long line of
homesteaders. For example, the television show, Alaska: The Last Frontier,
follows the Kilcher family and their experiences living off-the-grid. This means
that the family lives away from any
sources of power or electricity; they
utilize only what can be powered by gas,
solar, or manpower. Each member of the
family works at their own homes, living
day by day, and doing it all in the name
of tradition (Before The Freeze). They
were raised living the life of a
homesteader and they continue to live
this way despite the overwhelming
challenges. Many Alaskan old-timerslike the freedom and solitude and self-
reliance that characterize life living on a homestead (Chamberlain).

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Just two years ago, in 2012, it was estimated that 180,000 households were
living off-grid in America (Williams). This number is more than likely greater at
the current moment, though. Many families choose to live off-the-grid, and
sometimes the reasons are unnerving. Some families may live in areas where
power is scarce and unreliable, so they live this way. Another alternative is that
they may be in fear of the government acting as Big Brother and observing
them. Or they might just be survivalists striving for self-sufficiency in advance
of the collapse of civilization (Williams). Not all self-sufficient people really act
on this notion, but surprisingly many do.
There is also, as stated previously, a very romantic image about living on
ones own, away from public influence. The aforementioned Wisconsin family,
who made their lives on 40 acres of empty land, found this lifestyle quite
difficult and depicted these things in
the article they wrote. Most
importantly, the message they tried to
pass along is that the image might be
falsely perceived due to the immense
effort homesteading requires.
Benefits
The reward of living by way of gathering ones own sustenance is greatly
rewarding. As Emerson writes, no kernel of nourishing corn can come to [man]
but through his toil bestowed on that plot of ground which is given to him to
till (Emerson). Having tilled the soil, planted, tended to, and harvested the
food, only then, can man be successful. The achievement felt when the use of
ones own hands can fill the belly of not only one, but maybe many more.
Growing through all of the struggles and frustrations is a power that continues
to drive dedicated homesteaders toward the life they love.
Bernard Kondenar, an organic farmer and believer in self-sufficiency,
speaks of this reward first hand. He states that only when one begins to do
things for [oneself], the vitality and sheer sense of satisfaction [one] gets from
doing so it absolutely life changing (Kondenar). There is a certain inspiration
and sense of accomplishment and connectedness felt when one raises their
own livestock or garden (Kondenar).
Drawbacks

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The immense amount of effort required for subsistence living is quite
challenging to explain. Imagine building an entire home out of nothing but
supplies one locates themselves and the prior skills one has to possess before
doing so. If a tree falls in the way of a driveway, there is no choice but to cut it
to pieces and move each individually (Off The Grid). When rain storms hit, and
a leak springs in the roof, the only option is to patch the hole as soon as
possible. In a documentary, Off The Grid, Survivorman Les Stroud documents
his familys rugged experience with the transition to life off-grid. With his story,
he found that problems arise quickly and readily, and that the stamina of the
homesteaders must be almost unlimited (Off The Grid).
To some, this life is not a feasible option. The mental and physical
exhaustion might soon deplete homesteaders, and their lives may be
unsatisfying (Wagner, Self-Sufficient Living). The main argument is the social
impact. Being away from other beings, outside a close family, may be
dangerous; the inter-dependency on others is crucial to our mental, emotional,
and physical health and well-being (Wagner, Self-Sufficient Living).
One of the most important aspects to consider is the weather. This is
especially true in locations where homesteading is very popular, such as
Alaska. As stated in an Alaska homesteading article, Nature has the upper
hand andgood, honest efforts sometimes arent enough to get [one] by
(Chamberlain). Dealing with the weather is an endless challenge that is not
overcome by any action taken by the individual.
Details
A lifestyle of homesteading involves a wide range of activities that are
required for the sustainability of life off-the-grid.
Hunting
! Subsistence living is almost synonymous with the Native American
way of life. They utilized each and every piece of the animal that
might be useful; the bones are tools, knives, toothpicks; the pelts
are blankets, robes, and
rugs; the meat is
sustenance and energy,
all of which are vital in
an off-grid lifestyle.
Gathering

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! Harvesting plants and wild herbs can be helpful in cooking.
! In medical situations, plants can be used to soothe or treat illness.
Raising Livestock and Gardening
! Without a grocery store to drive to, there is a requirement for
sustenance. Raising livestock to slaughter and eat at home will
ease many tensions that hunting might cause. Gardening supplies
homesteaders with food that is natural and safe to eat.
Debt-Free
! Being free from debt is important in a self-sufficient situation
(Edwards). The inability to pay back immense amounts of cash will
prove a large issue in ones quest to self-sufficiency.
Alternative Power Sources
! In a self-sufficient lifestyle, alternative sources of power are a
necessity. Concerns about blackouts may lead some to self-
sufficiency, but the use of renewable energy, such as solar panels
and wind turbines, can assist any self-sufficient person. How it
works: the main solar power is converted, in an inverter, from DC
current to AC current; this type of current is used in most homes
(Davidson). The energy gained from these power sources can last
for up to several days in the unlikely event that there is neither
sun nor wind (Davidson).
! Since a heating system is not feasible off-the-grid, wood-burning
stoves are vital to keeping warm in the
winter months (Alink).
Relevance
To Americans, moving to an open plot
of land and building a house on it with
nothing but ones own family and their
hands sounds like an insanely irrational
thing to do. It seems unnecessary. The
differences between the lives of
homesteaders from average Americans lives are immense. The complete self-
sufficiency is foreign, but the self reliance is a source of admiration and
intrigue.
V. Intentional Communities

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Just as subsistence living involves reaping the land of its resources,
intentional communities do the same. The main difference is that the act is
done on a larger scale. Intentional Communities are places where anywhere
from seven to a few hundred people live in a community and work together to
live a completely self-sufficient life (Williams).
Why?
For many of the same reasons that people may want to live on their own,
off-the-grid, there are some who long to live in communities that share a
common interest. Laird Schaub, member of Missouri intentional community,
Sandhill Farm, states a different reason for living there: he had a desire to
recapture a spirit of stimulation and support and achieved that in a
community (Schaub). Spiritual or religious reasons may lead a person to an
intentional community. A longing to be nearer to the land or a close-knit
community may be another reason.
A person might have been born into an intentional community. In some
situations, those children may have the option to leave, but some stay because
of the values and habits instilled in them at a young age; this corresponds to
the nature of tradition in the
homesteading families. The culture
and style of living is sometimes
difficult to change.
Benefits
The most personal and intimate
benefit found is from Sandhill Farm
member, Laird Schaub. He said,
There is deeper connection to the
land. There is more grace and humility
about how, as humans, there will always be the need to cultivate the weeds
from our personal gardens (Schaub).
The connection with nature and the close bond to the familiar faces seen
daily may be a source of happiness to those in intentional communities. Many
intentional communities like Twin Oaks, in Louisa, VA are very accepting
regardless of religion, sexual orientation, or other factor that may receive
judgment in the public eye (Twin Oaks Community).

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Combining the various skills of each individual will help the community
grow immensely every day. Bartering and trading can be a way to utilize ones
personal skills and benefit from anothers (Wagner, Self-Sufficient Living). The
efficiency of this system, paired with the teamwork that is possible with the
other community members, the benefits are endless (Wagner, Self-Sufficient
Living).
Drawbacks
One example could be the reaction of a persons loved ones to their
presence in an intentional community. In Laird Schaubs situation, he found
that his family members opinions of intentional communities range from deep
respect, to curiosity, to disapproval, to bewilderment (Schaub).
There really are not many drawbacks, simply because living in this type
of situation would mean that the individual chose it. The lifestyle in these
communities is very laid back and appreciative, so if a person did not want to
participate in contributing to the betterment of the community, they would not
need to stay.
Details
Types of Communities:
Commune
! These communities are organized around sharing almost
everything.
Cohousing
! There is a group-owned property and individuals and families each
have their own homes.
Ecovillage
! There is a focus around sustainability, environmental awareness,
and ecology.
Shared Housing
! Multiple people, who may or may not be related, share a single
home together.
Spiritual/Religious
! These communities are based around certain religions or beliefs.
Co-ops
! There is expense-sharing type of environment and there is a
shared housing organization.

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(All intentional community Type information citation: Communities
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There is a value placed on peacefully resolving conflicts, and avoiding
problems that may have been dwelled on in mainstream culture (Twin Oaks
Community). A high level of communication is emphasized so as to optimize
the communitys cooperation level (Twin Oaks Community).
Locations of these communities are not continent specific. All over the
world, intentional communities appear every year in the hopes of fulfilling their
dreams of being self-sufficient.
The focus on self-sufficiency is important to them. Livestock, chickens, and
gardens are tended to and consumed. Different sharing styles exist within
varying communities based on what they believe. Above all, the persistence of
self-sufficiency is always present.
Relevance
To mainstream American culture, this is a shock. The commune-style living
arrangement is a sort of stretch from the
everyday American life. However, learning
to appreciate the varying ways of life not
only around the world, but in the United
States is important, as well.
VI. States of
Mind
These few large areas of expertise are necessary for any level of self-
sufficiency. Each of the following traits must carry important and relevant
meaning in the life of someone longing to possess self-sufficient qualities.

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Innovative/Creative and Active Mind
Green
! Thinking of new and innovative ways to recycle clothes, books,
shoelaces, cans, cups, etc. for various useful purposes; learning to
repurpose goods in highly beneficial and can save a lot of money.
! New simple (or complex) ways to solve problems or conserve energy
may assist in being more environmentally friendly.
Subsistence Living/Homesteading
! A substantial amount of focus is required to stay on task and
organize the immense amount of duties that exist in a
homesteading mind.
! The use and reuse of items is essential in surviving, especially on a
homestead (Ivanko).
! Finding ways to store, can, dry, or preserve the meat and other
food sources during the winter time is also important
(Chamberlain).
Intentional Communities
! One must be innovative in dealing with communications with
others, problem-solving in social situations, etc.
! In living off-the-grid, one must be able to react and contribute to
various situations that may arise in the community.
Dedicated
Green
! Dedication to the cause will
assist in the betterment of society and
health of the individual.
Subsistence Living/Homesteading
! Dedication is quite literally
vital to the survival of someone who is
living off the land. If, at any time, dedication is lost, a great amount
of effort will be necessary to make up for the lost time.
Intentional Communities
! Often, dedication is required to maintain position in an intentional
community (Frequently Asked Questions)
! Dedication is useful in contributing to the community and doing
ones part and duty.

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Knowledgeable
Green
! Being educated about the endless number of things to do to live a
more sustainable, green life will be extremely beneficial in making
a difference in the world (Wagner, Your Top 16 Ways To Go
Green).
! Being able to share this knowledge to others, especially community
members, is important, as well.
Subsistence Living/Homesteading
! Knowledge about the wilderness, nature, and safety while
surrounded by it is extremely essential. One must know what
berries, plants, and fish are safe to consume and which to avoid
(Ivanko).
! Knowing how to problem-
solve and how to repair
things that are broken is
vital and requires a lot of
prior experience, but if one
grows up in a
homesteading environment,
he or she will learn many of
these skills prior to being
on their own.
! Being able to have a plan before jumping into this lifestyle is the
key; one must be fully prepared to face an assortment of problems
(Kondenar).
Intentional Communities
! One must have some knowledge of a certain skill or trade to
contribute to the community.
! Knowledge about how to act in an extremely social environment is
also quite necessary.
VII. Social Aspects
There are certain every day subjects that average Americans and people
living green are experienced with, but may be completely altered for
homesteading and intention community situations.

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Education
Subsistence Living/Homesteading
! Many homesteaders choose to homeschool their children. Some
benefits that come with this include:
Educational freedom from the rigid public school curriculum
(Shaw).
Emotional freedom from societys norms and expectations
(Shaw).
! When living off-grid, but near town, some may choose to send their
children to public school.
Intentional Communities
! Public school for children in communities is an option due to the
fact that the communities are close to civilization (Frequently
Asked Questions).
! Many more opportunities for homeschooling arise in intentional
communities. Members of the community may be licensed teachers
and be willing to teach the children who live there (Frequently
Asked Questions).
Health Care
Subsistence Living/Homesteading
! When life on the homestead exists miles from the nearest hospital,
emergency stitches sometimes need to be done at home; this
unfortunate event was exhibited on an episode of Alaska: The Last
Frontier, and demonstrated the difficulty faced on the homestead
(Before The Freeze).
! Health care that requires
the assistance of a licensed
doctor is predetermined as
a possible option in the
event of an actual
emergency.
Intentional Communities
! Some health care
practitioners may be
members of the community

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and therefore be able to treat and assist the community with any
health problems they may have.
! Western medicines as well as holistic treatments are accepted in
most communities as a means to cure illnesses.
Socialization
Subsistence Living/Homesteading
! With only the company of ones surrounding family, or no one at
all, homesteading can be a very lonely practice.
! The need for socialization is vital in avoiding depression, anxiety,
and anger (Socialization). Being alone or with a select few people
for years at a time may be detrimental to ones health, but of
course, this depends on the individual.
Intentional Communities
! The companionship present in intentional communities provides
for the healthiest level of socialization.
! In Twin Oaks Intentional Community, the allowance for personal
space when necessary is important to them, as well as the need for
socialization in times of need (Frequently Asked Questions).
Entertainment
Subsistence Living/Homesteading
! Many of the things American children would do for fun are present
in children who live on homesteads. With a little less free time, due
to chores and duties, and less
electricity, children away
from towns and
neighborhoods will find ways
to entertain themselves.
! Outdoor recreation and
sports are popular, such as
canoeing, hiking, etc. Family
activities, too, are
emphasized.
Intentional Communities
! Many social and cultural activities are present in these
communities. Bands, choirs, sports teams, small clubs and
discussion groups all contribute to the entertainment.

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! There are dances and parties that bring everyone in the
community together.
Money and Careers
Subsistence Living/Homesteading
! The majority of people who long to live off-grid, often work into it
slowly. Usually, there is a shift from working a full-time job that
changes to a part-time job and a full-time dedication to developing
the off-grid lifestyle (Off The Grid).
! On being self-sufficient, Bernard Kondenar replies that he is in no
way anywhere near the degree of self-sufficiency [he] would desire
and that his advice would be: Dont quit your day job yet
(Kondenar).
Intentional Communities
! Members in intentional communities might work outside of the
community and continue to live within it.
! Also, oftentimes members sell certain products the whole
community works together to make. Twin Oaks Intentional
Community, for example, creates hammocks and sells them for
money to assist the community financially.
VIII. To Conclude
The mere knowledge that people and places like these exist is an exciting
thought. The urge to support oneself by the means of a few helping hands is
quite inspiring, actually. In no way do I mean that any of these ways of life are
more right or wrong than the other. The
premise of their actions, though, is what will
continue to intrigue me.
I am glad that I chose this topic to
research, and I do think that I learned a lot of
what I wanted to find. The results were
interesting and never left me bored. I am
especially overcome with curiosity about the
intentional communities. Some may look at
them as strange and uncultured, but I think
the acceptance and identity with nature is a neat thing.

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The research process was extensive and took a lot of time. Printing,
annotation, and citing every source was challenging, but I realize now how
much my organizational skills helped me develop a system. With this, I was
able to use my outline and type this final draft without worrying about which
sources to cite and keep track of. The whole experience was a lot to take in, but
I am glad that I can see, now, how much Ive really learned.
Self-sufficiency. Such a broad, yet, distinct topic. It defines both the
strength and optimum performance potential of the
human being and the amazing power of the earth
and nature. Who knew rays of light could power our
homes in nearly every way we could imagine? The
combination of the current-day technology and
knowledge that is present about the environment,
the possibilities for the future are almost endless.
Although many varying degrees of self-sufficiency
exist all over the world, the appreciation for the
efforts should be acknowledged. The dedication and
hard work that is required for any devoted
participation to these ways of life is impressive. On the flip side of the
spectrum, there are the Green folk. They may love the environment, but at any
rate, the jokes about tree-huggers might just cease because the Green ways
to help the earth are inadvertently becoming a part of everyday American life.


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Works Cited
Alink, Merissa. "Alternative Lighting and Heat Sources." Little House Living. Little House
Living, Inc., 17 Oct. 2011. Web. 27 Mar. 2014.
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Caravette, Riana. President of Earth Wind and Solar Energy. Personal interview. 5 Apr.
2014.
Chamberlain, Steve. "Alaska Homestead: Living in a Cabin up North." Mother Earth News.
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"Communities Directory." Fellowship for Intentional Community. Caddis PC 2014, 15 Aug.
2003. Web. 28 Mar. 2014.
Davidson, Paul. "Off the Grid or On, Solar and Wind Power Gain." USATODAY.com. USA
Today - Gannett Co. Inc., 12 Apr. 2006. Web. 02 Mar. 2014.
Edwards, Michael, and Jeffrey Green. "Ten Reasons to Become Self-Sufficient and Ten
Ways to Get There." Activist Post. Activist Post, 20 Aug. 2010. Web. 05 Apr. 2014.
Emerson, Ralph Waldo. "Self-Reliance." 1841. The Norton Anthology of American
Literature. Ed. Nina Baym. 7th ed. New York: W.W.Norton & Company, 2008. Web. 12
Mar. 2014.
Frequently Asked Questions. Fellowship for Intentional Community. Caddis PC 2014, 24
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Heilperin, Michael A. "Aristotelian Self-Sufficiency through the Middle Ages." Ludwig Von
Mises Institute. Ludwig Von Mises Institute, 28 June 2010. Web. 05 Apr. 2014.
History.com Staff. "Homestead Act." History.com. A&E Television Networks, 2009. Web.
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"Intentional Community Listings." Fellowship for Intentional Community. Caddis PC 2014,
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Ivanko, John D. "9 Strategies for Self-Sufficient Living." Mother Earth News. Ogden
Publications, Inc., Oct.-Nov. 2013. Web. 02 Mar. 2014.
Kondenar, Bernard. Farmer and Aspiring Self-Sufficient Person. E-mail interview. 6 Apr.
2014.
Off the Grid. Dir. Les Stroud. Perf. Les Stroud. Off the Grid. Outdoor Life Network, 2006.
Web. 04 Apr. 2014.
Schaub, Laird. Fellowship of Intentional Community (FIC) Executive Secretary and Sandhill
Farm Community Member. E-mail interview. 27 Mar. 2014.
Schulz, Robert. "Learning to Live a Self-Sufficient Life." Mother Earth News. Ogden
Publications, Inc., Apr.-May 2010. Web. 15 Feb. 2014.
Shaw, Isabel. "The Pros and Cons of Homeschooling." Family Education. Pearson
Education, Inc., n.d. Web. 13 Feb. 2014.
"Socialization." Socialization. University of California, Santa Barbara, July 2001. Web. 4
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Subsistence. BLM Alaska: Subsistence Program. U.S. Department of the Interior, 17 Oct.
2008. Web. 04 Apr. 2014.

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Wagner, Tara. "Self-Sufficient Living: How to Become Self-Sufficient (and Why You
Probably Shouldn't)." Self-Sufficient Living. Sustainable Baby Steps, n.d. Web. 15 Feb.
2014.
Wagner, Tara. Your Top 16 Ways To Go Green. Self-Sufficient Living. Sustainable Baby
Steps, n.d. Web. 28 Mar. 2014.
"Twin Oaks Community." Twin Oaks Intentional Community. Twin Oaks, n.d. Web. 02 Apr.
2014.
Williams, Clint. "Off-the-grid Communities: 5 Places Carving a Sustainable Path." Mother
Nature Network. MNN Holdings, LLC., 28 July 2012. Web. 15 Feb. 2014.






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Cover feature . . . . . . . .hLLp://www.acLlvlsLposL.com/2010/08/Len-reasons-Lo-become-self-
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