With the increased focus on buying local and organic, raising backyard chickens, and even honeybees, the word "homesteading" is becoming synonymous with healthy living.

During the time of settlers and the vast majority of human history, everyone was a homesteader. Since the modernization of agriculture (for better and much, much worse) as well as the increase in consumerism, we have become detached from our food and how our household items are made. Bringing homesteading back is a phenomenal way to live better and more responsibly.

I've chosen to be a homesteader to live healthier, decrease stress, and to reduce my impact on the environment. The personal satisfaction is not that bad either! What's so fantastic about homesteading is that anyone can do it. Whether you live in an apartment or on a farm, little changes make a difference. But what is modern homesteading?

How To Be a Homesteader

Buy Local- Supporting your local businesses and farmers maintains strong communities by keeping your dollars local. $73 of every $100 spent locally stays within the community, fostering job growth and encouraging business to stay in the area. Conversely, only $43 of every $100 spent at a non-local business stays local.
  How To? Shop Farmers Markets, your local food cooperative, consignment stores, gift shops, etc.

Grow, Dammit- This silly saying is carved in a rock my parents have near their gardens. By growing your own, you are more fully involved in the eating process and aware of what (if any!) chemicals are in your food. Furthermore, growing saves money and time mowing the lawn!
   How To? Start a window herb garden, plant flowers, or give tomatoes a try. Start small before diving into an estate of vegetable gardens. Find out what works and what doesn't based on seeds, weeding, and where you live.

Adopt more pets! Farm pets that is.- Not only will they make you smile, they'll save you trips to the local grocery store! Raising your own animals ensures they are treated well, and that your food is made sustainably and healthfully.
  How To? Raise backyard chickens for eggs, try making cheese and soap from goats, and raise honeybees in a Flow Beehive.

Avoid and Reduce Debt- Owing money can be crippling and preventative of your goals and dreams.
   How To? Purchase items second hand, start school at a community college, move into a smaller home, read Possum Living- and see how much you're willing to try!

Reduce, Reuse, Recycle- By reusing our items, we are decreasing the resources required to make more. Whether you're an avid recycler or purchase clothes second hand, every little bit helps.
   How To? Compost, pour homemade lotion into previously used spaghetti sauce jars, bring your old blender to the local landfill's "Treasure Island," or donate your gently worn clothes to a thrift shop.

Cook and Bake- Modern food contains way more than it needs to, from corn syrup and excess cane sugar to preservatives and other icky chemicals. By cooking and baking for yourself, you have full control over what goes into your food.
   How To? Avoid packaged foods and opt for raw ingredients, dig out your grandmother's cookbooks, peruse Pinterest, and go to town- especially if you forgot the raw milk!

Make, make, make- Making your own and DIY reduce the amount of money you need to spend while increasing personal satisfaction. You're also fully aware of what's in your products.
   How To? Make your own chap stick, deodorant, bird house, dresses, and more!