When I left home in my early 20s, nearly fifty years ago now, for some reason I had firmly in mind the goal of self-sufficiency. I think it was part of the hippy dream, as encapsulated in the Whole Earth Catalogue – for those old enough to remember it!
I have tried on several occasions over the years – in Cornwall, the Isle of Skye, New Zealand – but self-sufficiency is damn hard work, and not easy to achieve – a lesson well learned.
Recent events have caused me to question the complacent assumption that there will always be food in the shops to buy. There is already talk of possible food shortages.
If the Internet goes down, if there is social collapse, the only important things will be our immediate neighbours and our ability to feed ourselves. I hope to devote the rest of my life towards creating a sustainable local community in the beautiful area I am lucky enough to live in.
There was a phrase in the 80s: ‘Think Globally, Act Locally’ – seems really appropriate right now. I wish all of my lovely friends good fortune in finding a fulfilling and nurturing lifestyle for themselves and family.
Less time on Facebook, more time growing food!
