climateXchange

Post edited 3:28 am – May 26, 2010 by dixiebelle
Post edited 3:30 am – May 26, 2010 by dixiebelle
Post edited 8:36 am – May 26, 2010 by dixiebelle

The Urban Homesteaders Club – Sharing Knowledge and Learning Skills!

 
Come along and Find Out More

In the afternoon of Saturday 29th May we will be meeting at a cafe to work out the finer details, such as hosting/ venues/ suitable days and times/ skills desired and those we might have.

You do not have to be skilled in any particular area of your own… maybe you have a skill you don't even realise, or know someone who does and arrange for them to share it. Maybe you can share or teach others in the group about something you are passionate about, related to eco/ ethically minded living, rather than an actual hands-on skill. Maybe you just have a documentary or movie you want to show, or talk about an important book you've read, that sort of thing…

But you do need to be prepared to take a turn at hosting and organising. This will be an interactive group, so that everyone can relax and learn, including me! It will require minimal commitment, with no (or very minimal) costs. You do not have to have people to your house, as you could choose another suitable venue. You don't have to provide the materials, instead you can have each person bring their own. You don't have to put out buffet of food and drink for your guests, as you can request each person bring a little something to share!

Please email me on everydayecointheact@incanberra.com.au to RSVP and for more details about the first meeting.

What's It All About

Based on the notion of homesteading, as a lifestyle of simple, agrarian self-sufficiency. Traditionally, a homestead is a smallholding farm with a farmers residence, or either a single building, or collection of buildings grouped together on a large agricultural holding, such as a ranch or station.

 To me, urban homesteading is about self sufficient living in the city, or a non-rural area. It's like having a farm in your backyard. A food forest in your garden. Equipment and resources in your shed. And the skills and knowledge to provide some basic aspects of living for yourself and your family.

“Urban homesteading is an affirmation of the simple pleasures of life.” From The Urban Homestead book, by Kelly Coyne and Erik Knutzen.

I don't know about you, but I am never going to reach full self sufficiency where, & how, I am living in Canberra now, so building community is one of the best skills I could achieve. There are many skills I'd like under my belt, though, so why not create a community group, who share knowledge and learn skills together.

Skills of an Urban Homesteader

So many things you could learn, including, but are certainly not limited to:

* growing your own organic food, from propagation, seed saving, organic pest solutions, homemade organic fertiliser, composting, soil conditioning, worm farming, container vege's, harvesting, bush tucker, herbs and more…

* preserving, esp. the food you have grown, including dehydrating, canning (in jars), making preserves, jam and pickles

* raising backyard animals, from worm farms, to chickens, rabbits or maybe even a goat, as well as bees, and fish

* making your own: food from 'scratch' – including yoghurt, labna and cheese; beer, wine and other beverages; bread, crackers and pasta

* making your own: clothes, homewares and presents – from knitting, to sewing, to crochet, spinning & dying wool, felting, reconstructing; woodworking, craft and many more

* making your own: soap, toiletries and beauty products – such as skin care, and hair care

* cleaning, and housekeeping, using homemade natural cleaning agents, and homegrown/ home made tools, plus pest control, equipment repair and maintenance

* frugal living – being resourceful, making do, meal planning and using up leftovers

More on the blog: http://everydayecointheact.blo…..-like.html