While I was visiting the Victory Garden Intitiative's Facebook page, I happened across a guy and gal who posted their "we live off grid" website...I decided to let my curiosity get the best of me, and perused their site. It was very nice and information driven. I like that they have an indoor garden going. Kinda like my office garden :)
It also has me wonder. Where is the line between Urban Homesteading, and being a Survivalist? I am a member of a Survivalist board, and some people there are really into the deep end. No doubt in my mind, they will have it MADE when SHTF (a loving acronym of "when shit hits the fan"). Urban homesteading seems somewhat parallel but not the same.
One one hand, I feel that Urban Homesteading is almost a mini version of being a farmer. Having good ties w/your neighbors, and using technologies and knowledge to help sustain your family on the land you have. When I read books on urban homesteading, I fall asleep going "oh someday I'll have goats for cheese!"
They both talk about canning/preserving, and depending on who you talk to, some survivalist people who live off grid are basically homesteaders.
On the other hand, the survivalism has stockpiles of canned goods, it creates in my heart a constant and somewhat uncomfortable sense of fear and urgency. It also makes me realize that if SHTF my neighbors are my worst threat, because they might come begging for my supplies. There is a need for firearms to fend off people...
When I read the survivalist threads, I stay up thinking "I better board up the windows! How can we use candles without people knowing we're in the house??!?!?!"
This also conflicts with a part of my faith that says I'm not supposed to be like that. I'm supposed to love, share, depend on God for my resources, and it hasn't failed me yet. But it's really really easy for me to panic myself into the category of people who might dig an underground bunker and Hole up canned goods.
Muuuuust restraaaain myself! For the most part, Humans are gooooood!!!
Anyway. Just putting that out there. I know I've thought about this more than once. Maybe you have, too? I'd share my chicken eggs. I'd share my food.
I lean in favor of urban homesteading. It helps me sleep at night.
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