My name is Anda, I'm 27, married and own my home in Knoxville, TN. My husband and I are childfree by choice and are raising two dogs.
My parents have a farm in IL that's been in our family for generations. They raise laying chickens, meat rabbits, milk goats, geese, ducks and the odd pig. They also have a 1/4 acre garden in the back, a huge stockpile of wood to fuel the stove that they use to heat their house... I was raised in that environment. My husband's parents were also very self-reliant, though their lifestyle changed over time.
I'll admit that my decision to shift to a more sustainable life is driven by thrift. DH and I both work full-time and still have to pinch every penny. Fortunately, we now have the space to (I hope) do something about it, become more involved in our consumption and connect with the ideals of my parents.
We're taking baby steps: We put out our first garden this year and have plans to freeze, pickle, can and dry. I've started a campaign to barter items that I'd like to give new homes in exchange for equipment we need. I've been researching edible plants in our area and we'd like to hunt and fish, if not this year then next.
Unlike many (I guess), I really don't want to go back to a rural area. My neighborhood isn't terribly crowded, I love the city and, frankly, I don't want the work of a large homestead. But I do want to be free of complacent consumerism, take care of my family and feel good about what I do with my little corner of the Earth.
I guess that's it... Glad to be here and looking forward to getting to know you!
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