Urban homesteading has become more popular as people seek to reconnect with their food sources, reduce their environmental footprint, and gain a sense of independence from industrialized food systems.
We sat down to interview Carol Skyring, Co-Founder of The Sydney Library of Things and long-time homesteading practitioner to deliver a three-part series on homesteading. Part 1 below unpacks what homesteading is and how it can be applied to an urban setting; Part 2 speaks to some of the challenges and myths associated with urban homesteading and finally, Part 3 will look at strategies and how beginners can get started.
Part 1 – What is Homesteading?
What prompted you to start homesteading? Was there a particular incident or realisation that sparked it?
I’ve always dabbled with growing and making but I became a more dedicated homesteader after doing some research into how everyday products are made. I was appalled to discover the type and amount of chemicals and toxins that are used on our food and in household cleaning and personal hygiene products.
From that point, I was determined to grow and make as much as I possibly could so I knew that it was safe for personal use.
What does urban homesteading mean for you?
For me, urban homesteading is living as self-sufficiently and sustainably as possible in an urban setting. I say “as possible” because it’s very difficult to live a completely self-sufficient urban lifestyle. For a start, it would involve going off the grid for your electricity, water and waste disposal. While solar panels and water tanks make the first two possible, the local council probably won’t approve of you installing your own septic system or a composting toilet.
It involves growing your own food (fruit, vegetables, chickens), preserving foods through dehydrating, pickling or freezing, making your own bread, cheese, yoghurt etc as well as making your own soaps, body creams and cleaning products. It also involves repurposing and upcycling things to use in a variety of ways and practising that dying art of mending.
What is the benefit of doing this?
The main benefit for me is that I know these foods are grown organically and the products I make are free from damaging chemicals. An added benefit is that it saves you money.
Click here for Part 2 – Challenges & Myths
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