What is Homesteading?

Homesteading is commonly defined as a lifestyle of agrarian self-sufficiency.  Wikipedia states, “…the term may apply to anyone who follows the back-to-the-land movement by adopting a sustainable, self-sufficient lifestyle. While land is no longer freely available in most areas of the world, homesteading remains as a way of life. According to author John Seymour, 'urban homesteading' incorporates small-scale, sustainable agriculture and homemaking.”  The overall concept has been around forever but it’s reemergence into mainstream society and into urban areas is catching the attention of many.

While homesteading can mean different things to different people, there are some common threads.  Simple living, do-it-yourself, saving money, saving the planet and self-sufficiency are all phrases that exemplify what it means to homestead.  Depending on where you live will determine what homesteading means to you.  Regardless of location, using less energy, eating wholesome local food, and considering the environment and community when making decisions all lead you on a path to homesteading.  Traditionally, the homesteading concept was reserved for rural areas but urban homesteading is quickly catching on as city living becomes more and more common.  This mix of geography is introducing homesteading to many for the first time.

The future of homesteading is bright as more people embrace efficiency in their every day life and look to save money and the planet at the same time.  It takes a certain person to fully commit but is easy to partake only in certain aspects.  Maybe you’re not ready to kick it off the grid but an organic garden fed by rainwater is quite plausible.  Whatever homesteading aspect suits you, information and products are more readily available thru the internet and the quality of such products and info has vastly improved as competition has heated up.  These recent changes have helped to redefine what homesteading is and its importance.  How do you define homesteading?