Such fantastic points relating to sustainable living. I think it is a great dream as a kid but once you start to hit mid age it becomes challenging. Back in the ye ol days people would start pumping out kids at 15 - 16 so by the time they hit their later years they had an entire mob to take care of business and support them in old age. However, these days that model in itself is unsustainable.
But it is still great to have enough space to maintain a garden and have sustainability incorporated into everyday living.
Hi @melbournewest, oh yes as we age, it becomes more challenging, even the nomadic lifestyle of living half a year in one country and half a year in another is quite tricky given our daughter's education.
I am happy though to have seen many families embrace the pure off-grid lifestyle and admire their determination and hard work.
It is not for us though, because as we age, I realize we crave some comfort along with health considerations. Having a garden that provided meals for a family of 6 was possible when we were living in France but we still needed to go to the supermarket for other things and buy bread. It is a lot of work, so 100% homegrown food supply could be feasible, if we are fully retired with a sufficient source of passive income and passionate about gardening.
Oh yes, when I was younger I grew up with my grandparents who were traditional Italians and former farmers before moving to Australia.
Our backyard was filled with fresh fruit and vegetables and we would often go to farmer markets and buy whole live animals to butcher up ourselves.
I learned many skills as a kid many of which have remained with me today and I still practice. Although I don't buy live animals.
Those are wonderful and priceless memories of growing up in an agricultural family, living with your grandparents, especially being able to have direct access to fresh produce and learn and develop many skillsets.