Self-sufficiency and sustainability go hand in hand. Homesteads that are built to last require less upkeep, source their own energy, and provide all the fresh food that a family could ever need.
However, modern homesteads aren’t completely devoid of technology — even if they are completely off the grid.
Making tactical use of technology in your homestead can make life that much easier should a disaster ever occur. You can use generators to power handy tech, like computers and voice assistance, and should utilize the latest breakthroughs in construction tech when building your new homestead.
A progressive approach to homestead building doesn’t undermine your decision to live a more self-sufficient life, either. Instead, a tech-informed approach can help you build a home that can support your whole family while minimizing your impact on the environment.
[Editor’s note: Do be careful with adding too much technology. After all, it is made to be convenient for a reason! But if everything you rely on requires a smartphone app or whatever to even function, how useful will it be for when SHTF? At the very least, have backup options whenever possible. You know, just in case Musk or Zuck de-platform you in your own house.]
Green Building Benefits
Climate change is the single biggest threat facing humanity today. An increase of 1.5°C will result in increased heat waves, droughts, and floods around the world. However, climate scientists from the World Meteorological Organization believe that building more green homes can make a difference in the fight against global warming.
[Editor’s note: I might have to disagree with the above bold statement, but at the very least we should recognize that humans do have an impact our our climate, both locally and globally. So, it never hurts to do better where possible.]
Building a green home has survival benefits, too. Green homesteads prioritize sustainability features like eco-friendly energy supplies and minimal waste. A mindful approach to waste management is a core tenant of prepping, as you can’t afford to throw out nutrient-rich food waste or flush greywater after use.
Green builds also reduce your dependency on utilities and other amenities. As part of your green build, you should seriously consider solar panels, turbines, and increased insulation. This keeps your bills down during day-to-day life and can help you last longer should a blackout affect your area. This increases your resiliency in times of disaster and will ensure that your homestead protects your family during a flood or drought.
Energy Savings
Rising energy prices have everyone searching for savings. But as a prepper, keeping your gas and electricity use low is essential. Your homestead must be as energy-efficient as possible, lest you run out of fuel to power backup generators and heaters. You can make your homestead energy secure by:
- High-Tech Windows: Replace old windows with electrochromic “smart” glass. Smart glass can be turned opaque with a jolt of electricity, meaning you can keep the heat at bay while allowing natural light to enter your homestead.
- Insulation: Effective insulation is integral to the long-term success of your homestead build. Consider using straw bales, cork, or sheep wool in favor of fiberglass, as these materials are energy-efficient and cost-effective.
- Doors: Drafty doors are more than a chilly nuance in homestead builds. A poorly insulated door can cost you during the winter and the summer. Sidestep solid wood doors in favor of energy-efficient fiberglass frames and purchase a store of weatherstripping for the future.
[Editor’s note: Interesting, albeit seemingly contradictory, suggestions. I should avoid fiberglass insulation but use a fiberglass door? Hmmm. In any case, the smart glass is something that I’d never heard of before. I’ll have to look into that.]
Get your homestead inspected for energy efficiency after it is built. You may feel confident that you and/or your contractors have done a good job, but an inspector will use high-tech testing equipment to find leaks, poor insulation, and outdated appliances.
If all this talk of high-tech smart windows has stressed you out, remember you use some natural landscaping to cool your homestead, too. Planting a few shady trees out back will keep your home cooler during the summer and can provide a much-needed windbreak if you grow your own produce.
[Editor’s note: Yup! Let’s get back to nature and what we know has worked throughout history. Plus, you’ll now have some useful, beautiful trees in your yard.]
Construction Materials
Building an energy-efficient home is key to your long-term plans as a prepper. However, if you want to claim that your homestead is truly “green,” you’ll need to utilize sustainable materials during the construction process.
Start by settling on an architectural style. This will guide your future choices and help you choose between sustainable construction materials like:
- Bendable concrete
- Bamboo
- Salvaged materials
- Mycelium
- 3D-printed concrete
When deciding on materials, it’s important to consider your long-term plans. How do you plan on restoring walls and features in 30 years’ time? Can you readily source new parts should a crack form in the brickwork? Do you have the skills necessary to fix the framework and re-apply plaster?
Some materials, like bamboo and mycelium, have a negligible impact on the environment. However, you’ll need to learn to work with the materials before you commit to building an entire home from them. That’s not to say that bio-bricks are off the table, but you should be prepared to blend your construction knowledge with chemistry if you want to make waste-free construction materials.
[Editor’s note: I would be hard-pressed to use building material that I’m unfamiliar with. Perhaps the only exception would be brick or concrete, as I know they’ve been used for centuries and will last just as long.]
Smart Technology
Smart technology draws the ire of many folks who live off the grid. This is entirely understandable, as smart technology can expose you to threats. Devices that connect to the Internet of Things (IoT) may be vulnerable to cyberattacks and some may sell your private data to third-party businesses.
Smart tech can be hard to update, too, particularly when you’re living off the grid. Outdated devices can be a liability within your network as thieves can exploit tech that hasn’t been patched in a while.
However, some smart tech may be worth the risk. Some devices, like security cameras, can now capture thermal images. This means you’ll always be able to detect uninvited guests before they break into your home.
Some smart devices can improve your climate control, too. Modern thermostats update in real time and send instructions to HVAC systems, AC units, and heaters. This means you can minimize your energy usage and spend more time focusing on tasks that really matter.
[Editor’s note: I agree that investment in smart technology should be tempered with tried-and-true methods. Add smart tech, like thermal cameras, as it makes sense; let others pioneer everything else.]
Vehicles
Life on the homestead is the ultimate expression of independence and self-reliance. However, even the most well-stocked of preppers may need to take a trip into town from time to time.
You’ll also need access to a reliable vehicle for a doomsday scenario. This means that, on your homestead, you should seriously consider putting together a functional garage to keep your car in working order. Keep a working diesel car in your garage, and opt for a common make and model. This will help you scavenge parts as time goes by.
However, until SHTF, you may want to opt for an electric vehicle (EV). EVs are popular at the moment, as EVs use less carbon than conventional cars. The carbon efficiency of EVs will only improve as we switch to a more renewable energy grid, too.
However, to make the most of your EV, you’ll need a charging point on your homestead. Home charging is entirely safe and is akin to using an induction cooktop. If you have a premium EV, you may even be able to install a wireless charger. This can automate the charging process and give you more time to focus on the simple pleasures of life at the homestead.
If the idea of an EV doesn’t fill you with excitement, consider looking into biofuel. Creating biofuel is the perfect project if you have a passion for chemistry, construction, and self-sufficiency. You can even opt for an automated biofuel system if you understand the basics of computing and coding. Just be sure to regularly test and retest your system, as creating and storing fuel at your home can be extremely dangerous.
[Editor’s note: If I ever own an EV, put me out of my misery.]
Conclusion
Technology and sustainability share a synergistic relationship. High-tech materials, like mycelium, are inherently sustainable and can reduce the carbon footprint of your homestead build. Just be sure to bring in a home inspection expert, as they’ll be able to spot inefficiencies and recommend upgrades that could significantly improve your preparedness.
[Note: This was a guest post.]
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