I love the list on the side of the Path to Freedom journal that tells the steps they've taken towards self-sufficiency, or the deliberate life.

I'm going to steal from it to give myself a little pat on the back, and maybe make some goals for this year. :)

LOCATION
Vancouver Island, BC

PROPERTY SIZE
1/4 acre

GARDEN SIZE
150 sq. ft

GARDEN DIVERSITY
Over 20 different vegetables, herbs, fruits, berries

FOOD PRODUCED
not sure yet!

URBAN HOMESTEAD SUPPORTS
2 adults, three children

ENERGY USAGE
7 kwh day (and going down!)

"EARTH IMPACT FOOTPRINT"
8.2 acres per person

Everyday Steps

Growing _____% of produce

Food Preservation/Storage:
- drying
- freezing
- fermentation
- cold storage

In the Kitchen:
- baking/cooking from scratch
- sourdough
- cast iron and anodized cookware

Food Choices:
- buying in bulk
- organic
- local
- eating seasonaly
- reducing "food miles"
- fair trade

Composting Methods:
- composting food, garden and green waste

Energy Conservation:
- "powering down"
- cut daily energy use in 1/2 12 kwh to 6 kwh a day
- line drying clothes (soon)

Energy Efficient Appliances (these are my only appliances):
- washing machine/dryer
- refridgerator
- water heater(gas)
- toaster
- microwave
- stove

Energy Efficient Electronics:
- 1 computer/2 laptops
- TV(no cable)/PS3/DVD

Energy Efficient Lighting:
- compact fluorescent bulbs
- daylighting

Natural beauty/no makeup
Homemade Non-toxic Beauty Care Products
- Tom's toothpaste
- crystal deoderant
- Sensibility natural shampoo/conditioner
- natural soap
- Physician's Formula mineral makeup

Biodegrable/Non-toxic Cleaning Products:
- vinegar
- baking soda
- lemon juice
- Orange Ultimate organic cleaner

Natural Health Practices:
- herbal remedies
- prevention
- acupressure/massage

Water Conservation Efforts:
- limit toilet flushings
- limit baths/showers
- handwatering
- follow lawn watering restrictions

Hand powered garden tools:
- broom, rake
- trowel, shovel
- hand clippers

Self-employed Working at home:
- writing
- web administration

Crafts & Skills:
- survival skills
- edible landscaping
- sewing
- leatherwork
- fiber arts
- holistic care
- tinctures
- carpentry
- plumbing
- building
- candlemaking
- herbs
- urban farming
- website design
- photography
- self publishing
- video & graphics

Living Simply:
- making use or do without
- bartering
- monthly shopping trips
- reduce, reuse & recycle
- second hand clothes
- salvage/thrift store
- consume less

Passive Cooling:
- no AC
- wood floors
- blinds
- windows
- screen doors
- "living" screens

Heating:
- fireplace
- dress in layers
- natural gas

Saving seeds

Using canvas bags on shopping trips / no plastic
Food delivered in reusable bins

Transportation:
- carpool
- tiny vehicle used once a week
- walk
- bike