Some people seem to think that simply gardening qualifies as “Sustainable Living“. Gardening is a GREAT thing to do. Everyone should have some sort of garden. If for some reason you can’t have any other sort of garden, at least create a container garden. Oh, did I mention that no one should be with out some sort of garden even if it is simply sprouting? But remember; gardening is not “Sustainable Living”.

This is a subject that I bring up often. Why? Because in modern America the subject is completely foreign to us. I mean, it would be like you being airlifted and dropped down into the Antarctica. Like the Antarctica, Sustainable Living is a place, an environment that few of us are capable of surviving in.

I have encountered several people who have tried to convince me that they pretty well got it all under control. At that point I use to get kind of excited thinking that I have found someone who has the idea. And then I would find out, for example, that they define “Sustainable Living” as raising 50% of the vegetables that they consume between the months of june and september. And in order to accomplish that growth they purchase fertilizer and mulch every year. Another’s definition might be that they raise several meat cows so that they can butcher one per year for their meat needs and then also tend to a small garden. Another may define Sustainable Living as raising several goats, some chickens and a garden.

Happy is the man that findeth wisdom, and the man that getteth understanding.
Prov 3:13

Now several goats, chickens and a garden is certainly getting warm but here are my questions for someone like this. What do you feed your goats and chickens? Hay, grain? Where does it come from? If the answer leads you off of the property there is a problem. How about your water source? That is probably on the property but what about when the grid goes down? Do you have a sustainable, alternative plan? What about the worming medicine and antibiotics? Oh you have some extra in the fridge? That’s great! What’s your plan for when you run out of that and or you don’t have a refer because the grid has gone down?

Oh, and back to the hay and grain, you say you can produce that on your property? Well that’s great! Do you use mechanized equipment to do that? What will you do if you can’t obtain any petroleum products to run it with? Oh you have plenty stored up? Well good for you! What if the equipment developes a flat tire or some other mechanical failure that requires a part replacement? Okay, great you have a manual back-up. Do you know how to sharpen it? Do you have the equipment to sharpen the tools with?

For which of you, intending to build a tower, sitteth not down first, and counteth the cost, whether he have sufficient to finish it?
Luke 14:28

I hope you can see how these questions can almost literally go on forever. And certainly it is nearly impossible for every body to acquire 100% of their potential needs to meet every potential scenario. This is why Yahweh created His people to live in community. And if you are doing ANYTHING to achieve a lifestyle that promotes Sustainable Living I truly applaud you — really!

These questions are not purposed to offend anyone. Rather they are intended to encourage you to go deeper so that you can have a realistic view of your situation. Think ahead so that when all the plans you have made need to be implemented your surprises will be minimal. Happy planning!

I’ll see you out in the field,
Rayphe