Hello again! It’s Julien and Maybelline here, and as part of our homesteading journey, one of our biggest goals is self-sustainability. For us, living sustainably means reducing our reliance on outside systems and resources, making better use of what we have, and creating a lifestyle that’s in harmony with the environment.
It’s a learning process, and while we’re still in Singapore, we’ve already started educating ourselves on self-sustaining practices that we plan to implement in France. Here’s a look at how we’re preparing.
Learning About Solar Energy and Renewable Resources
One of the first things we’re focusing on is how we can use renewable energy to power our future homestead. Given that France has long, rainy winters and fairly sunny summers, we’ve been looking into how we can harness solar energy for the sunnier months. Installing solar panels is high on our list of priorities as a way to reduce our dependence on the grid and lower our carbon footprint.
We’ve been doing a lot of research on solar panel installation, battery storage, and how to optimise the system to provide enough energy year-round. While it might not cover 100% of our energy needs, we’re hoping to combine it with other energy-efficient practices to make the most of what’s available. We’ve also been learning about potential government incentives in France for renewable energy installations, which could help offset some of the costs.
Another potential idea we’re considering is setting up a small wind turbine. Since France can get quite windy, this could be a valuable supplement to our solar energy system, especially during the winter months when the sun isn’t as strong.
Water Conservation and Harvesting
Water conservation is another key area where we want to be as self-sufficient as possible. In Singapore, we’ve already started experimenting with ways to conserve water—like using greywater to water our indoor plants and being more mindful of our water consumption overall. But in France, we want to take it further.
One of our top priorities is installing a rainwater harvesting system. France’s frequent rainfall makes it an ideal location for this, and we’ve been researching ways to collect and store rainwater for use around the homestead. The water can be used for gardening, washing, and even as a backup source for household needs if filtered properly.
We’re also learning about drip irrigation systems, which are much more efficient than traditional watering methods. The idea is to minimise water waste while ensuring that our garden and any crops we grow get exactly what they need.
Growing Our Own Food
Learning to grow our own food is one of the most exciting parts of preparing for self-sustainability. In Singapore, we’ve started with small-scale indoor gardening, growing herbs and some vegetables in pots. It’s been a great way to get our hands dirty and start understanding the basics of plant care and cultivation.
When we get to France, we’re hoping to expand this into a fully functioning garden that can provide a significant portion of our food. We’ve been researching which fruits, vegetables, and herbs grow well in France’s climate, as well as what kind of soil we’ll be working with. Some of the crops we’re excited to grow include potatoes, carrots, onions, and beans, along with berry bushes and apple trees.
We’re also learning about crop rotation and companion planting, both of which are essential for maintaining healthy soil and reducing the need for artificial fertilisers. Julien is particularly interested in experimenting with permaculture techniques, where different plants work together to support each other and create a more natural, self-sustaining ecosystem.
Composting and Waste Reduction
Another part of our sustainability plan is reducing waste and finding ways to reuse or recycle as much as possible. We’re already practicing composting in Singapore, using kitchen scraps to make compost for our plants. It’s a simple but effective way to cut down on waste and enrich the soil at the same time.
Once we’re in France, we’ll have a lot more space to expand our composting efforts. We’re planning to build a compost bin where we can process all of our organic waste—from kitchen scraps to garden clippings. We’ve also been reading up on vermicomposting, where worms break down organic matter into nutrient-rich compost. It’s a fantastic way to keep the soil healthy and boost the productivity of our garden.
We’re also keen on reducing single-use plastics and finding alternatives wherever possible. This is something we’ve already started doing in Singapore—by using reusable bags, bottles, and containers—and it’s something we want to continue in France.
Learning from Others
One of the most valuable resources we’ve had on this journey has been the experiences and advice of others. We’ve been following homesteading blogs, watching YouTube channels, and reading books from people who have already made the transition to self-sustainable living. Their insights have been invaluable in helping us avoid mistakes and learn what works in a real-world setting.
We’ve also joined online communities and forums where we can ask questions and share ideas with others who are on a similar path. It’s been so encouraging to connect with like-minded people who are passionate about sustainability and willing to share their knowledge.
Planning for the Future
While we’re still in the learning phase, everything we’re doing now is laying the groundwork for the future. We know that building a self-sustaining homestead is going to take time, patience, and plenty of trial and error, but we’re ready for the challenge.
In addition to solar energy, water conservation, and food production, we’re also exploring ways to become more self-sufficient in other areas—like reducing our reliance on packaged goods and learning to make more things from scratch. We’re also very keen on raising chickens for eggs!
For us, self-sustainability isn’t just about independence—it’s about living in harmony with the land, reducing our impact on the environment, and creating a lifestyle that’s healthier and more fulfilling.
Conclusion: Building a Sustainable Future
The journey towards self-sustainability is one that excites and motivates us every day. We’re still learning, experimenting, and preparing, but we’re confident that these efforts will pay off once we’re settled in France. From harnessing solar energy to growing our own food and conserving water, every step we take brings us closer to a more independent and sustainable future.
We can’t wait to share more of this journey with you—both the successes and the inevitable setbacks! If you’re interested in following along, make sure to subscribe to our blog or follow us on YouTube and social media for updates on our progress.
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