In the previous post about living self-sufficiently in the forest, I list out the essentials one must cover (shelter, skills, property, water and sewage collection, etc.) along with some options for each. Here, I'll touch on the daily living necessities, such as what to use for toilet paper, how to wash your laundry, whether to dedicate yourself to silverware or wooden utensils, and more.
Chores are less work and more play when they reinforce the way you want to live. Despite modern appliances to make life easier, chores in the civilized world seem unending. Partially, that is because we claim far more things to be necessary to our survival than are. Large wardrobes, specialty kitchen tools, decor. Residing in the wild will require you to dumb down what constitutes a necessity, but that's the beauty of it. You'll learn to recognize what brings you the most comfort, what you truly wish not to live without. However, the following, are bare essentials.
Note: these suggestions are meant to take you back to the very basics, how natives and pioneers might have survived.
Toilet Paper
No matter how you shape it, a renewable source(s) of TP is a must. This hygienic constant could be bought in bulk from Costco, OR you could have that stock on reserve, and find another way to supply your homestead.How you handle your number 1, 2, and 3 (moon blood) will help define the longevity of your nature-tuned property. If you use a compost toilet (recommended because it doesn't require the use of precious water), you may be able to utilize raw plant material for cleaning your bum.
Woolly lamb's ear plant
Soft leaves and antibacterial properties make this ideal TP
Retrieved from Modernsurvivalblog, 11/30/18
- Leaves - Soft, hypoallergenic leaves from the mullein plant or woolly lambs ear are compostable, and easy to grow. Best to reserve these for wiping solids away to conserve your supply, and keep laundry cleaner. Some people may have skin irritation from certain plants. Avoid leaves from vine crawling plants unless you know it to be safe (poison oak/ivy can cause severe rash and blisters for some).
Good rule of thumb, if a leaf is edible when raw, it is generally safe to use on your skin in a pinch. Grow a ready supply around your home. - Cloth sock tops - cut the tops off old socks to use for hand-wiping liquids. Reuse. Keep in nearby baskets (Clean, In-Use, Soiled). Simply add to laundry duty each week. Because these can mildew, use these for #1.
- Towels - Keep a cistern of water nearby to wet a wiping towel.
Defecating in your local tributary is not recommended. In fact, some counties have laws prohibiting sewage dumping in waterways.
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SUMMARY: The 3 steps above limit cost, paper product waste, allow for composting of human manure, and maintain hygiene. Use leaf supply for wiping feces, cloths with a dab of water for wiping urine, and designated rags for menstruation blood. Add leaves directly into compost toilet, pile and reuse cloths for washing. Was bloody rags separately, if need be.
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Tools
Though by no means exhaustive, this list can easily become a set of the most expensive things to have on hand. I have favored items that are either cordless, DIY, or do not require petroleum products to run. Glenn on "Life Below Zero" (Nat Geo, available on Netflix) prides himself on using only hand tools and items he can carry, pull, or drag.- strong handsaw
- axes (many sizes)
- machete - for clearing brush trails
- shovels (variety of heads)
- hoe - for gardening
- post hole digger - for constructing fences, small structures, securing poles in ground
- wheel barrow, sled, or wagon
- hammers (many sizes and weights)
- hand drill
- set of wrenches, pliers, and screwdrivers
Some basic hand tools
Retrieved 11/26/18 from britannica.com
- ATV for hauling small loads in tight spaces without the need to add wear and tear to your main vehicle
- tiller for initial planting of garden
- chainsaw - because wood is everything
- come-along - for ratcheting cable
Everyone has different definitions of living off-grid.
Rope and String
Dead plant fiber, barks, vines, animal skin and sinew were traditionally used to make natural cordage. Norm Kidder at Primitiveways lists a host of plants whose fibers can be plaited or rolled into twine and how to do it:"(Bast) Dogbane, Milkweed, Nettles, Hemp, Flax; (Leaves) Cattail, Yucca, Agave, Douglas Iris; (Bark) Willow, Maple, Basswood, Cedar; (Root) Leather Root, Beach Lupine; (Whole stem) Tule, Juncus, and straw."
In practice, I've found few vines in my wilderness flexible or strong enough to support anything, including a knot. I prefer the idea of harvesting tree fiber from the inner bark of certain trees, particularly spruce and basswood for weaving rope.
Some of the plants listed above are rather difficult to work with your hands.
Twisting natural tree fibers by hand to make cordage
Retrieved 11/26/18 from Primitiveways.com
As it goes with foraging: timing, maturity, and type matter. Finding the right time or condition to harvest the easiest to work with fiber will undoubtedly require patience and experimentation.
For natives of North America, "The inner bark of juniper, elm, cottonwood, aspen, basswood, moosewood, maple, willow, and desert willow are the most often used." Search for fallen logs in waterways where the inner barks will be easy to expose (rotten outer bark peels off) and soft enough to manipulate. This will also give you a good idea of what trees in your area produce malleable cordage, because you'd likely have to soak any fiber you harvest anyway (known as retting).
According to Ron Layton in an article on Primitiveways.com, native Americans used sinew for fine tying of weapon heads and beadwork, and plant fibers for cordage. "Plant fibers were so much more abundant and easier to process; this left sinew and catgut for sewing, bow backing, arrow making and other arts requiring a strong, longer lasting material." In general, animal fiber is stronger, but plant fiber is easier to obtain. Nets and fishing line were traditionally made of animal material because it retains its structure in water. All other rope or string needs can be accomplished with plant matter. Mats, primitive roofing, baskets, furniture upholstery, hats, and more can all be made by plant cord. Cattail leaves, for instance, were torn lengthwise into thinner sections, then braided and weaved into whatever object is needed.
Necessity will breed experimentation. I, again, recommend visiting a native history museum near you to understand what was reliably used in the area you plan to live, and for what purposes. Then, practice and practice.
Goats
There are so many reasons to raise even ONE goat on your property. They are not as picky eaters as cows or pigs. They produce daily quantities of milk. They can clear away invasive plants and maintain grass levels. They are smaller, and easier to wrangle than larger livestock.Many fundraisers exist which encourage donations of goats for poverty stricken families in third world countries.
"A healthy dairy goat can give up to 16 cups of milk a day. Goat’s milk is easier to digest than cow’s milk and is an excellent source of calcium, protein, and other essential nutrients that growing children need. Goats are practical animals — flourishing in harsh climates while producing valuable manure to fertilize crops and vegetable gardens." (https://donate.worldvision.org/give/goats)
Diagram of best dairy goat breeds
Retrieved 11/26/18 from goataid.com
Retrieved 11/26/18 from goataid.com
When meat is scarce, having a source of protein is invaluable. Plus, you can make cheese. Although chickens can also provide sustainable proteins through their eggs, chickens usually need their diets supplemented with grubs, and are easy prey for wild animals.
Laundry
When you look at your wardrobe, how much of it is for business, fashion, casual wear, specialty wear, function, comfort, warmth? We wear clothes for many different reasons. To feel good, to match society, to meet expectations, to convey a certain persona, etc. In the wilderness, all you really need is warmth and functionality. Layers allow for shedding wet pieces of an ensemble, and regulate temperature. Wool and fur are best for warmth and wicking moisture. But I plan to retain some fashionable spirit in my attire. The main thing to consider is limiting your wardrobe to a few favorite, durable, repairable, functional pieces you can wear out, otherwise laundry day in the wilderness will be frequent and tiring.
Limiting Your Wardrobe
Bring only what you need. Armed forces, Americorps, and travelers are well aware of how difficult it can be to narrow your belongings to what you can fit in a pack. For homesteaders living off the land with minimal power and expendable income, reducing your wardrobe means saving water, money, time, soap, and hassle. Choose a few outfits or pieces with these activities and conditions in mind: hunting through bramble, wading through streams or mud, and chopping firewood in the cold. Can you repair your rubber boots? Do you know how to treat rawhide?
In no way should this deter you, women especially, from having a light, flowy garment on hand that makes you feel naked with nature when you want to be. Actually, I recommend it for when the sun is out and you have nothing to do but forest bathe.
But this might be a great time to put together that perfect RPG outfit you've always wanted to. You know, that archer or mage get-up that a character wears ALL the time. This outfit is meant to be functional, amendable, and distinguishable. Cater it to your preferences. Have three of those and some accessories (gloves, headdress, hair sash) and you'll be fine.
How did the pioneers wash their linens?
Pioneer Thinking describes the process of combining sal soda, borax, and unslacked lime with bar soap and warm water to make laundry detergent. Multiple bins were needed, along with a washboard, and soaking the compound (first three powders) overnight as prep. All these ingredients can still be found today at pool and garden supply centers, or in smaller quantities at local grocers.
Most homemade detergents use some variation of that base recipe. I found one I like for a single household with minimal laundering needs that I feel to be the cheapest DIY solution.
When recipes such as this say 'bar soap', they mean generic laundry washing soap, but you can make your own all-purpose bar soap as well. Permaculture explains how to make an easy chemical free, eco-friendly, sustainable bar using four main ingredients: (1)coconut oil, (2)lye, (3)water, (4)essential oil. Olive oil can also be used in place of the coconut oil. Here's the breakdown of each of these ingredients:
1. natural food or animal oil for moisturizing the skin
2. lye in small quantities cleanses the skin of bacteria
3. water dilutes and provides a medium for mixing and pouring
4. essential oil flavors (adds scent and other specific properties to the plant being used)
None of these ingredients create suds -- that is, what modern consumers have come to expect of their soaps and detergents. The suds are not as important as we think. They give us the feeling that the product is activated, when all you really need to wash your body is to cleanse dirt, dead skin, and bacteria, then moisturize because you've shed natural oil and water in your skin by scrubbing.
See Sprucecrafts for recipes and info on biodegradable soap.
Some recipes I found seem DIY and cost effective at first, but still use a store bought base sudsing ingredient that is the soap. Motherearthliving lists these ingredients:
Oatmeal is a natural anti-inflammatory and anti-oxidant for the skin.
But the melt-and-pour soap seems cheating. Because artisan soaps can be expensive, making your own isn't a bad way to save money and ensure you're being sustainable, natural, and eco-friendly.
Limiting Your Wardrobe
Bring only what you need. Armed forces, Americorps, and travelers are well aware of how difficult it can be to narrow your belongings to what you can fit in a pack. For homesteaders living off the land with minimal power and expendable income, reducing your wardrobe means saving water, money, time, soap, and hassle. Choose a few outfits or pieces with these activities and conditions in mind: hunting through bramble, wading through streams or mud, and chopping firewood in the cold. Can you repair your rubber boots? Do you know how to treat rawhide?
In no way should this deter you, women especially, from having a light, flowy garment on hand that makes you feel naked with nature when you want to be. Actually, I recommend it for when the sun is out and you have nothing to do but forest bathe.
But this might be a great time to put together that perfect RPG outfit you've always wanted to. You know, that archer or mage get-up that a character wears ALL the time. This outfit is meant to be functional, amendable, and distinguishable. Cater it to your preferences. Have three of those and some accessories (gloves, headdress, hair sash) and you'll be fine.
How did the pioneers wash their linens?
Pioneer Thinking describes the process of combining sal soda, borax, and unslacked lime with bar soap and warm water to make laundry detergent. Multiple bins were needed, along with a washboard, and soaking the compound (first three powders) overnight as prep. All these ingredients can still be found today at pool and garden supply centers, or in smaller quantities at local grocers.
Most homemade detergents use some variation of that base recipe. I found one I like for a single household with minimal laundering needs that I feel to be the cheapest DIY solution.
Homemade Laundry Detergent
(this post contains affiliate links)
Coarsely grate the bar of soap with a cheese grater. Place the shreds in a medium saucepan with several cups of water. Heat and stir until the soap pieces are dissolved.
- 1 bar of soap *see note
- 1/2 cup borax (where to buy)
- 1 cup washing soda (where to buy) (this is different than BAKING soda! Look for it in the laundry aisle (might even be near the Borax) of your local grocery store)
- Water
- Essential oils for scent/extra cleaning power – optional (buy wholesale essential oils)
- 5 gallon bucket (here’s my trick for finding cheap 5 gallon buckets)
Add the borax and washing soda. Stir until thoroughly incorporated and dissolved.
Pour into a 5-gallon bucket. Fill 3/4 full with hot water. Give it a good stir, then allow it to sit undisturbed overnight.
Your finished homemade detergent will be a chunky gel. Yield = 3-4 gallons, depending on how much water you add.
Recipe provided by Prairie Homestead. Retrieved 11/27/18.
For further instructions, visit the link provided.
When recipes such as this say 'bar soap', they mean generic laundry washing soap, but you can make your own all-purpose bar soap as well. Permaculture explains how to make an easy chemical free, eco-friendly, sustainable bar using four main ingredients: (1)coconut oil, (2)lye, (3)water, (4)essential oil. Olive oil can also be used in place of the coconut oil. Here's the breakdown of each of these ingredients:
1. natural food or animal oil for moisturizing the skin
2. lye in small quantities cleanses the skin of bacteria
3. water dilutes and provides a medium for mixing and pouring
4. essential oil flavors (adds scent and other specific properties to the plant being used)
None of these ingredients create suds -- that is, what modern consumers have come to expect of their soaps and detergents. The suds are not as important as we think. They give us the feeling that the product is activated, when all you really need to wash your body is to cleanse dirt, dead skin, and bacteria, then moisturize because you've shed natural oil and water in your skin by scrubbing.
See Sprucecrafts for recipes and info on biodegradable soap.
Some recipes I found seem DIY and cost effective at first, but still use a store bought base sudsing ingredient that is the soap. Motherearthliving lists these ingredients:
• Herbs, oatmeal, coffee, spirulina, clay, or food-grade charcoalThe first bulleted point is to provide texture for scrubbing, smell, and other properties. Charcoal, for instance, is used in skin care and wound care because:
• 1 pound (16 ounces) Bramble Berry melt-and-pour soap, organic base
• 1 ounce essential oil (we used lavender, orange and eucalyptus)
• “Soap mold” (a clean, used plastic food dish, like an empty yogurt container)
• Rubbing alcohol
"Activated charcoal draws bacteria, poisons, chemicals, dirt and other micro-particles to the surface of skin.... [I]t can be used to treat some poisonous bites and disinfect some wounds." -LivestrongSee Ulmerdermatology for more info on charcoal in skin care.
Oatmeal is a natural anti-inflammatory and anti-oxidant for the skin.
But the melt-and-pour soap seems cheating. Because artisan soaps can be expensive, making your own isn't a bad way to save money and ensure you're being sustainable, natural, and eco-friendly.
Indigenous Tribes
In colonial times, native cleaning rituals were recorded by European explorers as being very simplistic to almost non-existant. Washing as an act of cleaning was rarely observed. Natives bathed in the mornings until the sun rose, sweated in steam wigwams, or used a soap root to rejuvenate their bodies.
Foaming soap root when applied to water
Retrieved from Ringtailcats blog, 11/30/18
They swam regularly, which likely helped keep them clean. Sweat lodges cleansed the pores of toxins and dirt. And soap root (when it was used) lifted dirt off a surface with the foam.
Because disinfectant was not used, infections are believed to have been more common. Clothing was not washed, but worn until ragged. (EncyclopediaVirginia)
Soap root plants contain a kind of fish poison which has been used in poultices to kill bacteria, and can lift stubborn grime away from clothing when activated. A little water and a scrubbing motion creates a light foam from a clump of root or fruit. It's a natural effect of saponins. Reactive plants include:
- Atriplex roots,
- Sapindus fruits,
- Mojave yucca root,
- Soapwort root (European species), and
- Buffaloberry fruits.
- California lilacs
- Clematis
(Sources: USDA Forest Service, Chelsea Green)
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