Books like Self-Sufficiency for the 21st Century by Dick Strawbridge

Mark Frauenfelder, editor‑in‑chief of MAKE magazine, explores the vibrant DIY scene, showing how hands‑on projects—from building UAVs to crafting wooden spoons—empower families, foster sustainability, and reshape culture.

If you're seeking to make eco-friendly changed to your daily habits, reduce your carbon footprint, and generally shift to a greener way of living, Self-Sufficiency Handbook is essential reading. Authors Alan and Gill Bridgewater's off-grid-living experience and expertise runs the ecological gamut from geothermal heating systems and crop rotation to soap-making and livestock husbandry as they address topics important to anyone who yearns to make back-to-basics lifestyle changes. Whether you're an urban dweller who wants to adopt certain aspects of a greener lifestyle or you're ready to make the leap to living off-grid - or you fit somewhere in between - you'll find the Bridgewaters' advice, along with the full-color photos and helpful illustrations, in Self-Sufficiency Handbook invaluable.--COVER.

Self-sufficiency, or at least the desire to practise elements of a self-sufficient lifestyle, has become a growing trend of recent years. This useful book shows how anyone can turn to self-sufficiency. Although hugely practical, this book has an attractive feel and will appeal to large numbers of urban dwellers who may want to take on certain aspects of self-sufficient living. The idea is 'traditional skills for modern living' and the book is intended to appeal primarily to women in their thirties, probably with young families. The book covers a number of current trends (eco-awareness, make do and mend, grow your own) without being preachy or worthy. The book is more about getting back in touch with traditional lifestyles and bringing charm and uniqueness to our homes and lives. This title features photographs and diagrams to appeal to the large numbers of people who aspire to a self-sufficient lifestyle.