The easiest thing to grow, ever.

The many uses for glass jars

Balcony gardening

Local foods are delish

Paper-making bonanza

Tin-can garden

Bicycle adventures

Yummus for hummus!




I have a theory that if consumers produced more of their own goods, they'd create a more sustainable, stable lifestyle—and possibly increase their happiness or sense of accomplishment in the process.

The Self-Sufficient Life documents my attempts to become less reliant on large corporations and more capable of producing my own goods. I will document how these attempts change my lifestyle and consumptive practices.





  • Future Projects
  • Relevant Websites
  • Portfolio




  • Green Thumb
  • Make Your Own
  • Transportation
  • Upcycling
  • Yummy Projects
  • The Self-Sufficient Life
  • Subscribe to Content
  • Subscribe to Comments
  • Based on The Unstandard
  • Images & text © Melanie Richards, 2010