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How do I make my home self-sufficient?

Make Your Home More Self-Sufficient in 7 Practical Steps Cultivate a vegetable garden. Reduce your energy consumption. Collect rainwater. Make use of solar power. Consider a wood-burning stove. Build an outdoor composting box. Make use of recycled material.

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Home is where the heart is. We’ve probably heard this truism hundreds of times but it remains as potent as ever.

Many people strive for more sustainable lifestyles but are unsure where to start. Have we ever considered that perhaps our living spaces are hindering us from achieving this goal?

Whether you want to build a self-sustaining home from the ground up or improve your current home, here are some ideas to inspire you in creating a more self-sufficient residence.

1. Cultivate a vegetable garden

What better way to provide food for yourself and your family? Consuming more fresh, green food is one of the healthiest choices you could make. Growing your own food can save you money and give you peace of mind knowing that your greens contain no pesticides. Thanks to Click & Grow’s Smart Gardens, it’s now possible to grow the freshest food indoors too.

2. Reduce your energy consumption

Consider ways to lower your energy bill. Small steps, such as adjusting your thermostat according to the season, can make a big difference. Other great tips include using natural lighting wherever possible and washing your clothes using cold water. Turning your water heater down to 130 degrees could help you save on your electricity bill too.

3. Collect rainwater

Rainwater collected around your property can be used to water plants and animals. It can even be used for washing. Find a rain barrel system that suits your house and don’t let precious rainwater go to waste.

4. Make use of solar power

If you have the right conditions for capturing sufficient sunlight, solar power is a fantastic way to power your entire home. Solar panels are used to capture the sun’s rays to harness energy. There are 2 types of solar panels; rooftop panels and standalone panels. With solar power becoming more accessible and affordable, it’s definitely an option worth considering.

5. Consider a wood-burning stove

If you haven’t owned a wood-burning stove system before, start out with a smaller model. Once you’ve mastered using it, add additional stoves to other rooms. Stoves make it easy to regulate temperature and air intake. Knowing that you can heat your home during a power outage is invaluable.

6. Build an outdoor composting box

Composting is a great way to conserve resources by transforming lawn debris and food leftovers into rich soil. This soil can then be used in your garden. One of the great things about composting is how cost-efficient it is.

7. Make use of recycled material

If you're in the process of designing and building a self-sustainable home, why not ask your contractor to use recycled material wherever possible? It’s also worth searching for a prudent contractor who would not waste material. This is by no means an exhaustive list but we hope it serves as inspiration. There are many ways we can make our homes more self-sustainable and greener. It’s worth remembering, however, that designing and building self-sustaining homes takes considerable amounts of time, effort and money upfront. It pays off, however, in several aspects. By making your home as self-sustaining as possible, you’re having a positive impact on the environment and saving money and resources in the long run. Head over to www.clickandgrow.com for more inspiration and to learn about our desire to make the most essential, fresh, vitamin-packed food available for everyone. Be sure to check out our blog for exciting features such as green living tips, information on how to grow plants indoors and much more.

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What makes a man happy?

To make your man happy emotionally, you have to be attentive to his needs and to know when to give him space. To make your man happy sexually, you have to want to try new things and to be bold and adventurous. But the most important part is that you are feeling happy while you're pleasing your man.

This article was co-authored by Alysha Jeney, MA, LMFT . Alysha Jeney is a Licensed Relationship Therapist, the Owner of Modern Love Counseling, and the Co-Founder of The Modern Love Box. She specializes in relationship therapy, intimacy building, and existential exploration. Alysha holds a BA in Psychology from The Metropolitan State University of Denver and an MA in Marriage and Family Therapy/Counseling from Regis University. She has been featured in publications such as The Washington Post and The Huffington Post. This article has been viewed 929,702 times.

Article Summary

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To make your man happy emotionally and sexually in your relationship, remember to be attentive to his needs and ready to try new things. For example, learn your man’s moods so that when he’s brooding you know to leave him alone, but when he’s upset and wants to be comforted you’re there for him. In addition to knowing your man’s emotional needs, encourage him by giving him sincere compliments, like "I know you'll ace your test" or "You'll do great at your interview." When it comes to his sexual satisfaction, learn what kinds of touches turn him on, like a kiss on the neck, a nibble on his ear, or a hand on the small of his back. Another way to make your man happy is to be more adventurous, such as trying new positions or making out in new places, like the movie theater or car. To learn how to give your man enough space to keep him happy, keep reading!

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