The library subscribes to these pay-for sites that you can search for information
The Good Life
Remember the 70s British comedy The Good Life? The middle-class suburban couple, Tom and Barbara Good, turn their Surbiton home into a self-sufficient lifestyle block, growing their own food, keeping animals and making their own tools and equipment. (The library has this popular series on DVD). Here are some of the things you can do to live "the good life".
- Sustainable Households
- Sustainable Living programme developed by a partnership of local councils across New Zealand. Information on reducing your impact on the planet, having a healthier lifestyle and saving money (e.g. on power bills, shopping, gardening and motoring).
Grow your own vegetables
Once your soil is healthy and fertile, you can consider growing your own vegetables. This is one of the key components of "good life" - being able to cook with products you have grown yourself.
The library has books on vegetable gardening, herb gardening and fruit culture. There are also books on organic gardening.
Composting is the best and easiest way to recycle organic matter in order to reduce your rubbish. Composted material added to the garden promotes soil fertility, moisture retention, and encourages plant growth. See our guide on waste and recycling.
Making your own clothes
Check out our guide to making clothes, wearable arts and costume design. There are also books and magazines available on sewing and dressmaking to help you make your own clothes. CINCH has links to sewing courses.
Animals
You may wish to become more independent by keeping your own animals. There are books on poultry to help you set up for keeping chickens, and websites such as Keeping your own hens (Egg Producers Federation of New Zealand).
Here are some rules and regulations from Christchurch City Council to consider:
