Self-sufficiency expert Carolann Murray will be one of the key workshop speakers at the Kāpiti Sustainable Home and Garden Show on March 26 and 27.
Her recently published book “Mastering the Art of Self-Sufficiency in New Zealand”, is based on the experiences of Carolann and husband Andrew on their 10-acre block in Upper Hutt.
The couple swapped the sound of vehicles, machinery and people for the sound of birds, animals and insects in the mid-1990s.
Carolann believes her need for self-sufficiency grew out of a desire to be environmentally friendly and independent. She now makes soap, wine and cheese, grows vegetables and has a couple of house cows, some bees, sheep and chooks. She loves the DIY lifestyle and passing on the lessons she has learnt to others.
Her workshop “Self-Sufficient Living”, being held on both Saturday and Sunday, will draw on the many lessons learned over the past 16 years as the couple transformed from inexperienced townies to rural lifestyle junkies.
Her main message is that the majority of lifestyle changes she has made on her block of land can also be made in suburban back yards and apartments.
“You can buy in bulk from local markets when produce is in season and preserve or freeze it. Baking bread and biscuits with the children will help them understand the level of work and time required.”
As well as landscape gardens, suppliers of eco-products and services and free resourceful living advice from council and others, the Sustainable Home & Garden Show will host a series of free workshops visitors can attend. These range from bike safety checks and tips for DIY insulation to seed-saving and bee keeping.
The two-day Council-organised event is timely as the current economic climate and the increasing awareness of the need to look after natural resources is causing a resurgence of interest in ways to live well with less cost and less environmental impact.
The full programme of workshops is available at www.kapiticoast.govt.nz.
