A self-sufficient life on Lanzarote

28. November 2022

Many people dream of living independently. Creating an existence in harmony with the land, harnessing natural forms of energy....

A self-sufficient life on Lanzarote

Many people dream of living independently. Creating an existence in harmony with the land, harnessing natural forms of energy, growing vegetables, keeping livestock, preserving foodstuffs, making beer and wine. Developing new skills such as basketry, carpentry, weaving, and much more.

Is such a life achievable in Lanzarote?

I believe it is, just take a journey to the North of the island and see first-hand, many families embracing an ‘eco-friendlier’ lifestyle.

However, let’s be realistic, for most of us, it is almost impossible to be totally self-sufficient. But there are a few steps you can take to position yourself on the right route.

In general, I believe people are becoming more environmentally conscious, and nowadays it has even become fashionable to pursue such a lifestyle.

Personally, I love watching Ben Fogle and his ‘Lives in the Wild’ series, very inspiring.

Many people think living a self-sufficient lifestyle means moving to a rural location, raising animals, and tending a large garden or plot of land. It can mean that for some; but for most it means learning how to take care of yourself.

I see Lanzarote as a springboard to enhanced wellbeing and a more natural way of life.

Self-reliance is also important because it means you can solve problems and make decisions by yourself.

So, maybe you’re reading this and are looking for ways to simplify your life? Well, wherever you find yourself, especially on the island of Lanzarote there are ways you can start today.

Making the transition from a consumer driven life to a simple way of living can often be a challenge. But, if you set your mind to approaching it one-step-at-a-time, you’ll soon be on the road to a self-sufficient lifestyle.

If you are thinking of growing your own food, try doing this

1. Start a kitchen herb garden. ...
2. Grow a planter garden. ...
3. Start a community garden or help a friend cultivate theirs.
4. Build a compost pile.

The Canary Islands have become famous for its grapes, figs, almonds, onions, and row crops, all grown without artificial irrigation. Learn how to use Picon - nature’s own drip irrigation system.

See how islanders have turned their horticultural hardship (the 19th century volcanic eruptions) into a triumph of geo-technology. The history of this island is fascinating.

Be inspired and follow in the footsteps of amazing individuals, people who had a vision and followed it with passion.

César Manríque, trained as a painter in Madrid and New York, years later, he returned to his birthplace here in Lanzarote, this time with an artist’s eye for compelling landforms and an activist’s sense of environmental responsibility.

He saw strength and beauty in elements of his own land, Lanzarote and set out, almost singlehandedly to retain and extend the distinctive features of the island.

Why not make your own mark on the island and experience the ‘Lanzarote Effect’?

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