Self reliance

Inspired by Vikings and/or the heathen worldview, I am trying to make positive changes in my life. Essentially trying to improve myself and my situation in ways that Vikings or heathens would approve of (as perceived in my version of Norse neopaganism).

First of these changes is to become more self reliant. One way I am doing this is to turn over a section of the garden of our new house to vegetables. I say new house, but we have been moved in since the start of February.

Additionally, I intend to begin repairing and reusing items, rather than throwing them away. That said, we won't let our place fill with clutter, but similarly we will try to be reducing the influence of our disposable culture, too.

Any other ways we could improve our self reliance? Especially interested in hearing if it can save us money, too.... ;)