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Attainable Sustainable: The Lost Art of Self-Reliant Living Kindle Edition

4.7 4.7 out of 5 stars 1,178 ratings

Best How-to Book of 2020--American Society of Journalists and Authors Packed with delicious recipes, natural remedies, gardening tips, crafts, and more, this indispensable lifestyle reference from the popular blogger makes earth-friendly living fun. Whether you live in a city, suburb, or the country, this essential guide for the backyard homesteader will help you achieve a homespun life--from starting your own garden and pickling the food you grow to pressing wildflowers, raising chickens, and creating your own natural cleaning supplies. Sustainability-guru Kris Bordessa offers DIY lovers an indispensable home reference for sustainability in the 21st century, with tried-and-true advice, 50 enticing recipes, and step-by-step directions for creating easy, cost-efficient projects that will bring out your inner pioneer, including: Delectable recipes for a crusty sourdough baguette, smoky hot sauce, and home preserving Handmade crafts like dyeing fabric, dipping candles, and making your own natural home remedies Outdoor projects like foraging for wild edibles, beekeeping, and cooking in cast iron Essential gardening tips from growing an herb box to cultivating a fruit orchard and natural weed control Filled with 340 color photographs, this relatable, comprehensive book contains time honored-wisdom and modern know-how for getting back to basics.
Due to its large file size, this book may take longer to download

Editorial Reviews

Review

“Tips from Kris Bordessa’s popular blog fill this guide on Earth-friendly practices.”
–National Geographic

“When I was in my late teens and early twenties, I relied on the local public library to feed my insatiable desire for information on self-reliant living…Actually, this book tops anything I remember finding back in the day. It’s bigger, packed with more information, and is full of amazing color photographs (350 of them).” –Learningandyearning

“Wow! This book is amazing! It has it all. I literally was in another world for hours just taking in all the DIY greatness Kris has to offer.” –Instagram: Bookswithbethany
 
“This looks like a really great book for right now and everyone stuck at home.” –Instagram: @ofmoviesandbooks
 
“Is it possible for this to be more spot on appropriate right now?? Saving!” –Instagram: @kdbwrites
 
“Not gonna lie, I feel like this book came into my life at the right time! My husband was calling me paranoid because for the past like half a year or so I’ve felt the need to get books like this or survival guide type things to use JUST IN CASE we ever found ourselves in an apocalyptic style life scenario. And now here we are and should the Internet fail us as well, I’m set with ways for us to sustain ourselves. Whether or not I can pull it off is another story, but I’ll at least have the directions I need 😂” –Instagram: @dropandgivemenerdy

“I want this book! I need to get my hands on a copy. I feel the same need building in myself. A need to prepare for whatever may happen.” –Instagram: @sweetbookobsession
 
“Attainable Sustainable is basically a guide for living more like people did before the advent of packaged food and the throw-away society we now inhabit.  Grow your own food, preserve it, learn to reuse what you have, can you sew? knit? crochet? Many of these skills used to be taught in school but no longer are – back in the dark ages when I went to high school I was required to take Home Ec. Now it’s an elective. Skills like canning and fermenting are fun to learn and can lead to a lifestyle that feels safer in troubled times.” –Cooks, Books, Looks
 
“I started reading "Attainable Sustainable" just as we started staying home from work due to the threat of covid-19. We have a lot of time on our hands now and a lot of time to try out some of the tips found in this book. This book is jam packed with ideas of how you can make yourself more self-sustainable. While the idea of ​​self-sustainability itself may be daunting, this book breaks a bunch of initially complicated-seeming things into super approachable steps. Author Kris Bordessa acts as a wonderful coach towards making sure you feel well equipped to tackle the projects in the book.” –A Bookish Affair
 
“It’s a great DIY and an environmental book about planting, baking, and even making your own natural household supplies. The stunning pictures and detailed tips will prove to be beneficial on your sustainable journey.” –Living My Best Book Life
 
“As a homestead self-reliant living person myself there are so many things in this book I have only dreamed of learning and haven’t yet even come close. With over 300 pages packed full of useful knowledge, DIY’s, recipes, this is one amazing How-To manual to have on hand.” –The Upcycled Family

“For the past 20 years we have strived to live a sustainable & self-reliant life. One that not only meets the definitions of being self-reliant, but also, and maybe more importantly, one that is mindful, authentic and thoughtful. So what do we do when kindred spirit, Kris Bordessa, writes a book, “Attainable Sustainable the lost art of self-reliant living”? We read it! Read it is putting it mildly. More like devoured it.” –It’s My Sustainable Life

“Guided by step-by-step photos and Bordessa’s contagious good humor, you’ll learn earth-friendly lifestyle tips, including how to start your own garden, make your own cleaning supplies and plant heirloom vegetables you can’t find at the supermarket…Filled with small, actionable steps, 
Attainable Sustainable will help readers take control of their impact on the planet — and bridge the gap between wanting and making change.” –Laughing Place

“Consider this a primer and resource that will serve you through spring and beyond. It's a gorgeous book that you'll love just leafing through…
Attainable Sustainable just pulls the reader in with simple projects, lovely photographs, and inspiration galore for your simple, self-reliant life.” –Homespun Seasonal Living

“This is an appealing book, the kind you might think of as a useful coffee table reference book. It is encouraging, well-written, and beautifully designed. It would make an excellent gift, especially for those who are feeling helplessly stuck at home because of the current pandemic.” –5 Acres & A Dream
 
“The perfect book for a time like this, when I’m spending more time at home thinking of finally trying my hand at canning, baking sourdough bread and homemade oil lamps. This book has DIYs for those and so much more.” –Instagram: @thahahnestdesign
 
“I. Am. Blown. Away. It is LOADED with ways to be more self-sustaining whether you live in the city, suburbs, or the wide open spaces 🌿” –Instagram: @slowlivinghomestead
 
“Talk about a timely book. With the world deep in the midst of a pandemic, learning about self-sustainability makes perfect sense. Not only is now a great time to learn about the numerous and various ways in which one can garden, pickle foods, create natural cleaning supplies, and craft; but it’s also becoming more and more obvious how imperative it is to become even more self-reliant. Grocery stores are filled with bare shelves and people are stockpiling toilet paper. It is most definitely a trying and terrifying time in the world…With the help of Bordessa's book, 
Attainable Sustainable, I feel like I can dive into projects that will help keep me feeling productive, engaged, and self-reliant.” –A Bookish Way of Life
 
“This book couldn’t have come at a better time. I love learning new skills and dream of being a homesteader one day, so I had a lot of fun going through this book. It is packed full of different DIY projects like sewing, food preservation, and gardening, that are geared toward living a simpler, more self-reliant lifestyle…I think any home would benefit from having this book on hand.” –PNW Pixie
 
“From the first touch of the substantial cover to thumbing through the color-coded pages, you escape into a self-reliant world. A world where you feel like you can do all the wonderful projects that your eyes take in and find yourself living the life of simplicity that you have always dreamed of…This wonderful book is packed with information, ideas, lovely pictures, and simple instructions. I truly believe there’s something in it for everyone who is looking to become more self-sufficient. Anyone who strives to be more responsible for themselves and their families will find this book amazing. And it isn’t over anyone’s head. From the beginners to the old homesteaders, there is something for everyone.” –Little Frugal Homestead

“Not only is this book amazing for adults, but the projects in it are very family-friendly, and even my children have begun to enjoy reading through it and learning. Since we homeschool, this is going to be an awesome book I can use to teach our children quality skills such as candle making, plant foraging, and identification, patchwork and quilting, growing and planting… to just name a few!” –The Inspired Prairie





 

About the Author

KRIS BORDESSA launched in the hit blog Attainable Sustainable in 2011 to create a community focused on more self-reliant living. She encourages readers to tackle one actionable step each day to embrace simpler living through a DIY lifestyle. Bordessa grew up on a small apple farm in Northern California and is a 2nd generation 4-H member. These days, she lives in Hawai'i with her family, strives for an abundant vegetable garden, and raises a thriving -- and often humorous -- chicken flock.

Product details

  • ASIN ‏ : ‎ B0871KKCJR
  • Publisher ‏ : ‎ National Geographic; Illustrated edition (April 28, 2020)
  • Publication date ‏ : ‎ April 28, 2020
  • Language ‏ : ‎ English
  • File size ‏ : ‎ 409907 KB
  • Text-to-Speech ‏ : ‎ Enabled
  • Screen Reader ‏ : ‎ Supported
  • Enhanced typesetting ‏ : ‎ Enabled
  • X-Ray ‏ : ‎ Enabled
  • Word Wise ‏ : ‎ Not Enabled
  • Print length ‏ : ‎ 319 pages
  • Customer Reviews:
    4.7 4.7 out of 5 stars 1,178 ratings

About the author

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Kris Bordessa
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I live on Hawai'i Island with my family, where I'm re-learning how to grow food in a very different climate than I've gardened with in the past. My work in the garden is part of a larger effort to live a more self-reliant lifestyle, one that treads more lightly on this earth. I love helping people learn that they can provide for themselves, from producing food to cooking at home.

In ATTAINABLE SUSTAINABLE: The Lost Art of Self-Reliant Living (National Geographic Books, 2020) I share my passion for modern homesteading with people who are dreaming of a return to their roots.

My website: https://www.attainable-sustainable.net/

Join me on Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/attainablesustainable/

Customer reviews

4.7 out of 5 stars
1,178 global ratings

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Customers say

Customers find this book provides useful information and great ideas for homesteading, gardening, cooking, and camping. They appreciate the clear instructions and beautiful photography. The topics are attainable and sustainable, making it a perfect buy for those looking to learn self-sufficiency skills.

AI-generated from the text of customer reviews

63 customers mention "Information quality"57 positive6 negative

Customers find the book informative and useful. They appreciate the explanations of everyday consumables you can make, grow, or raise yourself. The book provides great ideas, helpful advice, recipes, and instructions on many topics. It touches on all areas of self-sufficiency without being overwhelming.

"She has a lot of very helpful instructions on lots of topics. It's a very informative book. Well written and beautiful photography." Read more

"This is so comprehensive and a great book for anyone wanting to be more sustainable like the title says!" Read more

"...Each provides quite a bit of info with out being "too deep" but thorough enough to allow the reader to be introduced to little changes they can do..." Read more

"Full of great information. Clearly explained, great pictures. Well written." Read more

28 customers mention "Photography"28 positive0 negative

Customers enjoy the book's photography. They find it visually appealing, with clear instructions and a variety of sections. The layout is well-organized and the book makes a nice addition to their homes.

"...It's a very informative book. Well written and beautiful photography." Read more

"This book is amazing, truly. It teaches you how to cook, how to de-bone a chicken, etc...." Read more

"...It is beautifully laid out with a variety of sections...." Read more

"Full of great information. Clearly explained, great pictures. Well written." Read more

17 customers mention "Ease of use"17 positive0 negative

Customers find this book easy to understand and read. They appreciate the clear directions and concise writing style. The book provides useful information that is easy to incorporate into daily life, making it suitable for beginners. Readers also mention the book is well-written with amazing photos.

"...It's a very informative book. Well written and beautiful photography." Read more

"...quite a bit of info with out being "too deep" but thorough enough to allow the reader to be introduced to little changes they can do around the home..." Read more

"Full of great information. Clearly explained, great pictures. Well written." Read more

"The book itself is a great quality with nice pictures. It is great for beginners or just to have on hand as a reference book." Read more

13 customers mention "Ideas"13 positive0 negative

Customers find the book provides easy homesteading and DIY projects, gardening, cooking, camping, and hiking ideas. They appreciate the self-sufficiency skills outlined in a brief format that make learning new skills easy. The book is great for DIY beginners who want to learn how to garden, forage, identify plants in the wild, and cook. It also teaches you how to grow food organically and preserve it.

"...It teaches you to garden, how to forage, how identify plants in the wild, how to sew, etc!..." Read more

"...A ton of ideas for easy homesteading and DIY projects, gardening, cooking, camping/trekking...." Read more

"...I was thinking mostly growing, cooking, preserving...but some cool repurposing ideas" Read more

"...Self reliance is important. To know how to grow food organically and learn how to preserve it. Too bad they don't teach that in school." Read more

6 customers mention "Attainable"6 positive0 negative

Customers find the book attainable and not overwhelming. The topics are not too difficult to achieve, but can be put into practice easily by anyone. The chapter headings make it easy to find what you are looking for.

"...It makes it very "attainable" and not overwhelming." Read more

"...The chapter headings make it easy to find what you are looking for - Eat, Make, Clean, Grow, Farm, and Trek...." Read more

"...The topics are not too difficult to achieve, but can be put into practice easily by anyone, no matter if you live in the city or the country...." Read more

"A book of useful things that everyone should know. Everything you need is attainable with no crazy requirements. Love it!" Read more

6 customers mention "Sustainability"6 positive0 negative

Customers find the book helpful for learning about sustainable living. They say it's a great way to learn the basics.

"Great book!! Learn the basics for sustainable living! Highly recommended!!" Read more

"...She absolutely loves it. She really is taking in the sustainable lifestyle (I have been a fan for years)." Read more

"Attainable Sustainable..." Read more

"Attainable Sustainable..." Read more

5 customers mention "Value for money"5 positive0 negative

Customers find the book offers good value for money. They say it provides useful information and new ideas.

"...it teaches you how to clean properly with natural and affordable items...." Read more

"...Lots of practicality. I feel like I got my monies worth for information and learned many new ideas." Read more

"great book well worth the cost, arrived in great condition. complete with all the information I could possibly need." Read more

"...The magazine had basically everything the book did and cost less." Read more

Lots of cool things
5 out of 5 stars
Lots of cool things
My 15 year old son thought was a gift for him along with model building stuff from his dad...was going on and on about needing to thank his dad. I was thinking that is neat. His dad has sent him books before. And never have I seen my son so jazzed.Had to break it to him...that I ordered it when he showed it to me.My older son and I have played around with some recipes from the website My older son put cheese from one into olive oil with some basil I grew in window garden.I liked the craft ideas in here. I was thinking mostly growing, cooking, preserving...but some cool repurposing ideas
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Top reviews from the United States

  • Reviewed in the United States on December 10, 2024
    She has a lot of very helpful instructions on lots of topics. It's a very informative book. Well written and beautiful photography.
  • Reviewed in the United States on December 22, 2024
    This is so comprehensive and a great book for anyone wanting to be more sustainable like the title says!
  • Reviewed in the United States on June 8, 2024
    This book is amazing, truly. It teaches you how to cook, how to de-bone a chicken, etc. it teaches you how to clean properly with natural and affordable items. It teaches you to garden, how to forage, how identify plants in the wild, how to sew, etc! I think everyone could benefit from this book and I will definitely be buying them for gifts every holiday!!
    2 people found this helpful
    Report
  • Reviewed in the United States on August 29, 2023
    I follow Kris's page on Facebook and have wanted this book for quite a while. Thankfully, I shared that with my daughter and she gifted it to my for my birthday. It is beautifully laid out with a variety of sections. Each provides quite a bit of info with out being "too deep" but thorough enough to allow the reader to be introduced to little changes they can do around the home in an effort to move towards sustainability. It makes it very "attainable" and not overwhelming.
    3 people found this helpful
    Report
  • Reviewed in the United States on September 20, 2023
    Full of great information. Clearly explained, great pictures. Well written.
    2 people found this helpful
    Report
  • Reviewed in the United States on May 19, 2024
    I'm having a blast reading this book. So much valuable information. Highly recommend if this is your thing. Seller had it to me on time and in perfect condition.
  • Reviewed in the United States on April 25, 2024
    I got this book a few months ago and I love it!! There is so much knowledge stuffed in this book. Each section has so much stuff!!
  • Reviewed in the United States on March 17, 2024
    I love the illustrations. Very useful information. This is a keeper in my prep box.

Top reviews from other countries

  • Laurie Shaw
    5.0 out of 5 stars FANTASTIC resource.
    Reviewed in Canada on November 2, 2023
    There is an AMAZING amount of material in this book - DEEP gratitude
  • Collie
    3.0 out of 5 stars Not detailed enough
    Reviewed in France on June 2, 2021
    My impression on receiving this book is that while the subject matter is wonderful, each part lacks any real depth. It's a great looking work, but feels more detail went into the look than the substance.
  • Lindsey B.
    5.0 out of 5 stars Fascinating
    Reviewed in the United Kingdom on February 18, 2021
    A great read and an encouraging guide to being more self sufficient. Informative, non judgey and practical. Also a beautifully laid out and presented book, enjoyable to pick up and put down, easy to reference.
  • RB
    5.0 out of 5 stars Very beautiful and well put together
    Reviewed in Australia on October 22, 2024
    This is a lovely book, I bought for my 11 year old. She has enjoyed making and doing a lot of the activities and projects and I can see it will be a treasure book for years to come.
  • Michael Molloy
    5.0 out of 5 stars Every household should have this book
    Reviewed in Singapore on May 21, 2023
    Wonderful resource. This simple “how to” guide provides easy step-by-step insight to do almost anything “naturally” around the home.

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