How to Escape From The Market Economy

I was dumbfounded when someone told me that they can make fried chicken at home. Until that point I used to think it was only made in KFCs. I was that naive about the stuff around me.

Living in the modern world, there are expenses that we cannot avoid. We need to pay for our food, shelter, clothing, transportation, and other basic needs. However, there are ways to minimize our dependence on the market economy and reduce our expenses.

I used to buy branded clothes(Kappa in particular), eat out at expensive restaurants and spend a lot of money on entertainment. But now, I have stopped doing all of that. I have found that I can live a fulfilling life without spending much money.

Here are some tips on how to escape from the market economy:

Buy Nothing/Cut down on unnecessary expenses

It’s been a long time since I bought toothpaste, soap, shampoo, and other personal care products. I have switched to natural alternatives that I can make at home. For example, I use baking soda, soamp(Fennel seeds) powner, and coconut oil as toothpaste, and I make my own soap using lye and oils. I even make baby soap for my daughter using the same method.

I avoid expensive branded clothes and instead buy clothes from local markets where they are cheaper. I stick to three trousers, eight shirts, and a few pairs of shoes. I don’t need more than that.

Grow your own food

I have enough space for a vegetable garden but for many people who are living in apartments, they do not have this luxury. But you can still grow leafy greens, herbs, and small vegetables in pots on your balcony. This can save you money on groceries and also provide you with fresh, organic produce.

Along with growing your own food, you can also learn to cook simple meals at home. This can save you money on eating out and also allow you to control the ingredients and make healthier choices.

Avoid bakeries at any cost. The oils, presertvatives, colors, raw materials they use is just horrendous. There was a study where cancer cases correlate with number of bakeries around the area. This is extremely concerning. We have a useless institution called FSSAI to protect us from these adulteration but they have proved their incompetence multiple times.

Walk/Bicycle instead of using a car

Use bicycle for transportation. It’s not only good for your health but also saves you money on fuel and maintenance. If you have to travel frequently, consider using public transportation or carpooling with friends or colleagues.

I know it may not suit your “status” to ride a bicycle but I say “Fuck your status”. Unless you are disabled, you have no reason to not try a bicycle. It is so relaxing and fun.

I have a sedan, but I rarely use it. I prefer to walk or use my bicycle for short distances. For longer distances, I use my car.

I would prefer public transportation, but unfortunately, the public transportation system where I live is not very reliable. So, I have to use my car for long trips.

Use Solar Water Heater and Solar Panels

Investing in solar panels and a solar water heater can significantly reduce your electricity bills. Indian governement is even offering heavy subsidies on solar panels, so it’s a good time to make the switch. Solar energy is not only cost-effective but also environmentally friendly.

I used to have cold showers when I used to live alone. I had a gyser but I never used it because of the electricity cost. Now, my family is big and I have a solar water heater, and I can take hot showers without worrying about the electricity bill.

I have also installed solar panels on my roof, which generate enough electricity to power my entire house. I had a inverter-battery setup before, which helped me with the switch to solar panels. Now, I am almost off the grid and I don’t have to worry about electricity bills or outages.

Be a Sovereign Citizen

Be independent from what’s happening in the world. Iran closing Hormuz should not affect you at all. You should have a setup where almost nothing affects you.

I have a lot of chicken, few cows, and pigs. I’m a vegetarian but I do eat eggs. I get plenty of milk. I make curd, butter, ghee, paneer and what not. Nothing goes to waste. I kind of have plenty of food.

I have planted trees that are meant for making oil. This will take care of many things for me. Cooking, soaps, personal care products etc are all taken care of.

There are many ways to be independent. You just have to look around.