Embarking on a Hundred Mile Life—sourcing essentials within a 100-mile radius—has come with its share of challenges. Here’s how I’m tackling them:

Budget Challenges & Solutions

• Local products can be more expensive, so I need to cut back elsewhere.
• Reviewing subscriptions to streaming services:
  • Prioritizing only what we actually use.
  • Canceling unnecessary ones to free up funds for local purchases.
• Reducing unnecessary delivery costs:
  • Checking if I’m paying for services I don’t need.
  • Finding ways to replace delivery items with local alternatives.

Finding Local Alternatives

• Some items are harder to find, like canned goods and long-term storage items.
• Farmers’ markets will be opening soon—good opportunities to stock up.
• Meat sourcing has been a challenge:
  • Local meats can be pricey but not impossible to find.
  • Found a store in Hamilton with its own meat processing plant—more affordable and transparent.
  • Whole chickens are cheaper there than at big-box stores.

Tracking Local vs. Non-Local Spending

• Need a better way to measure how much I’m truly sourcing locally.
• Planning to use YNAB (You Need a Budget) to:
  • Separate spending into “local” and “non-local” categories.
  • Analyze where I can improve and adjust.

Minimizing Delivery Costs

• Ensuring delivery services are within the 100-mile radius.
• Already have local options for dairy, produce, and coffee:
  • Dairy: Prepaid for a year’s worth of delivery.
  • Produce: Can pick up for free in Ancaster (15–20 min away).
  • Coffee: Found a local roaster that delivers affordably.
• Planning errands efficiently to reduce fuel costs when picking up local goods.

Looking Ahead

• Expecting more challenges but staying flexible and creative.
• The goal is sustainability—balancing cost, convenience, and commitment to local sourcing.
• Continuing to track progress and refine strategies.

Have you tried focusing on local purchases? What obstacles have you encountered, and how did you overcome them?

Let’s start a conversation. What steps will you take this weekend?

Till again,

Doll from DollCanCreate