i often wonder if the exact reasons that you posted are the reasons that government is now working hard to make homesteading (growing your own food, raising livestock, etc) essentially illegal. not only do you literally make your own food, but you also are no longer paying taxes on that food nor promoting the big giants and can essentially eat for free if you work hard enough at it. also, you may want to consider planting some basil near your tomatoes and peppers - companion planting is your friend :)