SHTF lifehacks for non-survivalists on a limited budget

Given enough time, I would try to become a badass survivalist. But it appears I have run out of the time required to become a badass (alas), so I have been looking at options that are available in a pinch. Here's what I have found so far.

I've been getting better at gardening, but still, I worry about not having enough healthy plant foods to feed my family. It turns out weeds are edible and nutrient-rich. And they grow like, well, weeds. The best part is that my back yard is already inundated with a variety of them. I'm excited to start experimenting with recipes. [link to www.ediblewildfood.com]

I've stocked up on beans. But without electricity and gas, how will I be cooking them? Beans take a really long time to cook. I don't have enough money to stock up on vast amounts of charcoal, wood, or propane, nor do I have the ability to properly build anything that useful. I was very pleased to learn about thermal cooking. There are a variety of really cool options here, but the most readily available way I came across was the thermos. A high quality thermos is a little slow cooker.



Speaking of beans. I get food grade buckets to store my beans in for free from my local Jimmy John's. I hear that many sandwich shops and bakeries regularly throw them out and are willing to give them to those who ask.

I've worried about illnesses and not having enough medicines. I recently discovered that pine needles are edible and have medicinal properties. They're loaded with Vitamin C. Pine Needle tea has been used as an antiseptic, a decongestant, and a cure for scurvy. I feel like a dolt for not knowing this sooner. I'm surrounded by pine trees. [link to www.practicalprimitive.com]

Master Tonic. Vinegar was prescribed by Hippocrates for numerous illnesses and many used vinegar infusions to ward off the plague. Everything else in the recipe is also known for having significant medicinal properties. My first batch will be ready tomorrow.
[link to www.thehealthyhomeeconomist.com]

Keeping warm if all else fails:




If anyone else has some tips for SHTF solutions in a pinch, I'd love to hear about them. Thanks!

Last Edited by Bee Free on 02/07/2014 06:48 PM