Safety in a Failing Economy

[Sachita]

People across the world are concerned with the economic systems, food safety and how they might survive a natural catastrophic event. I know that many of you are on fixed incomes, perhaps SS and government programs that help subsidize your income. In the event there was a shut down or program cuts, how would it effect you and what is your back-up plan?

I think that people are waking up to the fact that its best to cut your overhead, live more simple and that happiness is not about the things you have but the freedom to free from "things". I would like to open a discussion and invite everyone to share ideas, concerns and solutions.

I'd like to open the discussion with one of my favorite topics "Sustainability". No matter where you live you can begin to look at ways to sustain on some level. Recycling, container gardens, the purchases you make, what you do with trash, etc.

There is a thread here called "Tiny Houses".
Some great ideas and links on small structures. This is an excellent way to escape that huge mortgage and drastically reduce your overhead.

Another thread "Growing and Preserving Food"

No matter the size or location of your home you can grow healthy organic food and preserve it. This lowers your food cost and insures food safety. Let's discuss it.

We also have "Survivalists and Preppers"
Things to have and prepare in the event of a disaster.

There are also several threads on communal living. An excellent idea to cut cost, get help/support. If ever there was a time for us to ban together and network, now is the time.

rather then get into debates over political issues I'd like to focus on ideas and solutions. I'd like to welcome people to start networking and considering communal living. Work your idea here, post to meet others who share your ideas and how you might come together and make life easier. I see so many of you doing the same thing. Why not do it together? Lets us all help moderate and mediate learning ways to overcome the challenges and obstacles.

Please share!

[clay]

Excellent thread and thanks for starting it...I follow your posts often..you are a remarkable lady!!! Have an awesome day, Sachita!!

[Sachita]

Originally Posted by claybaby

Excellent thread and thanks for starting it...I follow your posts often..you are a remarkable lady!!! Have an awesome day, Sachita!!

how sweet thank you! Please post and join us.

[Sachita]

If you lost your job tomorrow and had no access to welfare or government assistance what would you do?

[Apocalipstic]

If I lost my job tomorrow....

I would have to get another job. I live in an apartment and am not very outdooresy. I guess I could be if my life depended on it though. I am a city girl, but I can work hard.

I admit that communal living makes me happiest. I at least like to have a roomate, if not several. It takes so much pressure off to have multiple incomes and skill sets...though in every situation I have lived like this it was me offering the stability.

[Sachita]

Originally Posted by Apocalipstic

If I lost my job tomorrow....

I would have to get another job. I live in an apartment and am not very outdooresy. I guess I could be if my life depended on it though. I am a city girl, but I can work hard.

I admit that communal living makes me happiest. I at least like to have a roomate, if not several. It takes so much pressure off to have multiple incomes and skill sets...though in every situation I have lived like this it was me offering the stability.

Keep in mind I'm not trying to scare or stress you.

Would getting another job be easy? I have at least a dozen friends right now without a job collecting unemployment and they really want jobs.

Everyone has their strengths. When you partner with others as roommates, housemates, etc someone can cook, another cleans, another gardens, etc. I think its important to find these strengths when pulling your team together. Most of it is shared, however as you pointed out, you're not an outdoor person but this doesnt mean you can't help. right? Or maybe you can learn, share, do other things?

What is your biggest concern living with others and why have you not moved in this direction already?

No pressure. I'm here to help you sort it out loud.

[Apocalipstic]

Originally Posted by Sachita

Keep in mind I'm not trying to scare or stress you.

Would getting another job be easy? I have at least a dozen friends right now without a job collecting unemployment and they really want jobs.

Everyone has their strengths. When you partner with others as roommates, housemates, etc someone can cook, another cleans, another gardens, etc. I think its important to find these strengths when pulling your team together. Most of it is shared, however as you pointed out, you're not an outdoor person but this doesn't mean you can't help. right? Or maybe you can learn, share, do other things?

What is your biggest concern living with others and why have you not moved in this direction already?

No pressure. I'm here to help you sort it out loud.

I recently got out of a long term relationship and do actually have a roommate. I was freaked out after the break up, stayed with friends a couple of months and we tried to find a house together, but ended up with apartments in same complex.

I am in a rebuilding and figuring out what I want stage.

I think at this point I could get another job because I have varied skill sets and know a lot of people...but as I start looking older who knows? and you are right, things are tough economically.

Great thread S, its making me think about what I really do want and need.

[Countyfem]

First I would panic for about 15mins...Then have a hella yardsale..pack up and
head for the mountains...
I'm lucky that I can always go back to the family home-place in the mountains, growing up we used to raise pigs cows chickens and a large garden, would take some work as the land has laid fallow for the last 20 year but it could be done.

[Sachita]

Originally Posted by Countyfem

First I would panic for about 15mins...Then have a hella yardsale..pack up and
head for the mountains...
I'm lucky that I can always go back to the family home-place in the mountains, growing up we used to raise pigs cows chickens and a large garden, would take some work as the land has laid fallow for the last 20 year but it could be done.

I hear you! I honestly feel the safest in the woods/mountains. I think learning basic living skills, regardless where you live is important. I see you are in NC. Perhaps we could meet up and have a little get together for some of these city folks to learn some country skills in the event they needed it.

[Sachita]

This post will be on housing.

Is anyone in construction? I'd like to get some cost to post.

If you review the thread Tiny Houses you'll see a simple shed structure someone took and made a cabin. Today almost every city has a rent to own shed company. You need to find one that makes quality, home like structures. They are basic. If you're handy and can do your own work inside great!

Or what about a used RV hooked up? You insulate the pipes, add a deck or even another small room. Can you live in a small space? Many do. Imagine how affordable to live this way?

How many are living in small tiny houses now?

How many people are considering making this move and downsizing to save money?

[dykeumentary]

Originally Posted by Sachita

This post will be on housing.

Is anyone in construction? I'd like to get some cost to post.

If you review the thread Tiny Houses you'll see a simple shed structure someone took and made a cabin. Today almost every city has a rent to own shed company. You need to find one that makes quality, home like structures. They are basic. If you're handy and can do your own work inside great!

Or what about a used RV hooked up? You insulate the pipes, add a deck or even another small room. Can you live in a small space? Many do. Imagine how affordable to live this way?

How many are living in small tiny houses now?

How many people are considering making this move and downsizing to save money?

I build things, including small, off the grid structures.
I try to have this conversation often, I look forward hearing from people here.

[Apocalipstic]

Originally Posted by Countyfem

First I would panic for about 15mins...Then have a hella yardsale..pack up and
head for the mountains...
I'm lucky that I can always go back to the family home-place in the mountains, growing up we used to raise pigs cows chickens and a large garden, would take some work as the land has laid fallow for the last 20 year but it could be done.

If things got really bad I would move to Dalton, GA and live with my buddy Beth. Keep her house clean and do catering for movies with her.

[Rockinonahigh]

I have a life time lease on 20 acers out in the back woods of Louisiana,there is a cabin,deep well,plenty of game with a little used lake that joins the property.My son and I can bug out to it if needed,the cabin is made of brick and stone and has a fire place 10 feet wide and 4 feet deep with a 2 foot drop in the floor of it to keeep the ashes and wood form falling or embers going to far the grate is steel...yeah I know its kinda mid evile but sturdy as can be.My cousin owns the property but has no intrest in it,there is enough room to plant a guarden have some live stock to boot its so wooded that as I chop trees for the fire place I can clear it as I go.The only reson I dont stay there now is its location.When my uncle was liveing he took enough solor panels and all it takes to put them up in the cabin.Uncle is old army he set it up real good.

[Stacy]

Originally Posted by Rockinonahigh

I have a life time lease on 20 acers out in the back woods of Louisiana,there is a cabin,deep well,plenty of game with a little used lake that joins the property.My son and I can bug out to it if needed,the cabin is made of brick and stone and has a fire place 10 feet wide and 4 feet deep with a 2 foot drop in the floor of it to keeep the ashes and wood form falling or embers going to far the grate is steel...yeah I know its kinda mid evile but sturdy as can be.My cousin owns the property but has no intrest in it,there is enough room to plant a guarden have some live stock to boot its so wooded that as I chop trees for the fire place I can clear it as I go.The only reson I dont stay there now is its location.When my uncle was liveing he took enough solor panels and all it takes to put them up in the cabin.Uncle is old army he set it up real good.

I like the idea of communal living in separate dwellings. I'd love to find someone who owns a huge chunk of land, like the one mentioned above, and work out an arrangement with them to park my RV or Tiny House on their land in exchange for any services I can offer to the little community. It would be awesome to live on huge plot of land with tiny houses scattered everywhere and a like a big tent/building as a common area. I think it could work and could be pretty awesome.

[Sachita]

I thought about where to really post this. I'd like to see the direct of this thread move towards sustainability even if you live in the city, apt whatever. This includes ways to make things, save money and generally survive or live frugally.

I thought this was great info and something I will most likely try. During the winter my electric bills are easily 400-500 a month to heat several buildings.
This would also be great for a greenhouse.

http://www.permies.com/wood-burning-stoves.html