On Fri, Dec 9, 2011 at 4:33 PM, jack danials <cornmash007@yahoo.com> wrote:
--- On Sat, 11/12/11, Jay Seidal <jay_seidal@yahoo.com> wrote:
From: Jay Seidal <jay_seidal@yahoo.com>
Subject: [rrsurvivalist] Top Post-Collapse Barter Items And Trade Skills
To: "Rural Survivalist" <rrsurvivalist@yahoogroups.com>
Date: Saturday, November 12, 2011, 2:17 PM
This is from the site http://www.alt- market.com/
Please, when responding, leave only the part you are talking about, or those
on digest will hate us. I purposely left the comments, they have some good
ideas too. Kathi
Top Post-Collapse Barter Items And Trade Skills
The concept of private barter and alternative economies has been so far
removed from our daily existence here in America that the very idea of
participating in commerce without the use of dollars or without the
inclusion of corporate chains seems almost outlandish to many people.
However, the fact remains that up until very recently (perhaps the last
three to four decades) barter and independent trade was commonplace in this
country. Without it, many families could not have survived.
Whether we like it or not, such economic methods will be making a return
very soon, especially in the face of a plunging dollar, inflating wholesale
prices, erratic investment markets, and unsustainable national debts. It is
inevitable; financial collapse of the mainstream system ALWAYS leads to
secondary markets and individual barter. We can wait until we are already in
the midst of collapse and weighted with desperation before we take action to
better our circumstances, or, we can prepare now for what we already know is
coming.
In today's "modern" globalist economy, we have relied upon centralized and
highly manipulated trade, forced interdependency, senseless and
undisciplined consumption, endless debt creation, welfare addiction, and the
erosion of quality, as a means to sustain a system that ultimately is
DESIGNED to erode our freedoms not to mention our ability to effectively
take care of ourselves. We have been infantized by our financial
environment. In the near future, those who wish to live beyond a meager
staple of government handouts (if any are even given) will be required to
make a 180 degree reversal from their current lifestyle of dependency and
immediate gratification towards one of self sufficiency, personal
entrepreneurship, quality trade, and a mindset of necessity, rather than
unfounded excess.
This means that each and every one of us will not only be driven to form
barter networks outside the designated confines of the mainstream, we will
have to become active producers within those networks. Each and every one of
us will need to discover practical goods and skills that will be in high
demand regardless of economic conditions. Being that our society has all but
forgotten how this kind of trade works, let's examine a short list of items
as well as proficiencies that are sure to be highly sought after as the
collapse progresses.
Top Priority Goods
To be sure, this list is a summary of items that will have high value during
and after a breakdown scenario. I welcome readers to post their own ideas
for trade goods below this article. The following is merely a framework
which you can use to get started, and was compiled using actual accounts of
post collapse trade from the Great Depression, to Bosnia, to Argentina, to
Greece, etc. These are items and skills that people were literally begging
for after financial catastrophe occurred in numerous separate events.
Water Filtration: Stock up on water filters. Learn how water filtration
works. Even make your own water filters using cloth, activated charcoal, and
colloidal silver. Everyone will want to trade with you if you have extra
filtration on hand. During economic breakdowns, especially in countries like
Argentina, and Bosnia, which had more modern, city based populations, the
first thing to disappear was clean water. Always. In some cases, the tap
water still runs, but is filled with impurities, and needs to be boiled.
Boiling does not remove bad tastes or smells, however, and clean filtered
water will be in demand.
Seeds: Non-GMO seeds are a currency unto themselves. They can last for years
if stored properly, and everyone will want them, even if they don't have
land to plant them. Get enough for yourself, and then purchase twice as much
for trade.
Fresh Produce: Ever heard of scurvy? Probably. Ever had scurvy? Probably
not. Believe me, you don't want to have it. Your body essentially begins to
fall apart slowly, and the result is an ugly boil and sore filled
complexion, the loss of teeth and hair, and the eventual failure of internal
organs. Don't think you can live on beef jerky and canned beans for months
on end. You need fresh vegetables and fruits, and the vitamins they supply.
Anyone with a well managed garden and a few fruit trees is going to do very
well in barter. Vitamin supplements would also be a practical investment.
Long Shelf Life Foods: This one should be obvious, but you may be surprised
how many preppers, even though aware of the danger in the economy, do not
have ample stored foods. The rationalizations abound, but usually, you are
dealing with a person who has a heavy hunting background, and believes he
will be able to procure whatever food he wants whenever he wants with his
trusty bolt action rifle and a few hours in the woods. Don't fall into this
foolish trap. Thousands if not millions of other hungry, destitute people
will likely have the same idea, combing the forest for deer, only running
into (and perhaps shooting at) each other. In every single account of modern
economic collapse I have read, the people involved kick themselves brutally
for not stocking more food that didn't require refrigeration. Even those
that were moderately prepared stated that they wished they had stored twice
as much as they did.
Sealed food kits would be highly valued trade items, as long as they
contained necessities like grains (wheat or rice store well), salt (the
human body will not function without salt), honey or maple syrup (the body
needs sugars), and powdered milk, peanut butter, or any other foods with fat
content (the body needs fats). Prepackaged freeze-dried foods are more
expensive to stock, but they are, of course, easy to trade.
Food Producing Animals: Chickens are great for eating, but they also produce
eggs. Cows and Goats can be slaughtered, but they also produce milk. Sheep
can be easily herded towards your dinner plate, but they also produce wool.
Rabbits make a good stew, but they also produce lots of other rabbits. In
terms of barter, these animals will be life savers, as well as a solid
source of trade income. Dual purpose livestock are really where it's at for
those who have even an acre of land, and many of them (except cattle) tend
to feed themselves easily if left to wander your property. You can trade
eggs, milk, wool, etc, that they produce. Not to mention, fetch serious
value for trading the animal itself.
Solar Power: Solar power is so overlooked by most barter organizations and
survivalists in general that it's astonishing. If every home in America had
at least two large solar panels on the roof, I would not be half as worried
about collapse as I am today. My suspicion is that many preppers believe
that after a breakdown, we will all return to some kind of Agrarian
pre-electric age where everything is lit with oil lamps. This is silly. If I
have my LED lamp with rechargeable batteries, I'm certainly not going to
rely on less effective burning lamps that depend on a finite fuel supply.
And, I'm certainly not going to give up the advantages of nightvision, radio
communications, or refrigeration if I can help it. The key is to ensure that
you have a continuous means of diverting electricity to these goods. This
already exists in the form of solar power.
Depending on your budget, you can purchase solar panels that can be folded
and carried with you for charging batteries, or, you can purchase entire
arrays and battery banks that run your whole house. Those without
electricity WILL want electricity, and solar is an excellent barter item.
Wind generators, as well as water driven generators (as used often in
Bosnia) are also a consideration. People that have the knowledge to set up
these systems for others will not have trouble finding trading partners.
Firewood: Even with solar power, home heating will become a major concern
for every household during and after a breakdown. If you can avoid running
your battery bank out on inefficient space heaters, you will. The best way
to do this is with a wood stove, or a fireplace. Those without any
electricity will scour their immediate areas for loose wood, then move on to
chopping down random trees for fuel. This is one of the few instances,
ironically, that those in urban environments would have an advantage, being
that dry wood for burning is literally everywhere in the city. During the
Great Depression, families would often sneak into abandoned homes and
apartment buildings to dismantle sticks of furniture, or even the walls, to
use as firewood.
A small, well insulated home can be heated with as little as two cords of
wood every winter. Larger drafty homes require as much as twenty cords per
winter. A "cord' of wood is a stack of split timber around four feet wide,
four feet high, and eight feet long. This wood is "aged", or dried for at
least a year after being cut, so that it burns cleaner, and creates much
more heat than freshly felled timber. When the general public begins to
rediscover the need for aged cord wood, those with timberland will have a
prized commodity on their hands for barter.
A disciplined cutting routine would be essential. Only cutting enough timber
(of the right maturity) to create a decent supply while not erasing the
whole forest for a single year of profit. Those traders with the correct
knowledge will do very well in a barter economy.
Gasoline And Oil: This is a tough one, because its hard to predict how much
petroleum the U.S. will be able to import or produce on its own during a
collapse, and its very difficult to store for long periods of time. If you
hear news that the wars in the Middle East have expanded even further, or
that OPEC is decoupling from the dollar, you might want to run to the
nearest station and fill as many storage cans as possible, along with a
little bit of added 'gas saver' which helps keep it stable longer.
Initially, people will be dueling to the death for gas and oil. I have
little doubt. After the price hits $15, $30, $60 a gallon due to
hyperinflation, and a little time passes, I think people will begin finding
ways to live without it, or they will reduce its use to emergency tasks.
Desire for gas will always be there, especially in agricultural areas where
one tractor could help sow the seeds that feed an entire town. But beyond
storage, I would suggest learning ways to distill your own corn ethanol and
alcohol based fuels. This is where the real barter potential is.
Silver And Gold: I placed precious metals in the middle of this list for a
reason. Concerns in a collapse situation will be varied, and the manner in
which a derailment progresses will also determine the order of needs in a
barter community. In a Mad Max scenario where there is little to no
community, or the construction of any semblance of economy is impossible;
sure, gold and silver will not be very high on most people's lists. Has this
ever happened in recorded history? No. Gold and silver have remained common
currencies for thousands of years despite any catastrophe. This is why I
have to laugh at those people who undercut precious metals or claim that
because you "can't eat them" they will not be important. In Argentina, in
the midst of complete meltdown and monetary chaos, when people were shooting
each other in the streets for food on a daily basis, gold and silver became
king, and still are.
Barter networks that have formed in Argentina love to trade for anything
made out of gold or silver, because precious metals are the only tangible
form of currency in existence there. Being able to trade goods is fantastic,
but sometimes, you may not have what another person wants. Do you go out to
find someone who does, trade with them, then, try to find the guy who turned
you down? No. If you have any meaningful localized commerce in place, then
you should also have a common medium of exchange, and precious metals are
the only thing that safely fits the mold, because they cannot be
artificially reproduced or fabricated. Their rarity and their longevity make
them the perfect method of common trade. Even if the worst of the worst
occurs, rebuilding will result in the immediate resurgence of trade, and the
immediate need of a new currency. Gold and silver will come back, as it
always has, and always will. Every potential barter network should be
including gold, silver, and maybe copper, on its list of accepted
alternative currencies, and the values of said metals should be weighed by
the inherent supply and demand of the community. The "official" market value
( which is very manipulated) should only be used as a loose guide.
Firearms And Ammo: Another obvious one. The problem is, the selection of
calibers is so varied within the U.S. that stocking anything that will be
needed by everyone is very difficult. The only recourse is to stick with
common military calibers, such as 9mm, 40 S&W, 45 ACP, .223, 7.62 by 39,
7.62 by 51 (.308), 12 gauge, .410, and 20 gauge shotgun shells, and the ever
pervasive .22. Stocking these calibers will result in a much greater chance
of trade.
I can think of no instance of societal disintegration that did not lead to
horrible violence. In places where firearms are outlawed, the carnage is
always much worse. Criminals easily get their hands on weapons, while law
abiding citizens are left defenseless. Governments take liberties with the
people, while the populace cowers. Accounts of torture, rape, murder, and
genocide, are abundant in the face of hard economic times. EVERYONE should
be armed, and as reality sets in, even those who clamored to outlaw guns
will be clamoring to get one.
Of course, laws today very strictly regulate our ability to barter firearms,
but post collapse, no one will care much.
Ammo reloading will be a useful skill in light of the fact that homemade
manufacture of ammo is very difficult. The nationwide ammo supply will
dwindle very quickly, except for those pockets of people who smartly
stockpile for trade.
Body Armor: That's right. Any kind of body armor is as good as gold in a
collapse environment. People in countries across the world wish they had it,
and would trade almost anything for it. When you live in a place where a
random gun shot (a minute by minute occurrence in many countries), from a
criminal's weapon, or more likely a police or military weapon, could bounce
off the curb or through your car windshield, and into your chest, you begin
to respect the necessity of Kevlar. The fact that body armor is relatively
cheap and is easily obtained in the U.S. should be taken advantage of by
barter networks. This advantage may not exist in a couple of years.
Tazers And Pepper Spray: Easy to purchase and stockpile here in America.
Better than nothing when facing armed attackers. Disables without death (in
most cases), and easier on the conscience. Trades well.
Various Tools: A garden hoe may be a novelty item to most suburbanites and
city dwellers now, but soon, it will be a mainstay tool. If you have extra,
they will come to you for barter. I'm not going to list every tool in
existence here, but I suggest using common sense. What tools do you see
being required for daily use? What would YOU need post collapse?
Pesticides: I'm big on organic food and healthy eating, but if my life is on
the line, I'm spraying my crops down with whatever poison I can find. Unless
you have years of experience with natural pest deterrence methods, then I
suggest you do the same, especially in that first year of calamity. A hoard
of locusts could annihilate your crop within a day given the chance, and
should be dealt with using the most powerful means available.
Cockroach and rat poisons will also be huge sellers, guaranteed. Vermin
thrive in unkempt human environments, whether in the country or the city,
and with them comes disease. Diseases you thought had disappeared off the
face of the Earth, like bubonic plague or small pox, will make a comeback in
cities, where streets of death and sewage act like enormous Petri dishes
(remember New Orleans after Katrina? Imagine if that had never been cleaned
up).
Stock pesticides, even if they offend your environmental sensibilities.
You'll use them, trust me. And, people will trade whatever they can for
them.
Warm Clothing: The world is awash in textiles and clothing. Using clothes as
your primary means of trade is not necessarily the best plan. However, most
of the clothes made around the world are very poor quality, and are not
designed for harsh environments. Clothes made specifically for harsh cold or
rough wear are harder to some by, and are often very expensive. This is
where you would want to focus your investments.
Gortex, for instance, could give you incredible bartering potential. Wool
socks are a rarity (how many people do you know with more than two pairs of
wool socks?). Water resistant and water proof jackets and overcoats, boots,
well made hiking shoes, and waterproofing chemicals and sprays will be
needed within trade networks. The ability to make these items, or repair
them, will also be valued.
Medicines: This is another difficult item to procure, mainly because doing
so often gets you flagged as a possible drug dealer. Certain items aren't
too hard to come by and store, though, and could be life saving barter
material in the future. Antibiotics are handed out like candy by doctors
today, so storing any extra you have away for trade may be a good strategy.
Painkillers are another medical miracle that doctors seem to sprinkle out of
helicopters without a second thought. With the risk of injury increasing one
hundred fold after a financial tsunami, I suspect even mere aspirin would
put a smile on the face of any barter networker.
Eventually, natural medicines and herbs are going to have to move to the
forefront, as industry medicines begin to disappear, or become so expensive
they are unobtainable. Stocking such herbs and vitamins would be smart, for
protecting oneself, not to mention, its savvy business sense.
Toiletries: Yes, yes, we all hear about how great toilet paper will be as a
barter item, and how preppers plan to demand cows, trucks, and beach-front
property, in return for packages of the silken quilty-soft huggable rolls of
goodness. I don't disagree that it will be highly desired at first. People
don't change their habits that quickly. But let's face it; toilet paper is a
luxury item in a post collapse environment, not a necessity. People are
going to eventually go back to older methods of hygiene, like using strips
of washable cloth. It might sound gross to us now, but hey, did you think we
were going to start using poison ivy and pinecones?
Stock toilet paper, but don't treat it as a priority. Focus more on cleaning
items like soap, toothpaste, and bleach, as well as chemicals that cause
human waste to quickly biodegrade. Staying clean is VERY important, because
the alternative is catching a nasty bacterial infection that may kill you,
when in more peaceful and comfortable times, it may have just given you
slightly irritating intestinal distress. The rest of the country will come
around to this way of thinking in short order, and many people will come to
you for the cleaning goods you stockpiled.
Specialty Items: There are many circumstances that are hard to predict,
circumstances that could severely affect barter markets and what items come
into demand. For example; a nuclear event, as is in progress in Japan, could
just as easily strike the U.S. There are 104 nuclear power plants in the
U.S., not to mention the threat of a small nuclear attack (or false flag).
The market for goods such as potassium iodide pills and Geiger counters
would explode (potassium iodide suppliers were inundated with orders from
around the world after Fukushima). How many people do you know with a Geiger
counter? I'm one of the few I know with one, and I know preppers across the
country! In the wake of a fallout situation, knowing what is contaminated
with radiation and what isn't, knowing if it's even safe to go outside, is
imperative. Having an extra Geiger counter could help you barter your way
into any number of goods.
A biological event might bring medical grade particulate masks to the top of
people's lists, as well as disinfectants and even hazmat suits. It's an ugly
thing to imagine, but for those who plan to engage in independent trade,
it's a likelihood that must be considered.
Top Priority Skills
Provided below is a brief list of skills which have served people well in
various economic downturns, and will do the same for you in this country.
Keep in mind that almost any skill that other people cannot do well has
potential for trade, but some skills are more sought after than others. In
my research, it is those people who are able to produce their own goods as
well as effectively repair existing goods that have the greatest potential
for survival in a barter market. Next, are those people who have specific
abilities that are difficult to learn and who have the knack for teaching
those abilities to others. If you do not have any of these skills, or
perhaps only one, then it would be wise to begin learning at least one more
now. Keep in mind that competition will very much exist in a barter economy,
so knowing as many skills as possible increases your chances of success.
Mechanic, Engine Repair
Welding
Blacksmithing
Firearms Repair, Ammo Reloading
Construction
Architect, Home Reinforcement
Agriculture, Farming Expertise, Seed Saving, Animal Care
Bee Keeping
Doctor, Medical Assistant
Veterinarian
Well Construction, Water Table Expertise
Engineer, Community Planning, Manufacturing, Electrical
Firearms Proficiency, Security, Self Defense Planning
Martial Arts Training
Wild Foods Expert
Hunting
Chemist
Sewing, Textiles
Soap Making, Candle Making, Hygiene Products
Small Appliance Repair
Electronics Repair
HAM Radio Expert
Homeschooling, Tutoring
Again, there are definitely many more trades of value that could be learned.
This list is only to help you on your way to self sufficiency and
entrepreneurship in an Alternative Market. Unfortunately, too many Americans
have absolutely no skills worth bartering in a post collapse world.
Bringing Back The American Tradesman
Barter networking is a powerful tool for countering the affects of
depression, hyperinflation, stagflation, globalization, and beyond. But,
networks require that participants actually have necessary goods and
services to trade. In only half a century or less, American culture has been
sterilized of nearly all its private trade skills. We have lost our desire
to produce, and have been relegated to the dregs of a retail nightmare
society dependent entirely on consumption and debt. This is going to change,
one way, or another.
We can change on our own, or we can wait until fear and desperation force us
to make hard choices. I would rather forgo the desperation and the painful
fall into the gutter. It makes little sense.
The bottom line is, if you wish to survive after the destruction of the
mainstream system that has babied us for so long, you must be able to either
make a necessary product, repair a necessary product, or teach a necessary
skill. A limited few have the capital required to stockpile enough barter
goods or gold and silver to live indefinitely. The American Tradesman must
return in full force, not only for the sake of self preservation, but also
for the sake of our heritage at large. Without strong, independent, and self
sufficient people, this country will cease to be.
You can contact Brandon Smith at: brandon@alt- market.com This e-mail address
is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it
Join Alt-Market today, find a barter network in your area, or start your
own. Insulate yourself and your family from economic collapse before it is
too late.
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Comments (47)add comment
0
Midwifery
written by Lynn , June 09, 2011
You forgot the second oldest trade, midwifery. We have a great barter tool
and are indespensible!
0
The Patriots Cave
written by Joel the K , June 09, 2011
I have heard that when the USSR collapsed, alcoholic beverages traded as
high as 100X retail price. So for barter purposes, it may be wise to stock
some bottles of cheap whiskey. Also, tobacco habits will not go away when
the trucks stop bringing cigarettes to the carryouts. Tobacco seeds and
surplus tobacco stored away will be worth a fortune during an economic
collapse.
0
LMT
written by sophie , June 09, 2011
I have already started at least the idea of bartering with my clients. I
have helped a few folks not have back surgery and am expanding my 20+ years
of herbal/natural remedies self education. We have been gardening and
canning for several years now as welll as trying to stock storable foods. I
don't go to the DR except for the annual paps and such, ( only because my
insurance covers it). I have treated my own UTi's, bronchitis/pneumoni a,
asthma for years. I am hoping that this will give my hubby and I at least a
means of surviving in the event of a worst case collapse. Mostly, I pray for
help for myself and others to know how to prepare and strength to endure
whatever may come.
0
...
written by ssj , June 09, 2011
The author talks about being prepared in case a nuclear incident - like at
Fukushima - happens in the US. Well, Fukushima is enough - though the media
is mute on the issue. The West Coast & the rest of the US will be dealing
with Japanese radiation for decades. It will contaminate our water, our soil
& our crops here.
In addition to an economic collapse, & the radiation coming your way, you
can also look forward to an encroaching police state. It is a triple whammy.
Because of the soil/water contamination, it might be wise to purchase some
clean bags of potting mix (soon) along with the seeds mentioned above.
People will want clean soil to grow food/herbs inside their homes and in
greenhouses. People are going to want clays to wash their vegetables in - no
one will want to barter for contaminated produce/milk unless they have a way
to clean them up. Zeolite will be useful to decontaminate our bodies.
A grain mill might be useful for grinding up neighbors' stored grains into
flour to make bread. Lots of things to consider. But all preps must be done
with the awareness that we will be living with radiation, and a police state
that will NOT be supportive of herbs, natural supplements, small farmers,
bartering, or much else. It's not your granddad's Great Depression.
0
...
written by BEENS-BULLETS , June 09, 2011
awsome post!!! THANK YOU
very good comments from others, all POSITIVE input is a must for good
preparedness ")
0
Montana Barter Organization
written by Montana Barter , June 09, 2011
Please check out this no-fee barter organization in Montana:
CLICK HERE
Set up with Wordpress. The organization would be glad to explain to you how
to set up your own network in your own part of the country.
0
Montana Barter Link
written by Montana Barter , June 09, 2011
Try this link for the Montana barter site I was just posting about:
http://MontanaBarte r.com
Thanks.
<http://www.alt- market.com/ social/926- radoje-spasojevi c/profile> rspasoje
...
written by rspasoje , June 09, 2011
Like another commenter said, you left out a big one, making booze!
When the big industrial breweries and wineries shut down, being able to home
brew will be very beneficial, and knowing how to run a still and make good
distilled spirits (and not rotgut) will be even more of a premium.
0
Judy
written by Judy , June 09, 2011
Thanks for the great information. Very educational. I just joined alt
market. I have a question, can I use some of this article on Craig's list,
Ebay or social web sites to educate others? I own 90 acres of farmland in
southwest Michigan and want to start a barter/trade. My husband is a
licensed general contractor,certifie d in solar, very mechanically inclined,
very self sufficient, and I am a nutritionist, and health coach.
This information would be great to help like minded people understand how
important this will be to all of our futures.
Thanks again and thanks for all you do.
<http://www.alt- market.com/ social/659- cary-tate/ profile> caryjulietate
Solar and Wind energy
written by caryjulietate , June 09, 2011
we got that coverd in the Kansas City area
www.sovdepot. com
913 416 9467 google voice
0
want to talk to judy
written by Mary , June 09, 2011
Judy,
I also live in southwest ,MI. would love to make contact, my husband has
wood floor business, would like to trade services.
Mary
0
Skilled Craftsmen
written by michael a , June 09, 2011
I don't think there is any shortage of skilled craftsmen in the US or
Canada. Who keeps things running right now?
There are also lots of people who know how to grow food and do it well. As
times get tougher they will step forward and take their place, and those who
have neglected to learn how to produce things of value will find their own
places as well.
Here's a secret worth knowing: Anyone can learn to do almost anything that
they need or want to do.
<http://www.alt- market.com/ social/giordano/ profile> Brandon Smith
...
written by Brandon Smith , June 09, 2011
@michael a
I agree that anyone can learn any skill given enough time and effort, but I
disagree that we have many solid craftsman in the U.S. today, certainly not
anywhere near what we had 50 years ago. Almost everything we consume is made
in other countries and imported here. Even much of our food! Most farmers in
this country are corporately run, and plant a single crop each year, not
many. Most people I know or meet on a daily basis would be completely
helpless if the collapse were to occur tomorrow. Given time they could
learn, but we need to first recognize that America has lost much of its self
sufficiency. Only then can we can fix the problems before us.
0
Tis better to give than receive
written by Patricia Pearson-Machado , June 10, 2011
Back in the early eighties in Northern California we owned a Dental Office.
On many occasions we bartered for services rendered. The economy took a big
hit , it was as if the tap water had been turned off. We traded for cut
cords of wood, home made feather comforters, we also accepted many people on
account and we did plenty of extra for free dentistry especially on children
who's parents were on medical. We were hurting financially and we new
everybody was also. Nobody was refused treatment we used creative financing
to keep everybody's head above water and with dignity.
<http://www.alt- market.com/ social/giordano/ profile> Brandon Smith
...
written by Brandon Smith , June 10, 2011
@Judy,
Definitely. We welcome anyone to reprint and republish our articles. We only
ask that they link back to us as the source.
0
HYDRO POWER
written by ZERO , June 10, 2011
TRY PUTTING IN HYDRO POWER IF YOU HAVE A CREEK. MY HYDRO IS GREAT . if you
need help contact me
0
My Skills
written by Woodsman , June 10, 2011
Hi all, I'm from Michigan as well here are my skills and website, mainly
Yurts, Domes, Greenhouses, and a unique Veg Oil Stove!
www.lodge-tech. net Thanks~
0
Warriors
written by TheWarrior , June 10, 2011
Fact: The world is ruled by the aggressive use of force!If you can't defend
what you've worked so hard to prepare, you will loose it. The Warrior will
always have a place to stay with food to eat because those with much will
have much to loose if they can't defend it, they'll hire the Warrior to
protect them and their supplies or loose it to them.
0
Un-Common Sense
written by 2+2=4 , June 10, 2011
I've been bartering for over twenty years and have lived off the land for
several years. It's good to see more and more people waking up to the wicked
web that has been weaved around our lives. Prior to the "Industrial
Revolution", mankind managed fine without the Federal Reserve, the IMF, BIG
government, MEGA Corporations, GIGANTIC Pharmaceutical drug pushers, EVIL
chemical manufacturers, etc.........
If we needed something, we bartered for it or made it ourselves. Today's
society has been conditioned and misguided to be lazy and dependent on
others for their daily survival. We need to embrace the harmonious
relationship that we once had with nature and wildlife. I personally have
eliminated man-made chemicals from my life (other than the obvious air
pollution, radioactivity, etc.). I eat natural, locally grown and fresh farm
vegetables and meats (no GMO, antibiotics, steroids, etc.).
Although I appreciate the article, I totally disagree with one suggestion by
the author: PESTICIDES! Are you nuts? You are what you eat.
You do not need to have years or even months of experience with gardening to
NOT use pesticides. It takes minutes to look up NATURAL pest control on the
internet. Other PESTS are often your best bet. Organize your garden and
group certain plants with other suitable plants for self-preservation. It
isn't rocket science - people have done it for thousands of years. And, to
be blunt....... if a neighbor of mine sprayed chemicals all over and
contaminated my water, food, air, pets, children, etc....... I would
consider that an act of chemical warfare and respond accordingly. Tough
times or not, if someone pollutes my immediate environment or harms my
family, someone might end up fertilizing my soil ;-)
...
written by Brandon Smith , June 10, 2011
I also dislike the use of pesticides, but I think I explained pretty clearly
in the article the reasons why they might be necessary. Let's face it, that
beautiful organic garden you have today is a HOBBY. Your life does not
depend on it. If you have a bad year and your produce is destroyed by
vermin, then you can just go to the supermarket and get what you need.
However, post-collapse, you will not have that option. This is about
SURVIVAL, and our pet peeves concerning the environment will have to be set
aside for a little while as we try to endure the best we can. If I have a
crop, and my life depends on that crop, I'll do whatever it takes to make
sure it grows unimpeded. Period. And frankly, so will everyone else,
especially when they experience the first tinges of hunger.
Some organic growers have mastered natural methods of pest control, at least
for small to moderate gardens. That's great for them. For the rest of us,
and myself, spraying the crop down is going to be a lifesaver. And, if
someone threatened MY life for doing so, they wouldn't get the chance to
enjoy their precious pure veggies, believe me.
Grow Hemp
written by Myles O'Howe , June 11, 2011
Hemp seeds are the most nutritional seed on the planet, the strongest fiber
on the planet, the best non toxic biodiesel on the planet that yields 6-10
times more than corn ethanol.
High THC cannabis/hemp oil cures cancers and most disease! Even smoking
cannabis cures my asthma induced by toxic industrial society.
Don't buy cancer causing pesticides! WHAT IS THE POINT IN LIVING IF YOUR
POISONING YOURSELF WITH CANCER CAUSING CHEMICALS THAT CAUSE DEATH?
It won't be all chaos. In fact, I believe most people will act like LITTLE
CHILDREN and hide, while the men and women will set the standards. There
will be chaos at first don't get me wrong but just not that much. I can see
corporate businesses being broken into, government property destroyed, but I
think people will leave other people alone for the most part. Live and let
live, the environment would drastically change in collapse into a dog eat
dog, there won't be mass murders on the streets, propaganda in movies has
people thinking that is truth.
Grow Hemp, Cannabis/Hemp is the best bartering item known to man, the best
medicine, the best food, the best fiber, the best oil, and much more! Over
25,000 products can be made from hemp!
There has never been a single death from cannabis/marijuana/ hemp, search
"oldest woman ganja" Cannabis is anti-aging, and is the greatest
PREVENTATIVE medicine known to man. Cannabis is non addictive, safe, non
toxic. I can stop smoking at any time with zero withdrawls or addiction.
When I do stop smoking my breathing just goes back to normal which is bad, I
can't breathe normal with my asthma, which I had before I started smoking
weed, which smoking cannabis cures! Screw all the group think mind control
programming! 2+2 is not 5, war is not peace, ignorance is not strength!
...
written by Frank , June 11, 2011
Fishing tackle, hooks, line, netting of all kinds are all high on my list.
Surviving
written by wasadoc , June 11, 2011
I am retired from medicine. I am a mechanic. I am a farmer. I am a welder. I
have food and water put back, that I think would get my whole family,
including the two kids and their wives and kids, through a month. My wife
thinks I'm nuts, and she may be right, but as I told her--I am responsible
for you, myself, and our families, as much as possible. She discovered a
very small part of my food stash by accident, a few days ago. She actually
never really understood what she had found, and thought it was just some
stuff that I didn't have room for, elsewhere. Oldest son is an electrician.
All in all, we have much to barter with, in addition to having room enough
to plant one hell of a garden. I am still, and will be until I die, the head
of my family.
on alcohol and tobacco
written by Groovtacular , June 11, 2011
Im glad someone mentioned alcohol and tobacco. Alchol can be useful for many
things including sterilizing things. I see alcohol and tobacco as a panic
(in the case of the unprepared ) commodity. Although I won't rip anyone off,
the way I see it, anyone willing to trade weapons or ammo or any valuable
item for abooze or nicotine fix probably won't make it very long anyway.
After the initial panic, these goods will be good for a luxury item or can
be used to seal an alliance. Also I'm starting to go on google earth and
print and laminate aerial photos of my surrounding area. These can be used
to help plan recon missions or to get a basic idea of what to expect to find
topographically. By the way, great message and responses.
...
written by yendalg , June 12, 2011
Hello,
As an organic gardener, I can only say, save your seeds, and subsequent
generations of plants will adapt to the conditions in your area. If you use
pesticides, you kill the good organisms with the bad, and kill the symbiotic
organisms in the soil that healthy plants depend on. Dead soil is a huge
problem agriculture faces today. Just make sure you have a variety of
stockpiled seeds, plants, roots, critters, egg layers, and manures.
Diversify, don't monoculture.
Don't wait till the last minute to start gardening, it takes years to get in
the groove.
Also, batteries will be a huge barter item, as well as ignition sources like
strike-anywhere matches.
Just sayin'.
Seeds for Vegetables
written by Common Sense , June 12, 2011
Really smart to get Open-Pollinated Seeds now...
Grow your own Vegetables.. .before it is too late...
I already have two gardens up and going and am now going to start my own
with the open-pollinated (non-hybrid) seeds that allow me to grow
veggies/fruits and save seeds...and grow the following year.
Make no mistake about the Globalists (Elites) really mean to control us with
food....they make no bones about it.
Where?
written by kingk , June 13, 2011
Where can one go where people are acctually doing this. I studied wholistic
health and nutrition for years and having a hard time finding places to go
where people are taking care of themselves and each other.
You should read my latest article on barter network building. Check the
front page. Its entitled:
Easy First Steps To Building Your Barter Network
Learn Basic Permaculture
written by Lance , June 13, 2011
Greetings:
Taking a local 'Introduction to Permaculture' course is normally cheap and
you'll walk away with a plethora of ideas on how to gradually switch to a
perennial food system. Also, a Permaculture nursery is cheap to start and
very fulfilling.
http://www.permacul tureportal. com/article_ nursery.html
Baby items
written by Sue Trumpfheller , June 13, 2011
I don't know if I missed it but diapers, creams, bottles are all essential
with a wee one. anyone still have some cloth diapers....oh yes they have to
be washed.
Good points. I would also add in baby formula (without melamine). I hate to
think about it, but economic collapse usually results in a lot of motherless
children, or in malnourished mothers who have trouble producing milk for
their babies. Baby formula would help save those children from starvation.
Container gardening
written by AbuTomas , June 13, 2011
I grow all my crops in containers, most of which I found in peoples trash,
on craigslist, etc. And I produce all my own compost from self-collected
seaweed, grass clippings from trusted yards, waste from Farmer's Markets,
fall and summer drought leaves raked/mowed and stored, traditional manure
from a local ranch. Spent hops from the local breweries. All that adds up to
an incredible ability to grow food and create soil for nearly nothing. And
seeds traded for completed compost, I nearly forgot. Still learning more
about rain catchment, seed saving, food setting aside and of course,
beautiful big buds of Blue Dream, XJ-13 and God's Gift; all for my
self-medication and barter for donations of silver/gold and
fruits/vegetables. Cheers!
"diatamaceous earth
written by rachel , June 11, 2011
the only pesticide you'll ever need and it's non-toxic, even edible for
humans. It even kills spider mites! No need for pesticide crap. "
I discovered this great stuff just last year. For those that are curious,
just make sure you get FOOD GRADE! It's a very diversified natural earth
product and with a little Googling, it can be purchased cheaply.
Trades and work ethic
written by Ted Long is Groovtacular , June 14, 2011
On bringing back the trades, I was always told by my father, who was a pipe
fitter, that someone with a skill will always have a job. He may not be rich
but will always have someone who needs his services. I never thought that
would be so true. I am a flooring contractor by trade and have been self
employed since 1986. I see a lot af college grads doing " hamburger flipper"
jobs because there is not a demand for what they went to school for and
piled school loans on top of school loans for. This country was founded on
hard work, free enterprise and a faith in God( among other things). When the
house of cards that is our current system falls, these things are the only
things that will bring us back from oblivion.
...
written by squashnut , June 15, 2011
People who know food preservation technics of all kinds will be needed.
Not mentioned in the article are booze and marijuana. Their worth, though,
would depend on the locale.
Some US communities would produce a plethora of food. There would be a lot
of idle time and a need for organic pain killers. I live in a semi-rural
area. A few acres could produce enough food for most people and families. I
think people would get "high" a lot. There would be a lot of down time and a
need for escapism.
Bands of neighbors and sticky communities would form. I don't think this
area would be violent often... perhaps only in times when bands of unwelcome
city denizens make an exodus and when roaming bandits come around. In a Mad
Max scenario (which I think is remote), the ex-urbanites and banditos would
die off after a couple of years. US society would become feudal after
several years. JMHO
Homemade booze and marijuana wouldn't be exceptionally valuable in this type
of scenario because they can easily be produced. In fact, marijuana values
would come down from where they are currently because everyone would be
growing it, and it is easy to produce (don't use or grow it). Booze and
marijuana would be like a 5 or 10 dollar bill for smallish quantities in
good agricultural areas. They would always have value though.
Trade Disruption
written by HighHoeSilver , June 15, 2011
I would also like to say that in any breakdown of trade routes scenario,
trade items would have widely divergent values in differing regions. Water
filtration units might be golden in the Houston metro area but might be not
worth much if you lived on a remote stretch of the Finger Lakes. Similarly,
someone living in Greenwhich might give you a Monet for a bag of potato
spuds, but if you lived in low country South Carolina you might only get a
cord of wood.
I've already stocked up
written by Mary Dawson , June 16, 2011
I agree with the author of this article. Many people do not think about how
valuable having items like this would be in a meltdown scenario. I just
purchased a non-gmo seed bank from www.mypatriotsupply .com and I'm going to
stock up on several more. I've already gotten myself a few Berkey water
filters, a chainsaw so I can cut my own firewood and as much medicine as I
can. What really concerns me is medicine for family members who need their
pills to live. Very hard to stock up on that.
...
written by wallace rosa , June 17, 2011
Fertilizer. If you don't use it you can sure trade it. Much soil is fairly
poor. In a pinch cover crops and animal manure are a luxury, and it takes 3
years effort to generate good soil . One 50 lb sack of 16-16-16 and 10 lb
seed wheat will cover 8000 square feet and produce 800 lb which will feed 3
working adults basic calories for a year; if you don't eat the wheat, trade
it or feed it to chickens. If you can buy a year of time, it is a year to
get your ducks in a row.
I do not and will not use pesticides, but I realize natural pesticide
control may disappear if radiation kills off the songbirds or everybody is
eating them.
Agriculture is a general but also very local skill. If you plant your main
crop according to reasonable advice but two weeks too late for your area,
you need more than a year to recover. Train yourself now. Plant a spoonful
of wheat so you learn when to plant it, how it looks different from your
local grasses, and what kind of things are likely to eat it. You will be
able to negotiate skills as simple as this.
Humans are very adaptable, the problem is staying alive during the learning
curve, meaning getting through the first two years. Useable skill means
prepare for more than one scenario. If you are prepared to plant wheat in
October but crash happens in November, you have a long wait unless you plant
rye in November. Beets planted in April will give you enough calories to
live on by June. If you lack enough land or water or fertilizer or energy to
till a crop, concentrate your efforts into pumpkin hills in June which can
spread out over your driveway or up the front of your house, and the October
pumpkins will keep most of the winter.
Kathi, Halfway, MO
Jay
No plan survives first contact intact.
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