Hello friends! If you read my blog, it’s probably because I either forced you to (thanks, fam) or you are as concerned about our planet as I am. I started this post before the election, but I feel like a lot has changed so I have rewritten it in response. It’s been a difficult and frustrating week on many issues, but as this blog is about eco-prepping, living in harmony with nature, and returning to a more sustainable way of life, I am going to continue to post about that but now with a strong lean on preparedness.
Prepping has come under a new term recently: resilient citizenry. A recent study from Cornell University and FEMA explores the demographics and motivations of resilient citizens. There’s been a bit of a backlash from it. Check out the infographic below. It made me laugh because, wow, what a diverse group. I was also surprised and somewhat comforted by the fact demographics indicate that homesteaders lean liberal. Where do you fit in, if at all?
For another female perspective on this study, check out Renee Whitman’s post on her opinion of the study.
We can ALL be resilient citizens
A resilient citizen is simply someone who can effectively adapt, withstand, and recover from challenges, whether they stem from social, economic, environmental, or personal disruptions. This concept is fast becoming essential in our complex and changing world, where crises like climate change, political and economic instability, and pandemics will affect daily life and well-being.
A resilient citizen exhibits certain traits:
1. Adaptability: They are flexible and able to adjust to new situations, finding solutions when circumstances change.
2. Self-reliance: Resilient citizens have a degree of independence, often possessing skills and resources that help them handle crises on their own without excessive reliance on external aid.
3. Community-mindedness: They actively engage with their communities, understanding that mutual support and collaboration strengthen everyone’s ability to bounce back from adversity.
4. Lifelong learning: By continuously seeking new knowledge and skills, resilient citizens are better prepared for unexpected challenges and can more easily transition in times of change.
5. Emotional resilience: They maintain mental and emotional balance, handling stress effectively and supporting others through difficult times.
Be Ready Now and For Tomorrow
If you have been at the least unnerved by the recent devastating hurricanes, wildfires, and floods, I urge you to begin thinking in terms of being a resilient citizen.
In a crisis, relying on government agencies like FEMA may not be possible, even though the agency does tremendous work and has aided millions in the wake of recent disasters. In the first few days after an event, you could easily find yourself alone to deal with the aftermath before help arrives. Preparing for potential threats that are prone in your area is a must, and having a plan of action is critical.
Check out ready.gov to get information on what to do in preparation for severe weather, wildfires, floods and power outages. FEMA recently published a paper on building collaborative resilience.
A friend recently joked that her idea of prepping was keeping a bottle of vodka in the freezer. I agree that’s a great prep item – vodka is very useful in many ways. Joking aside, you don’t have to buy into the whole resilient citizen culture to be ready. Your risks of experiencing a specific disaster or emergency that causes disruption to your power and /or communications depends on where you live. Although things seem to be changing as seen in the multiple weather disasters just in 2024. Certain risks are also dependent on your community or nearby infrastructure. Consider what could happen and prepare for those situations.
Climate change is already here, and I believe we cannot avoid the consequences of our actions. Leading scientists think we can still prevent all of the tipping points if we take drastic action, but I think we can agree that climate action on behalf of the American government is about to be cut dramatically.
Earth Justice recently published an article on the impact of Project 2025 on our planet. It begins by saying “The policy playbook known as Project 2025 is 900 pages, and 150 of them are about how to destroy the environment. This deregulatory agenda written by former government officials and Heritage Foundation staff would strip away our rights to clean air, clean water, and a healthy planet. It would trade these basic freedoms to help polluters profit.” This is echoed by numerous environmental activists and groups. From increased mining and drilling to walking back long-standing environmental protection laws, Project 2025 aims to dismantle climate change policies and instead support climate-polluting industries.
I do not think it’s too early to get ready, prepare for the coming future, and learn how to a resilient citizen for ourselves and for our families and friends. Be a hero, be ready!
Winter Prepping on the homestead
This time of year for me is about preparing for winter; the potential for a lot of snow, freezing, and Nor’easter’s. Trees around my buildings worry me during storms, not that I will cut them down, but having someone I can call if I need has given me peace of mind about what to do if I can’t handle it myself. One winter a maple came down fortunately away from the cabin and car but onto my fence damaging quite a section of it. I was able to cut it up myself and fix the fence, sort of.
Getting snowed in for a few days is usually not a problem and is often welcomed when I have mostly what I need. In preparation, I make sure I have propane, gasoline, and kerosene because I am not totally off those things yet. This year however I’m trying to use wood for heat in the cabin.
Wood is the big fall project. Every spring I plan to get ahead with cutting and splitting but I never do. So I start in late September and try to get done before the wood freezes. Getting wood in always takes me so long as it’s dependent on the weather and my schedule, along with having the tools ready to go. I am almost there! I hope.
A previous post lists my pantry which I rotate through all year if you’re interested. There’s enough food to sustain me for a few months giving me time to get a better handle on growing more food and get hunting. Instead of stocking extra chicken feed and dog food, I just try to have extra on hand. If things really get bad, I am probably not going to worry about feeding my animals store-bought food. We will have all have to make do with beans and rice, and on nature. Kota, my German Shepherd might finally get a squirrel. Chickens eat all kinds of things including mice.
Embracing the Homesteading Lifestyle: A Return to Self-Sufficiency
In an era marked by climate change, homesteading, including urban homesteading offers a compelling alternative lifestyle. Rooted in self-reliance and sustainability, homesteading embodies a return to the land, fostering a deep connection with nature and a sense of independence. Since beginning my homesteading journey, I have developed many new skills, a renewed appreciation for basic materials, and a clear sense of how to take care of myself when a modern society isn’t an option.
Understanding Homesteading:
Homesteading is more than just a way of living; it’s a philosophy centered around the principles of self-sufficiency, simplicity, and environmental stewardship. At its core, homesteading involves producing one’s food, generating energy, and managing resources in a manner that minimizes reliance on external systems. While historically associated with pioneering settlers in the American West, modern homesteading transcends geographical boundaries and appeals to individuals seeking a simpler, more intentional way of life.
Principles of Homesteading:
1. Self-Sufficiency: Homesteaders prioritize producing their essentials, including food, water, and energy, reducing dependence on commercial goods and services.
2. Sustainability: Homesteading emphasizes sustainable practices such as organic farming, water conservation, and renewable energy production to minimize environmental impact.
3. Frugality: Living simply and within means is fundamental to homesteading. Reusing, repurposing, and minimizing waste are common practices among homesteaders.
4. Community:While self-reliance is paramount, homesteading communities often thrive on cooperation and shared resources, fostering a sense of solidarity and mutual support.
Practices of Homesteading:
1. Small-Scale Agriculture: Homesteaders cultivate their crops, raise livestock, and maintain gardens to provide a significant portion of their food needs. Urban homesteaders often produce their food on less than a quarter acre so you do not need a large piece of land to support your household.
2. Off-Grid Living: Many homesteaders opt for off-grid living, utilizing renewable energy sources such as solar panels, wind turbines, and hydroelectric systems to power their homes. Solar power has dramatically come down in cost and its now feasible to build your own kit to off set some of your electricity needs and reducing your power bill so even if you are connected to the grid you can implement off-grid solutions to reduce your reliance.
3. Natural Building: Building with sustainable materials such as straw bales, adobe, or reclaimed wood is common among homesteaders, promoting energy efficiency and eco-friendliness.
4. Food Preservation: Canning, fermenting, drying, and root cellaring are traditional methods homesteaders use to preserve seasonal harvests and minimize food waste.
Benefits of Homesteading
1. Self-Reliance: Homesteading empowers individuals to take control of their lives, fostering skills and knowledge necessary for self-sufficiency.
2. Health and Well-being: Access to fresh, organic produce, clean air, and physical activity inherent in homesteading contributes to improved health and well-being.
3. Environmental Impact: By adopting sustainable practices and reducing reliance on industrial agriculture, homesteaders play a vital role in mitigating environmental degradation.
4. Financial Freedom: Homesteading can significantly reduce living expenses, allowing individuals to live comfortably on less and freeing them from the constraints of consumerism.
Homesteading represents a departure from the conventional norms of modern society, offering an alternative path to fulfillment and sustainability. While not without its challenges, the rewards of homesteading – from the satisfaction of self-sufficiency to the deep connection with the land – are immeasurable. As interest in sustainable living continues to grow, homesteading stands as a beacon of hope, inspiring individuals to reclaim their autonomy and forge a brighter, more resilient future.
Last word
Perhaps something amazing will happen that will push the planet back from the edge of the tipping points, but if not, it would serve as well to learn how to be more self-reliant, self-resilient, and even thrive amid climate impacts. Let me know in the comments how you are preparing for climate change. Thanks for reading and please share this post!
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