Thinking the Unthinkable, By Norman Church

Editor’s Note: The following lengthy speech was given at the “Peak Speak 2” Peak Oil conference, held on July 15, 2006 at Bedzed, Wallington, UK. Introduction Oil depletion is just the first of a series of resource crisis humanity is about to face because there are just too many of us! This century we will face peak resources, period. There are many fascinating and exciting renewable energy developments. Wind turbines, solar energy, geothermal, biomass, wave and tidal power schemes which are all important energy sources for the future – and could at least help keep the electricity grid going to …



Letter Re: Push or Pull Carts For All-Terrain Hauling

Mr. Rawles, I’m interested in building a supplies carrier for moving larger loads over distances. Sort of a trailer for humans. I have nothing specific in mind other than using discarded solid wheels from wheelchairs. They are quite sturdy. I have access to discarded wheels at no cost. My questions involve use of materials – welded steel (heavy), aluminum (expensive and hard to scrounge), PVC (durability) and, of course, the size. Two wheels or four? Ideal dimensions? Do you have any suggestions or a reference that might be helpful? I realize there are many variables and the largest would be …


Letter Re: A Method For Growing Potatoes in Tire Stacks

No matter how deep our deep-freeze is or how well stocked our pantry, our food stockpiles are good for one thing: to keep us alive until gardening/bartering/hunter-gathering kicks in. Living as we do on the high, arid plains of Wyoming, my wife and I have been working to establish a system of gardening that requires little water and can produce crops in the sandy, alkaline soil. After several years and a myriad of techniques, we stumbled onto a system that works. For lack of a better term, it’s the Goodyear Garden. Here’s our tater recipe: Gather unto yourselves a few …


Letter Re: Ladies Supplies for TEOTWAWKI

Jim: Per your ladies supplies post, one thing not mentioned were menstrual cups. I used to use these and they were a great alternative to tampons and pads (although the dual uses for those as bandages and recoil pads can’t be overlooked). There’s a lot of information in the wiki page here: http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Menstrual_cup I personally vouch for the Keeper: http://www.keeper.com/ But there’s another brand called Mooncup: http://www.mooncup.co.uk/ At a cost of about $20-30, they’re far more cost effective than regular products, and theoretically usable for years. I bought new ones annually but even then they’re still inexpensive. And they even …


Letter Re: A Special Cast Iron Cookware and Soap Combo Pack Offer

for SurvivalBlog Readers Jim, As I read the blog, I note that little is being said regarding cooking and hygiene. Both are essential for survival I would to make a special offer to SurvivalBlog readers:. Our huge PLP-1 package of soap products and our LCC3 cast iron Combo Cooker, all for $200 plus shipping. The shipping cost is an extra $100, since the combined weight is 97 pounds. Cast iron cookware is heavy, but it cleans with ONLY water, which makes it ideal for an emergency. Soap last a long time, so stock up. It will be good for barter …



Note From JWR:

I’m in need of a few more Retreat Owner Profiles, to round out the collection. (My goal is to post 25 of them, including at least five from overseas readers.) So if you “live the life”, then please write up your profile in the same format as those already posted, and e-mail it to me. Be sure to change enough details to maintain your anonymity. Thanks!


Letter Re: Hillbilly Housewife–A Cost-Saving Home Cooking Web Site

Jim- You absolutely must alert your readers to Hillbilly Housewife. Be sure the Memsahib reads “Apron Evangelism.” Hey, I read it, so you can read it too–it’s a wonderful observation on housewifery. I guarantee you and your readers will be hooked on this clever woman’s ideas. ‘Nuff said; I’m going back to her web site for more reading! – B.B. JWR Replies: Great stuff! Thanks for the recommendation. I’ve just added her site and her blog to our Links page. OBTW, the site also has instructions on making do-it-yourself ladies supplies.


Letter Re: Railroads Tracks and Right of Ways as Bug-Out Routes

Sir: I thought that I would put in my 2 cents on accessing property with a bolt cutter. If you need to go through a gate don’t cut the lock unless there is no other alternative! Snipping a link out of the chain next to the lock and allowing the lock owner to relock the gate next time they come by is much more forgivable than making them run in and get a new lock cut keys and distribute keys to whoever needs them. Many times we will snip out a link and put our own lock on the chain …


Letter Re: The Importance of Storing Salt for Preparedness

Jim: I asked about this a long time ago and no one knew what I was talking about they thought I was talking about those salt blocks you buy for cattle and stuff: so I tried to find myself where the old “salt licks” were in those old westerns we always read. Here was what I found after three hours of research. There is an Internet resource that says there are over 1,400 [“Lick” or “Saline” locales] all over the USA. But they don’t list individual ones just how many per state. For those places I can’t find [listed licks], …



Note From JWR:

The high bid in the SurvivalBlog benefit auction (for the RWVA Super Shooter’s package is still at $150. Our special thanks to the RWVA and Fred’s M14 Stocks for sponsoring this fund raiser! (The prize is worth $250+.). Please submit your bids via e-mail. This auction ends on the last day of July. OBTW, speaking of the RWVA, they have a Rifle Instructor’s Camp coming up at the end of August in Ramseur, North Carolina–a great opportunity for you to learn how to teach others how to shoot like a pro, including your own family members.


Letter Re: Ladies Supplies for TEOTWAWKI

Mrs. Rawles: In the event of long-term TEOTWAWKI, a few questions come to mind – how did women deal with menstruation? I know this subject may be distasteful; but, reality check! Can a survival group stock up on enough toilet paper and “sanitary napkins”? Maybe telephone books will suffice for toilet paper, but what about “tampons” etc? In my experience, most “primitive” societies just let Nature take its course. Are our women (and men) prepared to do the same? What are your ideas? It’s coming! The Memsahib Replies: We stock up on them just like we stock up on the …


Letter Re: Perpetuation of Corrosive Ammo Cleaning Mythology

Jim, Please stop the perpetuation of dangerous [(to equipment)] mythology regarding cleaning firearms after shooting corrosive ammo. It’s not magic. Not understanding how to clean your guns or why can seriously and dangerously corrode guns in a matter of hours. The text from Mike’s letter to SurvivalBlog is italicized: Cleaning after corrosive ammo. It depends on how much moisture the gun is exposed to how quickly it needs cleaned. In my safes with “Golden Rod” heaters I have no trouble for one to two weeks. Sitting in the garage in Ohio’s notorious humidity, a few days seems the maximum. Of …