7 Billion and Counting - What does this have to do with my Small Garden?

The number alone is hard to comprehend.  Over the last 40 to 50 years at least there has been a concern the world would reach this number.   Over the millenniums populations would rise and fall.  The Feasts and Famine cycles seem to have ruled this world for a long time whether it was agriculture, people or disease.  Ancient religious books reveal this cycle.  The agriculture model operated on this cycle.  In the last hundred years through "modern" farming techniques the cycle has been delayed. Disease cycles have been stopped with vaccinations.  Yet the populations continues on its feast cycle [explosion]. 

Several questions now need asked-

     How many people can live on this planet before the resources are used up?

This question is being debated.  There seem to be "think tanks" that have crunched the numbers and believe we are on the threshold of "peaking" to disaster.  When the Supply and Demand Cycle reaches its "peaking", this is what potentially will happen.  

• Billions of people wanting more of the Supplies of the World.
• Demand will go up.
• Existing Supplies will become scarce.
• The cost of everything [energy, food, clothing, necessities] will go up as the Supply is significantly less than the Demand.
• Wars will eventually erupt over the cost of the items because Demand is up and Supply is down.
• Famine will result from the costs and lack of basic needs.
• Disease will return because of the costs and lack of vaccinations.

Of course as a result of this, the ancient Feast Famine Cycle will return with the population dropping possible drastically because of Lack of Basic Necessities, War, Disease and Famine.

     Why is something not happening to stop the return of this Feast Famine Cycle?

• There are those that do not believe the situation is alarming.  They even question if the "think tanks" are right. 
• There are those that believe Science will find "magical" answers to the problem.
• Religions that were created during the ancient past when Feast Famine Cycles were regular put an emphasis on having large families.  It was important then to have enough people to farm the land, store the food, create the clothing, necessities for the family and take care of the aged, which were few.  They are still against any changes to the ancient position on family sizes even under a looming disaster.
• Each country is busy taking care of its population and does not want another country to tell them how to do it.
• Each country has resources different from another country.
• Some think the Large Corporations view this cycle as the perfect wealth builder.
• Some think the Extremely Wealthy do not care because they view it as the perfect wealth builder cycle.
• Individuals have not researched the facts.  They just listen to their favorite "speaker", who says the old ways are fine.
• Some who live in the US see lots of land, farms and room for growth.  It will not impact me is the attitude.
• Others say we have heard all of this before when the population was at 4 Billion, 5 Billion, 6 Billion.
• I'll be dead by then anyway attitude.

      How does this impact  my small garden?

• Prices of everything [food, energy, basic necessities] will go up.  This includes my seed, water and fertilizer.  This has already happen.
• Commercial farms in the US will sell their products to the highest bidder anywhere in the world, which will drive the prices of food higher even though it is abundant in the US.  This is already happening.
• My household costs such as heat, food, health care and more will rise higher.  They already are.
• My ability to get some food items will be jeopardized in a high Demand and low Supply situation.  This will come.

All of this gives us a good reason for having a garden and an orchard.  It may be small but it keeps our gardening skills up.  It makes sure my family can enjoy some fruits and vegetables each year.  It teaches our children and grandchild by example how to garden and run an orchard.

Billions of people on the planet do impact my small garden!  Judy

Preparing for TEOTWAWKI, Depression II, Great Recession or an Emergency with Family Lore, Stories and Teaching by Example!

I follow many blogs on preparation, emergency awareness, gardening, food storage, practical living, sustainability, being a modern survivalist, peak oil, peak anything, financial news, TEOTWAWKI, spiritual inspiration and just plain fun subjects.  Yes I love to read and find the Internet the greatest library!

Now what does this have to do with my title?  I made a post on another blog that I wanted to share with you.  Here it is -

Depression Stories - The “Depression” was fixated in my mind by my Grandmother and Mother. The stories were passed down. My Mother has written a variety of stories on how the family survived during those years when she was a child. I believe family lore is important. I have read how leaving an “ethical will” allows for “what I learned in life and hopes for the family” to be passed from one generation to the next. Family stories put into book form do the same. Even movie stars are into writing what worked and did not work in their lives. In our family we have a Christmas tradition that came straight out of the Depression. My Mother’s parents would buy a tangerine [expensive in that era], an Almond Joy candy bar and a package of gum. Then they would divide them up as a treat. Every year members of my family get a brown paper bag with a tangerine or orange, an Almond Joy candy bar and a package of gum to remember how far the family has come. This last Christmas my Mother read her story about the tradition. Maybe that will become a tradition as well. It was an inspirational moment. I believe family traditions and family lore is an important tool in the box of “how to live prepared for whatever”.


Buzz Terms - When it comes to terms I find that “buzz words” are helpful as well. My children are in their 30s and 40s. They respond to terms like “sustainability”, “locally grown”, etc. I use the term “pantry” or “food storage” but my mother called it in her stories the depression term – larder. I guess in the future those who read her stories will have to have a dictionary to explain the meaning [smile]. I use the buzz words when I “Tweet”, on my Blog and on my personal Facebook page. My goal like everyone reading this is to BE prepared for whatever happens.

Staying Ready for “Whatever Happens” - I strive to keep the pantry full and have long term food storage. We garden and have an orchard even if they are in pots. It keeps our fingers in growing things and lets my children and grandchild “see” how it is done. We keep emergency items on hand. We are always working on something that will keep things up to date. I guess it is teaching by example. This year as you might remember I had a series of surgeries and almost died. I might not live to see the next Depression or TEOTWAWKI. I follow the blogs, keep inspired and do my best in preparation. I try to blend my life with necessities as well as trimmings. I have lived poor and comfortable and I prefer comfortable. My goal is an abundant life and being prepared is part of that life.

Hope you found something that will inspire you to live a life filled with Abundance and Prepared! Judy

Water Is Getting Scarce - Where Does Your Garden Water Come From?

I have lived on three corners of the United States [Seattle, Miami, Boston].  I have spent time in Southern California.  Each region has a different typography, different climate, different demographics and different industrial needs.  Yet, water is an issue in all of the regions. 

Seattle gets what might be thought an abundance of water.  During the winter I would be happy to share it around the country.  I live in the region. Check out the rain levels during the winter in Seattle.  If only we could sell some to the dry regions - ah a new business idea. I need to quit grumbling about the rain.  [See links below]

Miami has a shallow water table.  "The Biscayne Aquifer is very susceptible to pollution for several reasons
-- great permeability, unconfined, near surface, in urban area - many landfills, leaking gasoline tanks, airports, industry."  It was moving to Miami in the 1980s that really educated me on the needs of water and its quality.  [See links below].

Boston has many years of industrial impact to the water sources.  I can say when I lived on the North Shore of Boston the water did taste great.  [See links below]

Southern California region is struggling with water issues.  When I visit there it is in the winter [when Seattle gets rain smile].  There are concerns that water shortages will increase.  The state works to keep its citizens aware. 

What sparked me to write on this subject was an article on the legal issues between Colorado and Kansas on water rights to a shared river.  Colorado has to empty a reserve to make up for their over usage. The issues of water rights are discussed for Arizona, California and Nevada involving Lake Mead the world's largest water reserve.  [See links below]. 

Texas has been in a serious drought as you are aware.  This has impacted many industries and gardens.  [See link below]

As you look ahead for your garden it would be good to ask yourself, Where does my water come from?  It would be good to research water conservation for your garden.

Rain is falling today in Seattle!  I will try not to grumble [smile]! - Judy

Seattle -  Rain amounts http://www.wrcc.dri.edu/cgi-bin/cliMAIN.pl?waseat
               Helping citizens maintaining quality water. http://www.seattle.gov/util/Services/Water/index.asp
Miami - Aquifer concerns http://www2.fiu.edu/~whitmand/Courses/Fl_geo_notes.html
             Helping citizens maintaining quality water.
Boston - Shallow water table http://nh.water.usgs.gov/Publications/WRIR01-4042.pdf
              Helping citizens maintaining quality water. http://www.cityofboston.gov/environment/WaterQuality/
Southern California -  Drought Concerns http://www.water.ca.gov/drought/
               Water Shortage Looms http://online.wsj.com/article/SB10001424052748703739204576228823641659148.html
               Helping citizens maintaining quality water  http://www.marketwatch.com/story/no-health-hazard-from-tap-water-with-unpleasant-taste-and-odor-2011-09-30
Colorado - Water Shortage Looms http://online.wsj.com/article/SB10001424052748703739204576228823641659148.html
Texas Drought http://www.usatoday.com/weather/drought/story/2011-09-12/texas-drought-Dust-Bowl-ranchers/50373618/1

How Will We Fuel the Future? An Important Question

I just read an interesting and thought provoking article in the New York Times.  How Will We Fuel the Future?  http://www.nytimes.com/2011/09/25/books/review/the-quest-by-daniel-yergin-book-review.html?pagewanted=1&_r=1

This article is a book review of "The Quest: Energy, Security, and the Remaking of the Modern World by Daniel Yergin.”   It sparks serious concerns as we face the future. 

Worth the read!  Judy

Thankful Yet Being Vigilent - Knowing My Area Could Be On the News Tomorrow

It is so easy to sit back in my comfortable life.  I am so fortunate right now we have the following:

• Good Weather
• Good Job
• Connected Family
• Pantry Full
• Emergency items in place
• Container Garden and Orchard
• Resources in the area
• Sharing with others in need
• Good Neighborhood

I believe it is important to soak up these good things and be thankful, while I have them.  Enjoy them but not get complacent.  I can enjoy yet, keep vigilant in keeping these items in place.  As I listen to the news I see many are suffering.   If you have not put in place the above list, you might start working on them.  You never know if your area will be on the nightly news tomorrow.

Truly that is Abundant Living as a Sustainable Life!  Judy

Just When I wanted the Solar Industry to Grow

I have wanted to see the solar industry grow since the 1970s.  It is hard to see it take a hit.  http://www.forbes.com/feeds/ap/2011/09/01/business-industrials-us-solar-sector-snap_8654911.html

Hoping for a rebound in the industry!  Judy

Solar Flare 3 Times larger than February 2011

I see the sun is active again today.  The reason I am posting this news report is - It helps remind me what I need to do for a sustainable life.  I thought you might be interested as well.

Here is the article -
http://lightyears.blogs.cnn.com/2011/08/09/solar-explosions-could-impact-earth/?hpt=hp_t2

To your preparation!  Judy

Economic Crisis II?

When trying to live sustainably and using common sense it is hard to know what the repercussions on decisions made in Washington DC will be in your life.  Between the EU banking issues and the US political parties trying to play "chicken" with the debt ceiling, the rest of us are trying to live prepared for the possible fall out either way.

Many of the blogs out there today thrive on the doom and gloom news reports.  It feeds their daily readers fear levels.  I remember reading one of Mother Earth Magazine's editors say they learned long ago that does not keep readers.  I try to strike a balance between urban farm gardening, a sustainable life, abundant living and emergency preparedness when writing on the blog. 

My life has been filled with hospital stays over the last 4 months [3 (2 surgeries) hospital stays totaling 25 days in the hospital in 4 months - Diverticulitis].  Being prepared at home for "whatever" would happen to me has taken priority over the economy.   Doing such things as: paying the bills for the whole month at once, seeing the food storage was good for the recovery period, seeing the garden was ready to enjoy during recovery, building my health up for the next surgery, seeing my legal paperwork was current and most importantly enjoying my family.  What was great was these were the most important things I could do at the time.

Now back to the possible Economic Crisis II.  The war of words has been everywhere.  Trying to stay out of the political battle for my life has been important.  Today though I found Jim Jubak doing what he does well - cut through the crap and make a good argument.  I have followed him for years.  He is seasoned and balanced. I thought you might enjoy his view - "Would a US default mean disaster?" http://money.msn.com/investing/would-a-us-default-mean-disaster-jubak.aspx

Over the next week I have updates on the garden with pictures I want to share.  I have been thinking about possible usages for my "carriage house" looking storage building in an emergency as well.

Keep looking at living an abundant life filled with the joys of life that is where sustainability, common sense and preparedness rubber hits the road.  Judy

What does Feng Shui have to do with Emergency Preparedness?

I am sure your first thought is – yes, what does it have to do with Emergency Preparedness? Well let me explain. Remember the first step in Emergency Preparedness is to do all you can to “Prevent the Emergency” or place yourself in a situation that will limit “Emergencies”.

As you may or may not know, Feng Shui is a Chinese system. Feng Shui involves the blending of the Heavens [Astronomy] and Earth [Geography] to help you live successfully. http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Feng_shui  This system can be complicated. At the same time there are a few very simple rules that will save anyone from some serious potential Emergency situations.

Here are the rules to help Prevent Emergency Disasters:

Strange Time for Veggies

Veggies keep getting hit it seems.  It is sad when Europe is trying to see how to solve the problem of E.coli.  The fall out has hit all farms in the EU.  Now the confidence in the farms are at stake.  The impact has a huge ripple effect.

1. People are getting seriously sick and dying.
2. People are not buying produce and veggies.
3. The farms are losing money.
4. The EU is then being impacted economically on the losses as well.

Here is a great link with several articles covering the subject.

http://article.wn.com/view/2011/06/08/EU_Seeks_to_Combat_E_colis_Hit_to_Farms/

Another motivator to grow as much of your own produce as possible!  Judy

Solar Flare Season in Full Bloom - Are you ready?

I am sure this is "old" news to you. Still I thought it would be important to share some thoughts. I am sure I have missed some things but it is a start to get you thinking.

Having a good plan if the Solar Flares Disrupt the Grid is critical!

First on the Sustainability of the garden -

1. Do you have a rain barrel?

2. Is it filled? I am filling mine today!

3. Could your plants, trees, shrubs and flowers make it a couple of days without water? I am only thinking of the lights out for a couple of days. Not the weeks and months that they say can happen.

4. It might be good to keep close watch on watering of the garden for the summer. Like keeping your gas gage above 1/2 full. Keep the garden well water this year. They expect more flares because this is Solar Flare Season!



Second on your home and vehicles -

1. Do you have enough water for several days? It is good to have a couple of 5 gal camping containers freshly filled. You can find them at Cabalas and Wal-Mart. Buy them now because they will go out of stock when everyone else thinks about it!

2. Water bottles are helpful. As much as I hate to flood the landfills with water bottles, they are the easiest to carry in the car. They last a long time. You need at least 14 gas per person to last 2 weeks. It would be good to have 4 cases of water per person on hand. Rotate them through the vehicles to keep them fresh.

3. Do you have enough food to last several days to 2 weeks to 3 months....?

4. Do you have the 72 hours kit in your vehicles?

5. Do you keep your gas gage over the ½ empty mark?

6. Do you have a way of cooking?

7. Do you have enough over the counter medications to carry you?

8. Do you have a good supply of your prescription medications?

Communications -

1. Do you have a communication plan for the family and extended family? This one I know I have to work on this week!

2. Do you know how to text? Texting is considered the best method for contact if there is a disaster. All the more reason for me to evaluate the smart phone idea.

3. Do you have a radio for emergencies?

Cash –
1. Do you have enough cash on hand for a short-term emergency? We all know the ATMs will be emptied.

2. Do you have enough cash on hand in small denominations for a long-term emergency?

News articles on the Solar Flare Season – This is a serious issue!

New York Times
http://www.nytimes.com/cwire/2011/06/09/09climatewire-this-weeks-solar-flare-illuminates-the-grids-63979.html

PC World and your techie things
http://www.pcworld.com/article/229876/solar_flares_could_cripple_earths_tech_infrastructure_in_2013.html

PC Magazine Are You Ready?
http://www.pcmag.com/article2/0,2817,2386623,00.asp

National Geographic is concerned
http://news.nationalgeographic.com/news/2011/06/110608-solar-flare-sun-science-space/

Good Resources – Disclaimer I am not Mormon but they are experts on this subject.

1. A great resource for the simple 4-step preparation for the short-term and long-term emergency that Mormons use. I found this web site simple and practical. Disclaimer I am not Mormon but they are experts on this subject.  http://preparedldsfamily.blogspot.com/
2. FEMA – Suggests Preparation for 72 hours and 2 weeks.  http://www.fema.gov/plan/index.shtm

Are you Preparing?  How?

http://www.nasa.gov/multimedia/videogallery/index.html?media_id=93779141

Sustainable Garden Solar Flare Plan is Critical!

Having a good plan for your Sustainable Garden if the Solar Flares Disrupts the Grid is critical!

Questions for the Solar Flare Plan for your Sustainable garden -

1. Do you have a rain barrel?

2. Is it filled? I am filling mine today!

3. Could your plants, trees, shrubs and flowers make it a couple of days without water? I am only thinking of the lights out for a couple of days. Not the weeks and months that they say can happen.

4. Do you keep your garden well water? It might be good to keep close watch on watering of the garden for the summer. Like keeping your gas gage above 1/2 full. Keep the garden well water this year.

REMEMBER - They expect more flares because this is Solar Flare Season!

See my posting that covers Solar Flare in Full Bloom.

Are you preparing?  Judy

Hybrid Vehicle Using Wood

This was so novel I just had to share it.  As the price of oil rises and the prices of gas follows individuals will be looking at alternatives again.  This using "scrap" lumber to fuel the truck. 
http://www.cnn.com/video/data/2.0/video/us/2011/06/02/dnt.wood.powered.truck.cnn.html

Here is some other link on the same subject:

http://www.motherearthnews.com/Green-Transportation/Use-Wood-Gas-Generator-To-Power-Your-Truck.aspx

Thought this was a fun alternative for those that have access to "free" fuel.  Judy

How Did We Do This, Why and What are Our Plans

1. We grew up with families that canned, froze and enjoyed fresh food in the 1950s and 1960s with stories from the depression fresh from Grandparents and Parents. We married in 1965. The Vietnam War stepped into our lives from 1967-1969, In the 1970s we lived in Eastern Washington State. The energy crisis put us into high gear. We lived on a 1/3 of an acre with an orchard. We froze, canned and ate fresh. Then life took us to Miami and Boston. It was difficult to live the prepared life there. We would purchase food once a month to keep a supply on hand. Then we lived 12 years on 40 acres of logged land in a log house with barns and animals [sheep, goats, horses and chickens] in SW Washington. The kids had a great time. Gardening though was not successful. Now we live in an urban neighborhood with a homeowners association. Our neighbors though are younger people with a good sprinkling of military and retired state workers. Some are prepared minded. We view our home as an ‘urban farm’. We do not plan to add animals though. Our goal is to eat fresh in the summer and fall and eventually extend the food season.


2. In 2007 I got the bug to paver the back yard. It is about 1000 sq ft. We put in a 10x20 carriage house [storage building] with a patch of grass and a fountain as a center piece. This way we could actually use and enjoy the “patio/yard”.


3. 2008 put us into high gear on gardening. The first year we just had a great time as you can tell from the videos putting in a huge container garden. We bought a green house, yet to be put up and a 6x8 garden shed. We also increased our long term food storage and a strong 3 month supply. Bought all cars emergency kits. Bought kits and food supplies for our kids (2 sons and their families]. Bought camping equipment, tent , camp stove, etc. for emergencies. The kids thought Mom had gone over the top. After all of the earthquakes lately they are not thinking I am quite so crazy. LOL. We live in earthquake country. Fortunately, we live in the West and people are a little more preparation minded.


4. The year of 2009 was when we put in the orchard, blueberries and grapes. 2009 we bought a 1978 Argosy (made by airstream) travel trailer. As a kid I had seen them. We completely rehab it. We have been recyclers from childhood. Our down fall is technology. We have lots of it and make our living from the Internet teaching online for Universities and a College. [smile]


5. The summer of 2010 we decided we should go to the Airstream Club International Rally in Gillette, Wyoming. We were gone 3 weeks in July. Therefore all we could do was work on saving the orchard. It still produced 30#s of apples. The blog lay quiet. My husband just loves the orchard. I love the garden. The hard part is we have to pay a water bill. We have decided though it is worth the enjoyment and the joy of our fresh food. We are into keeping things in miniature. That is why this yard/patio has been perfect. It turned out that 2010 was a terrible year for the gardens in our area - Western Washington.


6. This year 2011 our plan is to be home and garden. Our grandson just loves the garden, orchard and berries. We eat and eat fresh all summer/fall. At this point we purchase our longer term food storage and 3 month supply items and just eat fresh from the garden. Our plan is to extend the season with a green house. We have had it purchased and approved by the home owner’s association for 2 years. We were working so hard teaching we have not had time. This year we hope to have it up for fall.


7. The blog will continue following our progress in our adventure of an urban “farm” and living a sustainability life in miniature. Judy/Jesse

Green Surviving Blog

I have followed this blog for two years. I thought you might enjoy it as well. http://greensurviving.blogspot.com/ Enjoy Judy

How to Plant an Orchard (Fruit Trees) in Pots or Containers - Video

I finally put together the video of establishing an Orchard in Pots in Container Gardening. It takes the process through the steps.



Enjoy! Judy

A Business Question - "Is there a Return on Sustainability"? Or simply put – “Is there Profitability in Sustainability?”

The business world is caught up in an economic crisis. The responsibility of maintaining a secure “bottom line” is important. The question that arises for business is – “Is there a Return on Sustainability?” Or simply put – “Is there Profitability in Sustainability?”

I attended an evening lecture on this subject in late July 2009 at City University of Seattle. The author/business consultant, Kevin Wilhelm, discussed his recently published book, “Return on Sustainability, How Business (Companies) Can Increase Profitability & address Climate Change in an Uncertain Economy”. The lecture was riveting.

A little about Kevin Wilhelm, he has become an expert in business and climate change. He holds an MBA from the University of Denver, two Graduate Certificates in Sustainable Business and Entrepreneurship from Bainbridge Graduate Institute. His consulting business, Sustainability Business Consulting, has served Fortune 500 multinationals to start-ups. He is Chair of the Greater Seattle Chamber of Commerce Sustainability Committee. Plus he assisted City University of Seattle in putting their MBA in Sustainability program together. His knowledge base is broad and deep.

The lecture mirrored portions of his book. This makes it easy for you to have the opportunity of learning from him. Let me share why I believe his book is worth the investment of time and money. The book is easy to read. It is factual and to the point. Business concepts, terms and principles are included in the book. The wealth of research is excellent. This makes the book a resource as well. The book is broke down into bite size chapters segmented into three sections not counting the Final Thoughts and reference material.

What I liked was how quickly Wilhelm moves into the “Meat” of the profitability issues of Return on Sustainability (ROS) in Section 1 - Addressing Climate Change and Business Benefits. This includes such topics as:

· Current Charts and Climate Change Information
· Carbon Foot Printing
· Buy-in and Business Language on the subject of Sustainability
· Reveals “How” the ROS process includes Financial, Brand, Sustainability and Ease of Implementation.
· Return on Sustainability (ROS) Score Card.
· Using Activity-Based Costing (ABC).
· Carbon Metrics Ratios – Return on Carbon, Debt-to-Carbon, Carbon-to-Equity (C/E), Emissions per Employee, Carbon-to-Price (C/P).

Section 2 covers Policy Issues; Section 3 includes a range of issues from Energy, Finance, Insurance, Supply Chain Management, Marketing to Green Consumers and Corporate Social Responsibility Reporting. Finally his has a Final Thoughts and excellent Appendixes.

Having taught Budgeting, Finance and Strategic Planning I would put this book as a must purchase for every business!

You can purchase the book in the Empress’s Sustainability Store on the upper right hand column.

1. Click on Empress's Sustainability Store (if it shows Amazon.com you will need to refresh the page until the store appears)
2. Use the drop down menu in Search and select Books
3. Type in the search "Kevin Wilhelm Return on Sustainability". You will find the book is available in both Kindle and Paperback.
   
   If you are interested in a Sustainability Consultion, contact me.
   
   Enjoy! Judy
   
   P.S. I discuss Business on this blog as well: http://womanofwisdom.blogspot.com/

Return on Sustainability

As businesses work to survive in a harsh economy the question - "Can my business get a Return on Sustainability?" echos in the minds of business managers. I will be going to a program this week that will address this issue. I will report back on my findings!

Judy

P.S. I discuss Business on this blog as well: http://womanofwisdom.blogspot.com/

The New Frugality: The Organic Gardener - Is Hot!

Sustainability is impacting business in a positive way. Thought you would enjoy the following:

The New Frugality: The Organic Gardener With sales up 500%, John Dromgoole's "The Natural Gardener" organic nursery is having a very good year - http://www.time.com/time/video/?bcpid=1670048590&bclid=1342094282&bctid=19853953001

Enjoy! Judy

Hard Asset Economics and Sustainability of My Family

My problem is I was too close to my Mother and Grandmother both of which went through the “Great Depression”. Through the years I have watched as the economic cycles have gone up and down. I remember in the 1970s when it seemed like one day everything was fine and the next day gasoline and toilet paper were scarce. "Hard Asset Economics" including such items as: food, clothing, household necessities and cash and the "Sustainability of My Family" have always been important.

My husband and I were in Eastern Washington State at the time of this 1970s economic “dip” (I am dating myself here). We were living in agriculture country. I was standing in the grocery line and a woman in line was talking about the costs of food. She thought it was not worth the costs to put up a store of food at home. At that moment my “keep a financial costs journal” button kicked in. I recorded all the costs including a freezer. I saved at that time over ½ in food costs. Now I worked hard and was living in an agricultural region.

What are “Hard Asset Economics" items? They include for a family items such as: food, clothing, household necessities and cash. “Sustainability of My Family” is number one to me. I have a theory. If I take care of me and mine and others did the same for their families, there would be few families that would need help. I always set aside though extra for those individuals that are in real need.

In April 2008 when rice and food for a short time was looking scarce, my “Hard Asset Economics” and the “Sustainability of My Family” button kicked in. I no longer live in an agricultural region. Therefore, I used the tools I had – the Internet. I purchased in bulk a wide variety of necessities. The saving has been amazing as prices have risen.

Sometimes this approach is not the “cheapest” approach. Even though by shopping when there are sales and planning ahead, it usually means a family will save considerably. It does though mean my family will have the items when I need them – not when the stores have them.

Next time you are in the store purchasing your necessities, take a peek at the number of the items on the shelf. You will discover that in this “Just-in-Time” supply chain business model there might be 6 of each of the items. If there was a breakdown to the supply chain such as a natural disaster, those “6” would be gone in a minute! By planning ahead using “Hard Asset Economics” and the “Sustainability of My Family” you will not be in the rush to get the basics of life.

Are you practicing “Hard Asset Economics” and the “Sustainability of Your Family”?

Judy