I really want to touch again on Reduce – Reuse – Recycle. I have gotten a lot of questions about my post on  Preparedness Blogs .  I’m going to give some more in-depth info here.

Reduce:
When you are out shopping, really pay attention to packaging.  Try to buy items that have containers or packages you can use more than once.  I recommend avoiding packages all together.  This honestly will help remove processed food from your diet.  Don’t use the plastic bags for produce.  Don’t buy boxed side dishes or meals. When buying items such as flour and beans and most other dry goods, see if you can find a local store that has bulk bins.  Also, reuse your grocery bags. Most stores will remove five or ten cents off your total bill.  I know it’s not much, but every little bit counts.

Reuse:
Milk jugs have so many uses it’s not funny.  2-liter soda bottles also have more than one life purpose.  Wine bottles make great candle holders and other great crafty ideas.  If you get into making your own wine and beer, you will love having lots of them on hand.  Sour cream, whipped cream, and butter tubs are great for storing leftovers and packing lunch.  All glass containers can be used to store some sort of goods.

Recycle:
If you are breaking down old furniture or thinking of throwing something made of wood or steel away, stop and think about other things you can build from the raw materials.  I have seen raised beds built out of old bookshelves. I have seen windmills built from car alternators and slats from an old vinyl siding.

I think preppers really marginalize the topic of keeping clean and being able to take showers or a bath.  Now, I know many of you are thinking “Joe, it’s a waste of water”. Well, if your reserves are low then of course it is.  But if it’s raining like cats and dogs and you’re collecting that water or you have a nice surplus, why not treat yourself a little.

I’m not talking about a 20 minute shower here. Try this out: Hop in your shower at your normal time. Stop up the drain.  Just get your body wet and a wash rag and your hair.  Turn the shower off and scrub up.  Turn the water back on and rinse off. Don’t waste time relaxing.  Now look at how full your tub is.  If you’re using a nice light soap or something eco-friendly, that water can go right into your planters or garden beds.

If you’re trapping rain water, then a quick filtering should be more than enough of a water treatment for your showering needs.  Lady preppers will agree that being able to wash your hair every so often is going to keep them much happier.  Also, who wants to be hunkered down with a bunch of stinky people.

I have been buying natural handcrafted soaps from Sarahbeecreations and just vacuum sealing them. These soaps are handmade and have an amazing light scent that is not overpowering.   She also supplies nice smelling soy candles that give off a nice scent.  This will make your bug out location or bug in location much more comfortable.