A Note of Clarification: To My Critics

Since starting this experiment several people have pointed out that many of the products I am using probably won’t be available during the post-apocalypse. So, should I learn how to make baking soda? Should I really be rendering fat in my backyard so that I can make soap from scratch? The answer of course is no. After much thought I have come to the following conclusion.

I will do my best to come up with self-sufficientish solutions that can be used in the post-apocalypse. However, if the solutions aren’t sustainable in the post-apocalypse they will at very least be sustainable in 2009 – 2010 and cheaper then the none eco-friendly alternatives. As a bit of a compromise I will list the products I am using now, and research the products or methods I would use in the post-apocalypse.

As an example, for soap I am using Sappo Hill Aloe / Oatmeal. However in the post-apocalypse bathing is really just used to kill odor causing bacteria on the body. Water will probably be at a premium so any rag combined with an alcohol containing product will work. This includes rubbing alcohol, lotions containing alcohol, baby towlets, anything that can be scavenged. Instead of Soap Seeds simply turn your clothing inside out, shake vigorously, and leave in bright sunlight. The sun-washed clothes will smell and feel cleaner. The ultra-violet radiation will cook the critters hanging out in your sweat and dead skin cells. Instead of washing my hair with baking soda and lemon juice, greasy hair can be combated with small amounts of baby powder. I’m telling you, it really pays to have a baby in the house when the post-apocalypse comes. Between the alcohol soaked towlets, bottles, and baby powder you’ve got most everything you need to stay clean. Teeth can be cleaned with a rag instead of a toothbrush, and salt and / or baking soda will replace toothpaste. (See When All Hell Breaks Loose by Cody Lundin for more).

On a side note, I start martial arts classes in June. Guns are great, but when the ammo is running low a solid side-kick to zombie head might buy me the time I need to run away.