Economic experts have been forecasting an imminent economic collapse for years, particularly since the Great Recession of 2008/2009. While they don’t necessarily agree on the exact timing or the specific trigger that will set it off, a growing number of these experts are joining the chorus, sounding the same alarm. Overall, their forecasts suggest that the forthcoming financial collapse could far exceed the issues experienced during the depression that began in 1929. However, could it be that they are overlooking the silent depression that is already occurring today?
An economic depression is defined as a “steep and sustained drop in economic activity characterized by high unemployment and negative GDP growth.” By this definition, the only reason the COVID-19 pandemic wasn’t classified as an economic depression is that the GDP downturn didn’t last long enough to meet the technical criteria. Therefore, economists only refer to it as a recession, at least those who acknowledge the impact of COVID on the economy. Some, however, do not.
Terms like depression and recession relate to the “macro-economy,” which encompasses the economy as a whole, either nationally or globally. This perspective can often overlook the realities faced by real people trying to navigate their daily lives. This causes both economists and the general public to view “the economy” as synonymous with “corporate greed” and “the rich getting richer.” In reality, the economy is more fundamentally about people having jobs and the ability to afford the goods and services they need. Great Depression vs. Silent Depression – During the Great Depression, approximately 25% of the U.S. population lost their jobs, making it impossible for them to afford essential goods and services. This had a cascading effect on the personal economy of others, eventually impacting nearly everyone except the very wealthiest. Everyone lost something, and some lost everything. We must ask ourselves whether another depression is possible without the traditional signs that economists look for. If the ultimate consequence of any depression is people’s inability to purchase goods and services, then we are currently experiencing a depression.
The world is a mess, and it is getting worse with time. Everyone is affected by increased unemployment, higher rates of homelessness, and heightened costs. Whether directly or indirectly.
So, what are we going to do when it comes? Or, perhaps even more importantly, what should we avoid doing when it comes?
A lot of the things people did during the Great Depression still make a lot of sense today.
Here are some of the ways they took care of themselves and those around them through some of the hardest times the USA has ever seen.
Alternative Medicines
To combat this, start learning about alternative medicines. Study natural remedies and begin using essential oils.
For millennia, herbs have been utilized for their medicinal properties. In ancient times, people relied on their observations and experiences to understand the benefits of these herbs, lacking the scientific tools we have today to investigate their effectiveness for particular conditions. Presently, modern research is beginning to validate the anecdotal evidence that ancient cultures had long recognized.
Please note: This is informational for growing purposes only. We’re not medical professionals but gardeners who love to grow.
Advantages of Cultivating Your Own Medicinal Herbs
Cultivating your own medicinal herbs offers various benefits, with one of the most notable being the ability to oversee the quality of the herbs used in your treatments. By growing your own herbs, you can guarantee that they are cultivated organically, free from any harmful chemicals or pesticides. Furthermore, growing your own medicinal herbs presents a sustainable method to access healing properties for you and your loved ones without the need for wild foraging. For certain medicinal herbs such as white sage, this practice can also aid in safeguarding endangered species from excessive harvesting or illegal gathering. Another advantage of cultivating your own medicinal herbs is the potential for long-term cost savings. Purchasing ready-made remedies from stores can be pricey, and their quality and efficacy may not always be assured. By growing your own herbs, you can create your own remedies at a fraction of the cost. Moreover, engaging in gardening can be therapeutic, helping to alleviate stress and anxiety levels.
Medicinal Herb Garden –Soothing herbs like lavender can help with rest, and powerful antivirals like oregano can help fight disease.
Planning Your Medicinal Herb Garden
When planning your medicinal herb garden, there are several factors to consider, including what herbs to grow, where to plant them, and how to cultivate and harvest them.
Choosing Your Herbs
First, identify which herbs will be most beneficial. You can opt for either popular healing herbs or rarer varieties based on the remedies you intend to create and your family’s needs.
Selecting the Location
Next, evaluate your available space. Consider whether the herbs will thrive in your gardening zone or require special care. Decide if you want to use containers or plant directly in the ground. The location can influence what herbs you grow and how you cultivate them. You might designate a specific area for medicinal herbs or integrate them with other flowers and plants in your garden. Some medicinal herbs, such as yarrow, echinacea, and calendula, might already be part of your garden due to their ornamental value.
Understanding Growth Patterns
Once you’ve chosen your herbs and their locations, review the seed packets to determine which herbs are perennials and which are annuals. Many annuals will self-sow, providing a new crop in the spring, while some perennials can last for many years. However, certain perennials may require reseeding after a few years as they become woody and less productive. Planning for reseeding or long-term growth will help you decide where to position your plants.
Spacing and Plant Interaction
Determine the space requirements for each herb. Consider whether a herb will overshadow other plants or if it spreads extensively. These factors will influence which plants should be grouped together and which should be separated.
Harvest Considerations
Lastly, think about which parts of the plant you will use. Some herbs are valued for their roots, which will need to be dug up during harvest. Knowing this in advance will help you avoid planting other herbs too close, preventing disturbance during root harvest.
Recognizing wild edibles
In a survival scenario where resources are limited and one must forage for food in the wild to survive, the Universal Edibility Test is a critical tool. This test involves breaking it down into specific steps to systematically assess whether a plant is safe to eat. The process begins with a thorough physical and visual examination of the plant, followed by smelling and touching it to detect any potential toxins.
Next, a small portion of the plant is tested on the lips, then on the tongue, and finally inside the mouth for a short period to monitor for any adverse reactions. Understanding and carefully following this method is essential to avoid consuming poisonous plants, which can have serious health consequences.
It is crucial to remember that not all plants are edible, and exercising extreme caution is vital when relying on foraging for survival. Always adhere to the principle of “when in doubt, don’t eat it” to prioritize safety.
Identifying Edible Plants Safely :
Safely identifying edible plants necessitates a blend of knowledge, experience, and appropriate tools, such as a dependable plant guidebook, particularly when foraging in diverse environments such as fields, parks, or woods.
How to accurately identify wild edibles :
Identifying wild edibles accurately can be facilitated by the use of a plant guidebook and seeking insights from experts. Here I would strongly suggest Dr. Nicole Apelian, who is a naturalist, a trainer in survival skills, and a Ph.D. holder. Her undergraduate education was in Biology at McGill University, and she continued her herbal studies. Her life was spent among one of the most ancient cultures of the world, the San Bushmen. For the past 20 years, Dr. Nicole has been dealing with her Multiple sclerosis by using natural remedies and medicinal plants she grows in her backyard. She has also survived 57 days all alone in the wild, which was later featured on a history TV channel.
Plant your garden
This saves time and provides vegetables that are young and tender for canning.
Learn canning and food preserving
During the Great Depression, many families relied on canning and food preservation techniques to get through tough economic times. Whether you buy your fruits and vegetables (hopefully, on sale!) at the grocery store or you grow them yourself at home, don’t let a single thing go to waste.
Canning Tips :
Sterilize Jars Properly: Ensure all jars, lids, and utensils are thoroughly sterilized by boiling them in water. This prevents contamination and extends the shelf life of preserved foods.
Hot Pack vs. Raw Pack:
Hot Pack: Cook the food before placing it in jars. This method often results in better flavor and texture.
Raw Pack: Place raw food directly into jars and then process. This is quicker but may lead to more shrinkage during storage.
Use the Right Equipment: Use a pressure canner for low-acid foods (meat, vegetables, soups) and a boiling water bath canner for high-acid foods (fruits, pickles, tomatoes).
Follow Tested Recipes: Stick to trusted and tested recipes, especially when canning low-acid foods to avoid the risk of botulism.
Leave Headspace: Ensure you leave the appropriate amount of headspace between the food and the lid in the jar. This space allows for expansion during processing.
Check Seals: After processing, check that the jars are sealed properly. The lid should not flex up and down when pressed in the center. If a jar hasn’t sealed, refrigerate and use it first.
Food Preservation Tips :
Drying: Drying fruits, vegetables, and herbs in the sun or using a dehydrator is an excellent way to preserve food without the need for refrigeration.
Pickling: Pickling in vinegar or brine extends the shelf life of vegetables and adds a tangy flavor. Ensure you use pickling salt to avoid additives that can cloud the brine.
Root Cellars: Utilize a cool, dark, and humid space like a root cellar for storing root vegetables, apples, and other produce that keep well in such conditions.
Fermentation: Fermenting foods like sauerkraut and kimchi not only preserves them but also enhances their nutritional value.
Salting and Smoking: These methods are particularly useful for preserving meats and fish. Salt draws out moisture, while smoking adds flavor and further dehydrates the food.
Sugar Preservation: Making jams, jellies, and preserves with sugar extends the shelf life of fruits. Pectin is often used to help them set.
By following these tips, you can effectively preserve food at home, just like many families did during the Great Depression.
Butchering and curing meat
During the Great Depression, butchering and curing meat were essential skills for many families, particularly those in rural areas. These practices ensured that meat could be preserved for extended periods without refrigeration.
Butchering Tips :
Preparation and Cleanliness: Ensure that all tools and surfaces are clean and sterile to prevent contamination. This includes knives, saws, tables, and storage containers.
Sharp Tools: Use sharp knives and saws for butchering. This makes the process more efficient and safer, as dull tools can slip and cause injuries.
Utilize the Whole Animal: Waste nothing. Use every part of the animal, from the meat to the bones, organs, and even the fat. Bones can be used for broth, and fat can be rendered into lard.
Work Quickly and Efficiently: Butchering should be done as quickly as possible to maintain the quality of the meat. Cooler temperatures help in slowing bacterial growth.
Chilling the Meat: After butchering, chill the meat as soon as possible to prevent spoilage. If you don’t have refrigeration, hanging the meat in a cool, dry place can help.
Curing Meat Tips :
Salt Curing: Salt is one of the most effective and traditional methods for curing meat. It draws out moisture and inhibits bacterial growth.
Dry Curing: Rub the meat with a mixture of salt, sugar, and spices. Store it in a cool, dry place for several weeks.
Wet Curing (Brining): Soak the meat in a brine solution (water, salt, sugar, and spices) for several days to weeks, depending on the size of the meat piece.
Smoking: Smoking meat adds flavor and further dehydrates it, which helps in preservation. Cold smoking and hot smoking are two different methods:
Cold Smoking: Done at lower temperatures for a longer period, suitable for items like ham and bacon.
Hot Smoking: Done at higher temperatures, cooking the meat while it smokes, suitable for sausages and poultry.
Drying: Meat can be dried in the sun or in a dehydrator. Jerky is a popular example of dried meat. Ensure the meat is sliced thinly and seasoned before drying.
Sugar and Salt Combination: Using a combination of salt and sugar in the curing process can enhance the flavor and preservation of the meat.
Nitrate/Nitrite Use: Curing salts like Prague Powder (which contains sodium nitrite) can be used to prevent botulism and give cured meats their characteristic pink color. Use them sparingly and according to guidelines, as they can be toxic in large amounts.
Proper Storage: Store cured meats in a cool, dry place. If possible, hang them in a well-ventilated area. Ensure they are protected from pests.
Cook from scratch
If you don’t know this already, then it’s time to learn. Cooking at home from scratch can save you hundreds on your grocery bill. Eating out is expensive and buying prepackaged meals at the grocery store will quickly increase your grocery bill and still leave you hungry. Buy staple ingredients, grab your favorite cookbook, and enjoy preparing a nice meal.
Stay Calm and Positive:
Practice self-care and stress management techniques to maintain a positive mindset during economic uncertainty. People learned to keep a positive outlook on life. They learned that they could lose a surprising amount – almost everything – and keep going.
Positivity was essential. There was no point in complaining how bad things were – they were just as bad for almost everyone. What mattered was trying to make them better.
In our knowledge-based economy today, handymen and jacks-of-all-trades are harder to come by. Develop a competitive advantage and learn these skills now. They will certainly come in handy (no pun intended) later.
In conclusion, the lessons and survival skills passed down through generations from the Great Depression remain relevant and valuable in today’s uncertain times. By embracing alternative medicines, learning to identify wild edibles, preserving food through canning and curing, and honing practical skills like butchering and cooking, we can strengthen our resilience and self-sufficiency. During the Great Depression, it was those who needed to buy everything, like we do today, who suffered.
The other big thing that helped people get through that depression was not being in debt. When banks are struggling (and they were definitely struggling back then), one way they make up for it is to call in their loans.
When we can’t pay those loans back, they take our homes, our cars, and whatever else we used to secure the loan. So, we need to get out of debt, as part of our strategy to becoming self-sufficient. If we have to have debt, let’s make sure that it is for things that we can afford to lose, not for things we have to have. As we navigate the challenges of a volatile economy and societal upheavals, let us heed the wisdom of the past and prepare ourselves for whatever may come. By adopting a proactive mindset, staying adaptable, and fostering a spirit of innovation, we can not only weather the storm but emerge stronger and more resourceful on the other side. Let us forge ahead with confidence, armed with the knowledge and skills needed to thrive in an ever-changing world.