Ultimate Preparedness

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Self-Sufficiency in a Community Setting

Quick Takeaways

  • Ultimate preparedness is not a solo enterprise.
  • Individual preps have limits.
  • There’s real advantages working with others to prepare.
  • More producers involved means reduced risk of shortages.
  • Having self-reliant neighbors is good for everyone involved.
  • Riverbed Ranch, Utah, and Coslor Cove, Arizona are good examples.

In an ever-changing world, where the unexpected has become the norm, preparedness is no longer just a buzzword—it’s a necessity. From natural disasters like hurricanes and earthquakes to economic downturns and pandemics, the challenges we face are numerous and often unpredictable. While many of us stockpile essentials, the ultimate preparedness goes beyond just having supplies. It’s about being self-sufficient, not just individually, but as a community. In this article, we’ll delve deeper into the idea that the pinnacle of preparedness is to be in a position to produce all one’s own food, water, and power, while being surrounded by others doing the same.

1. The Limitations of Individual Preparedness

While it’s commendable to have a personal stash of essentials, individual preparedness has its limitations. No matter how much one prepares, there’s always the risk of running out of supplies. For instance, if you’ve stockpiled a year’s worth of canned goods, what happens when that year is up? Moreover, in prolonged crises, isolation can lead to mental and emotional strain. Humans are social beings, and community interaction is crucial for our well-being. Think about the loneliness and stress that can come from being isolated during extended power outages or natural disasters. Having a community around provides not just physical but also emotional and psychological support.

2. The Power of Collective Resources

When multiple individuals come together, pooling their resources and skills, the collective strength is magnified. A community can achieve much more than an individual. For instance, while one person might be skilled in farming, another might have expertise in water purification. By collaborating, they ensure a steady supply of both food and clean water. Imagine a scenario where a community member knows how to cultivate a particular crop resistant to pests, while another knows how to set up efficient irrigation systems. Together, they can produce a bountiful harvest, benefiting everyone.

3. Diversification Reduces Risk

In the world of finance, diversification is a strategy used to spread risk. The same principle applies to preparedness. By having multiple people engaged in various self-sufficiency activities, the community reduces its overall risk. If one food source fails, another might thrive. For example, if a community relies solely on fish from a local river and that river gets polluted, they would face a food crisis. However, if they also have members cultivating vegetables, poultry, and other sources of food, the impact of the river’s pollution would be mitigated. This diversification ensures a more consistent supply of essentials and reduces vulnerability.

4. Sustainable Living: The Role of Renewable Energy

In today’s world, power is as essential as food and water. From heating our homes to preserving our food, energy plays a pivotal role. By setting up renewable energy sources like solar panels or wind turbines, a community can ensure a consistent power supply. This not only reduces dependence on external sources but is also environmentally friendly. Consider a community located in a sunny region. By harnessing solar energy, they can not only power their homes but also use it for tasks like pumping water or charging electric vehicles. Similarly, a community in a windy area could benefit immensely from wind turbines, making them less reliant on the grid.

5. The Synergy of a Self-Sufficient Community

Imagine a community where every household produces its own food, purifies its own water, and generates its own power. Such a community would be resilient in the face of challenges. Moreover, the shared sense of purpose and mutual dependence would foster strong bonds among members. In times of crisis, this unity would be invaluable. For instance, during a drought, a community with diverse food sources and water purification systems would not only survive but also support neighboring communities, strengthening regional ties.

Examples of Self-Sufficient Communities

Operation Self-Reliance™ is a joint initiative by non-profits and businesses to create five self-sustaining communities along the Rocky Mountain corridor. Their first community, Riverbed Ranch, Utah, is the furthest along with over 140 people living there full-time as of this writing. Most are still in the process of building out their homesteads. The community is a hive of industry at the moment while these 41 families are moving forward diligently to put in their infrastructure and build their homes. Follow this link to learn more about Riverbed Ranch off-grid community.

Coslor Cove (whose website you’re reading this on) is just getting going as of Summer 2023. Currently, we’re working with an Arizona attorney to incorporate the land cooperative which will own and operate the 1,298 acre off-grid community – Arizona’s largest!

Conclusion

While individual preparedness is essential, the ultimate form of readiness is community self-sufficiency. By producing our own food, water, and power, and doing so in a community setting, we not only ensure our survival but also thrive in tumultuous times. In a world filled with uncertainties, such a community would stand as a beacon of hope, resilience, and unity, showcasing the strength that comes from collective effort and mutual support.