Using What You Have

One of the keys in homesteading and in being a survivalist is being able to make use of what you have.  Free resources are best, and all it takes sometimes is your imagination to re-purpose "trash" into something you need.

Cardboard

I have 1/4 of land I would like to plant.  My budget is ZERO, and it is full of weeds and bad soil.  Earlier this week, I came across a resource for free unlimited cardboard.  I already have a source of free composted horse manure.  When you put those two together, you get a solution.

Cardboard can be used as a chemical free weed killer.  To prepare the land to plant, I am first covering the area in writing free cardboard.  Next, I will be covering the cardboard with leaves and composted manure from my land.  Finally, I will water the area quite well to let is mingle together and wait.  In a week or two, I will be able to till the land under and have a weed-free, composted area to plant.

Milk jugs

Mini Greenhouse:  Cut the bottom off a gallon jug and upend it to serve as a cloche. Remove the cap as needed to control temperature in the mini greenhouse. 

Funnel:  Cut the top off the milk jug, and you have a funnel.

Scoops:  Cut out a "pie piece from the side opposite the handle and you have a scoop for dog food, bird seed, potting soil, nails or whatever else you need one for.

Berry picking container:  Cut the top off and thread the handle through your belt.  Hands-free berry jug.

Plant tags:  Cut strips from the flat side of the jugs and write.  Easy peasy.

Aluminum Foil for Survival:  (http://www.survivalcommonsense.com/aluminum-foilfeed/)

 

Fold into a drinking cup: Many primitive survival skills are related to making containers of some sort. Aluminum foil is a natural for making a waterproof cup. This skill can be invaluable if you need a small container to dip water out of a spring or sump.

Leave as a footprint register: Before you head out on an adventure, leave a note behind with a trusted person. Include in that  note where you went, when you’ll be back, what you’re doing, the license number of the vehicle and other information. Aluminum foil is part of this package, and all you have to do is step on a piece with your hiking boots on. Click  “Help Searchers Find You”  to find out how to leave a footprint register.

As a firestarter aid: I learned this trick from Survival Expert Peter Kummerfeldt. Take a pinch of cotton ball and petroleum jelly firestarter, place it on the foil top of a yogurt container, and light it. The foil material will keep the jelly from melting into the ground below, and make the flame last much longer. You can start a fire virtually anywhere using this technique. Check out the survival fire starting video!

You can also use a small piece of aluminum foil to SAFELY light a fire with gasoline. NEVER, NEVER,  NEVER  pour gasoline on an open flame or smoldering coals! An explosion is possible! Instead, make a small container with the foil,  put a tiny amount of gas in it, and light the fumes. Then build your fire with tinder, larger sticks and finally logs. There will be no danger of an explosion, and you will only need  a tablespoon or so of gas to get the fire started. (Check out the video below.)

Signaling device: At night, strips of foil can be displayed at eye level to catch a flashlight beam. This is really handy if you will be leaving your deer stand or need to find a trailhead after dark  by headlamp light.  You can also use a folded piece during the day as a signal mirror for search aircraft.

Keep thinking!