In uncertain times, it can be easy to succumb to the notion we need to hole up in isolated cabins with shotgun shells and dried fruit. I admit I spent recent nights watching Doomsday Preppers on Netflix, thinking out my calculated world-ending strategy.
The truth is - we need to build resilience in our homes with energy and water savings, but we also need sanity and strong social ties. Here are a few ideas to get you started in building a resilient space in order to keep yourself, your family and your home healthy.
Grow your own food
Start growing your own fruits and vegetables. If you’re someone who has struggled to grow a pea shoot (I can also relate), thankfully it’s now easier than ever to build your own home garden, even if you live in a big city. There are a number of tools designed to simplify the process, like the Just Vertical AEVA system (who are also getting ready for their 2nd Kickstarter campaign).
If you don’t have the money to dish out for a tool right now, why not try to plant your own garden with “how-to” step-by-step support. Here is some information regarding planting a vegetable garden at home. You can do this with a small patch of grass if you have a yard, or even indoors using pots or trays. At home, we are testing out using old chocolate trays to see if this may work.
Keep your water clean… and avoid plastic
If your tap water was safe before COVID-19, it’s still safe. In Canada, cities like Montreal, Prince Rupert, and Regina all have reported hazardous levels of lead. Check your municipal water quality to be sure, however, If there’s any doubt about your city’s tap water, don’t buy water bottles. It just means more plastic with variable water quality. Instead, install filters at home or get yourself a long-lasting Brita filter.
Worried about virus transmission in your bathroom? We are building RainStick Shower, which will have a multi-stage filtration set to eliminate viruses, bacteria, dirt and more. If you’re interested, you will be able to pre-order a RainStick over the next two months.
Build up your community - safely
Adjusting the way we interact has been one of the biggest challenges over the past year. Even if we can’t see each other in person, it’s important that we stay connected to the people we care about. Poor WIFI? A Red Green Show-like hack is placing your router towards the back of the house, and then placing a metal can or bowl behind the antenna (getting creative these days). The signal will bounce off the antenna, sending it more directly to the rooms where you are actually using it.
Apps like Nextdoor can help you build connections with those around you, so you and your neighbours can help each other through this difficult situation. You can also look for online platforms that are specific to your industry or hobbies, so you can connect with those who have similar interests.
Be smart, be resilient and stay safe. What kind of ideas have you tried in your home?
