"100 Things to Dissappear First"

Regenerative & Transitional Technology Transition Tech
#1

Found this article on a doomer site. I read through through the list and only found one thing that I would find useful, and only then in the interim (an axe, and hopefully even that item will fall off the list once I figure out knapping basics).

http://www.off-grid.net/2008/10/02/100-items-to-disappear-first/

I found it sobering to read a list of things that other people (if not myself in the nearer part of this Event Horizon) cling to and rely on so desperately – or at least believe that they have to rely on them… My ‘favorite’ was number 19: “Baby supplies”. I wonder what the plan is to replace all these things…? Maybe (hopefully), people in general will simply realize how much CRAP they just flat-out don’t need.
[b]

  1. Generators (Good ones cost dearly. Gas storage, risky. Noisy…target of thieves; maintenance etc.)

  2. Water Filters/Purifiers

  3. Portable Toilets

  4. Seasoned Firewood. Wood takes about 6 - 12 months to become dried, for home uses.

  5. Lamp Oil, Wicks, Lamps (First Choice: Buy CLEAR oil. If scarce, stockpile ANY!)

  6. Coleman Fuel. Impossible to stockpile too much.

  7. Guns, Ammunition, Pepper Spray, Knives, Clubs, Bats & Slingshots.

  8. Hand-can openers, & hand egg beaters, whisks.

  9. Honey/Syrups/white, brown sugar

  10. Rice - Beans - Wheat

  11. Vegetable Oil (for cooking) Without it food burns/must be boiled etc.,)

  12. Charcoal, Lighter Fluid (Will become scarce suddenly)

  13. Water Containers (Urgent Item to obtain.) Any size. Small: HARD CLEAR PLASTIC ONLY - note - food grade if for drinking.

  14. Mini Heater head (Propane) (Without this item, propane won’t heat a room.)

  15. Grain Grinder (Non-electric)

  16. Propane Cylinders (Urgent: Definite shortages will occur.

  17. Survival Guide Book.

  18. Mantles: Aladdin, Coleman, etc. (Without this item, longer-term lighting is difficult.)

  19. Baby Supplies: Diapers/formula. ointments/aspirin, etc.

  20. Washboards, Mop Bucket w/wringer (for Laundry)

  21. Cookstoves (Propane, Coleman & Kerosene)

  22. Vitamins

  23. Propane Cylinder Handle-Holder (Urgent: Small canister use is dangerous without this item)

  24. Feminine Hygiene/Haircare/Skin products.

  25. Thermal underwear (Tops & Bottoms)

  26. Bow saws, axes and hatchets, Wedges (also, honing oil)

  27. Aluminum Foil Reg. & Heavy Duty (Great Cooking and Barter Item)

  28. Gasoline Containers (Plastic & Metal)

  29. Garbage Bags (Impossible To Have Too Many).

  30. Toilet Paper, Kleenex, Paper Towels

  31. Milk - Powdered & Condensed (Shake Liquid every 3 to 4 months)

  32. Garden Seeds (Non-Hybrid) (A MUST)

  33. Clothes pins/line/hangers (A MUST)

  34. Coleman’s Pump Repair Kit

  35. Tuna Fish (in oil)

  36. Fire Extinguishers (or…large box of Baking Soda in every room)

  37. First aid kits

  38. Batteries (all sizes…buy furthest-out for Expiration Dates)

  39. Garlic, spices & vinegar, baking supplies

  40. Big Dogs (and plenty of dog food)

  41. Flour, yeast & salt

  42. Matches. {”Strike Anywhere” preferred.) Boxed, wooden matches will go first

  43. Writing paper/pads/pencils, solar calculators

  44. Insulated ice chests (good for keeping items from freezing in Wintertime.)

  45. Workboots, belts, Levis & durable shirts

  46. Flashlights/LIGHTSTICKS & torches, “No. 76 Dietz” Lanterns

  47. Journals, Diaries & Scrapbooks (jot down ideas, feelings, experience; Historic Times)

  48. Garbage cans Plastic (great for storage, water, transporting - if with wheels)

  49. Men’s Hygiene: Shampoo, Toothbrush/paste, Mouthwash/floss, nail clippers, etc

  50. Cast iron cookware (sturdy, efficient)

  51. Fishing supplies/tools

  52. Mosquito coils/repellent, sprays/creams

  53. Duct Tape

  54. Tarps/stakes/twine/nails/rope/spikes

  55. Candles

  56. Laundry Detergent (liquid)

  57. Backpacks, Duffel Bags

  58. Garden tools & supplies

  59. Scissors, fabrics & sewing supplies

  60. Canned Fruits, Veggies, Soups, stews, etc.

  61. Bleach (plain, NOT scented: 4 to 6% sodium hypochlorite)

  62. Canning supplies, (Jars/lids/wax)

  63. Knives & Sharpening tools: files, stones, steel

  64. Bicycles…Tires/tubes/pumps/chains, etc

  65. Sleeping Bags & blankets/pillows/mats

  66. Carbon Monoxide Alarm (battery powered)

  67. Board Games, Cards, Dice

  68. d-con Rat poison, MOUSE PRUFE II, Roach Killer

  69. Mousetraps, Ant traps & cockroach magnets

  70. Paper plates/cups/utensils (stock up, folks)

  71. Baby wipes, oils, waterless & Antibacterial soap (saves a lot of water)

  72. Rain gear, rubberized boots, etc.

  73. Shaving supplies (razors & creams, talc, after shave)

  74. Hand pumps & siphons (for water and for fuels)

  75. Soysauce, vinegar, bullions/gravy/soupbase

  76. Reading glasses

  77. Chocolate/Cocoa/Tang/Punch (water enhancers)

  78. “Survival-in-a-Can”

  79. Woolen clothing, scarves/ear-muffs/mittens

  80. Boy Scout Handbook, / also Leaders Catalog

  81. Roll-on Window Insulation Kit (MANCO)

  82. Graham crackers, saltines, pretzels, Trail mix/Jerky

  83. Popcorn, Peanut Butter, Nuts

  84. Socks, Underwear, T-shirts, etc. (extras)

  85. Lumber (all types)

  86. Wagons & carts (for transport to and from)

  87. Cots & Inflatable mattress’s

  88. Gloves: Work/warming/gardening, etc.

  89. Lantern Hangers

  90. Screen Patches, glue, nails, screws, nuts & bolts

  91. Teas

  92. Coffee

  93. Cigarettes

  94. Wine/Liquors (for bribes, medicinal, etc,)

  95. Paraffin wax

  96. Glue, nails, nuts, bolts, screws, etc.

  97. Chewing gum/candies

  98. Atomizers (for cooling/bathing)

  99. Hats & cotton neckerchiefs

  100. Goats/chickens[/b]

Edit Also, I found this entirely depressing: (As written by a civilian in the conflict in Sarajevo) “The feeling that you’re human can fade pretty fast. I can’t tell you how many people I knew who would have traded a much needed meal for just a little bit of toothpaste, rouge, soap or cologne. Not much point in fighting if you have to lose your humanity. These things are morale-builders like nothing else.”

#2

Yeah, I remember stumbling across this, too.

I think this is where attitude and perspective come into play, and why I suggest focusing on mental/emotional preparation before anything else when I talk to family members about the future.

#3
The feeling that you’re human can fade pretty fast.

This kind of sentiment always reminds me of the absolutely rock-solid survival value of the “invisible technologies”; i.e., the things that, more than any object, make us feel human. Family, Stories, Music, Adult Conversation, Many parents to every child, Mixed age social groups. Meaningfulness.

Modern humans seem to base their estimation of their own humanity on their access to luxury goods; I suppose this explains why people call a house with a family of 12 ethiopians (or mexican indians, or gypsy roma, or or or…) “people living like animals”. If we don’t redefine what humanness and humanity means now, tough times will feel like we’ve begun to lose it, rather than we’ve begun to change it.

I think this is where attitude and perspective come into play, and why I suggest focusing on mental/emotional preparation before anything else when I talk to family members about the future.

Yeah, any decent survival guide dedicates its first chapter (or paragraph, or something!) to “positive mental attitude”. What does it mean to have a positive mental attitude as a group?

Music. Storytelling. Gratitude to the land and ancestors. Pride in one’s identity. Meaningfulness. Barbecues. 7 generations in one room.

For this exact reason I see “collapse” (to the extent that we haven’t already lived through much of it, and how our culture will continue to degrade) as a pressure on us to have lives worth living. How can life not get better, in spite of all the projections of “misery”? You mean, in order to survive collapse, I have to learn how to party? Awesome! ;D

#4

[quote=“Willem, post:3, topic:1154”]Yeah, any decent survival guide dedicates its first chapter (or paragraph, or something!) to “positive mental attitude”. What does it mean to have a positive mental attitude as a group?

Music. Storytelling. Gratitude to the land and ancestors. Pride in one’s identity. Meaningfulness. Barbecues. 7 generations in one room.[/quote]

Good point. I hadn’t really thought about it before, but I guess that’s one reason I think my wife’s side of the family will do well, they’re big on remembering shared experiences as stories.

For this exact reason I see "collapse" (to the extent that we haven't already lived through much of it, and how our culture will continue to degrade) as a pressure on us to have lives worth living. How can life not get better, in spite of all the projections of "misery"? You mean, in order to survive collapse, I have to learn how to party? Awesome! ;D

Yeah! :smiley:

I think that has a lot to do with why I think my “black sheep” brother-in-law has already started to provide extra support and guidance to family members…

#5

You mean, in order to survive collapse, I have to learn how to party? Awesome! ;D[/quote]

Right on! Rewilders could have a manifesto that’s a provides the antidote to Richard Heinberg’s “The Party’s Over” called “The Party’s Just Getting Started!”

#6

I’d be severely handicapped without reading glasses. At my age I can’t do close up detail work at all without them. Can’t sew and definitely can’t thread a needle. I noticed this summer I even had a hard time picking berries without my glasses.
I guess I should get a big stash of those drug store reading glasses as part of my survival stash.

#7
43. Writing paper/pads/pencils, solar calculators

calculator? really? that’s almost as funny as i think it was no. 97 candy and shit like that. fuck this culture is sad.

#8

[quote=“heyvictor, post:6, topic:1154”]I’d be severely handicapped without reading glasses. At my age I can’t do close up detail work at all without them. Can’t sew and definitely can’t thread a needle. I noticed this summer I even had a hard time picking berries without my glasses.
I guess I should get a big stash of those drug store reading glasses as part of my survival stash.[/quote]
Ai’m not sure if any of it works, but there was a thread in the health section about rewilding seeing difficulty treatments.

#9

and besides, billy, didn’t a sweatlodge clear your vision up for a while?

#10

Yes, I went over to the Blood res. for my spring fast last year and after four days no food or water and sweat lodges every day my vision was really good. It went back to it’s usual state after a couple of days of my normal opportunistic, omnivorous, eat whatever is put in front of me or strikes my fancy, diet.
I had perfect vision until I was about 45. I’ve bought progressively stronger reading glasses since then. Going to school at 49 and spending a lot of time in front of a computer hasn’t helped at all.

#11

Ooh i loves myself some thermal underwear!!! ;D

But seriously what a list…

#12

I’m wearing some right now!

With the understanding of how little value money actually has, and how much it’ll be degraded in the future as a trade good, I’ve been contemplating using the money I make to buy things that will maintain value, such as a few of the things on this list.

#13

That’s generally my strategy Dan. Turn this paper into something useful while folks still think it has value. I’ve started the habit of scavenging yard sales on Saturday mornings. My folks and I have picked up some killer cast-iron stuff for practically nothing – a big stewing pot and multiple skillets. I also keep my eyes peeled for hand tools of various ilks – axes, hoes, shovels, digging forks, etc

#14

My thoughts

  1. Generators - Will not bother with electricity unless it’s wind power.

  2. Water Filters/Purifiers - Boil and hope the chemical pollution is minimal.

  3. Portable Toilets - old fasioned outhouse?

  4. Seasoned Firewood. Cut standing dead wood, it tends to be dryer.

  5. Lamp Oil, Wicks, Lamps - animal fats and any natural cordage will make a lamp.

  6. Coleman Fuel. Impossible to stockpile too much. - Wood fire is the only real option.

  7. Guns, Ammunition, Pepper Spray, Knives, Clubs, Bats & Slingshots. - Store what ammo you can, and know how to construct primitive wepons.

  8. Hand-can openers, & hand egg beaters, whisks. - the canned goods will run out faster.

  9. Honey/Syrups/white, brown sugar - Maple syrup… easy to make, sugar cane?

  10. Rice - Beans - Wheat - learn to forage!

  11. Vegetable Oil (for cooking) Without it food burns/must be boiled etc.,) - learn to render fats.

  12. Charcoal, Lighter Fluid - It’s easy to make your own charcoal.

  13. Water Containers - Plastics will be EVERYWHERE for hundreds of years! + Bamboo water containers?

  14. Mini Heater head - dont count on ANY fossil fuel unless you have your own oil well.

  15. Grain Grinder Easy to make with scavenged car parts.

  16. Propane Cylinders - see #14

  17. Survival Guide Book. BOOKS ARE IMPORTANT! Save what you can!

  18. Mantles: - See #5

  19. Baby Supplies: Diapers/formula. ointments/aspirin, etc. - Leather diapers, breast feed, home made ointments, willow leaves/bark.

  20. Washboards, Mop Bucket w/wringer (for Laundry) East to make a washboard out of an old road sign and 2 boards.

  21. Cookstoves - cook over fire.

  22. Vitamins - You can make and store lots of different vitamins yourself…

  23. Propane Cylinder Handle-Holder - see #14

  24. Feminine Hygiene/Haircare/Skin products. moss/lye soap.

  25. Thermal underwear (Tops & Bottoms) Polyester clothing will come back in style.

  26. Bow saws, axes and hatchets, Wedges (also, honing oil) Blacksmithing!

  27. Aluminum Foil Reg. & Heavy Duty (Great Cooking and Barter Item) - and ZIP LOC BAGS!

  28. Gasoline Containers gass will run out in a matter of DAYS.

  29. Garbage Bags (Impossible To Have Too Many). No waste no garbage. Plastic sheeting will be worth it’s weight in gold.

  30. Toilet Paper, Kleenex, Paper Towels - Corncobs?

  31. Milk - Powdered & Condensed - goats!

  32. Garden Seeds - collect and cultivate WILD plants.

  33. Clothes pins/line/hangers take a simple stick about 1/2 inch thick and 4" long and cut a slot in one end like the old fasioned (non spring) kind.

  34. Coleman’s Pump Repair Kit - ???

  35. Tuna Fish (in oil) - You can aslo can fish in jars, but have to store in darkness.

  36. Fire Extinguishers - Store water buckets in every room.

  37. First aid kits - Bandaids will be sorely missed :frowning:

  38. Batteries - Hand crank radios/lights etc…

  39. Garlic, spices & vinegar, baking supplies - Apple vinegar is easy to make, yeast is harder to make. learn what wild earbs you like.

  40. Big Dogs - small dogs eat less and big dogs provide more meat :frowning: (you can hate me now)

  41. Flour, yeast & salt - Corn meal is easier to make than flour. flat breads? Salt from the sea or eat more meat.

  42. Matches. - firesteel, and fire drill.

  43. Writing paper/pads/pencils, solar calculators - Birchbark paper, char coal pencils, I doube te will need complex calculations in great quantity.

  44. Insulated ice chests - root cellars work both ways.

  45. Workboots, belts, Levis & durable shirts leather working!

  46. Flashlights/LIGHTSTICKS & torches, see #5

  47. Journals, Diaries & Scrapbooks cave paintings? (the first cave painting porn store? a possible post collapse career option?

  48. Garbage cans Plastic any plastic can/barrell strapped to a golf bag caddy?

  49. Men’s Hygiene: Shampoo, Toothbrush/paste, Mouthwash/floss, nail clippers, etc - Lye soap, clay, mint chew, knife

  50. Cast iron cookware - WOKS ARE VERY VERSITILE and easy to hammer!

  51. Fishing supplies/tools - Bamboo for cane poles.

  52. Mosquito coils/repellent, sprays/creams - pine infusion rubbed on skin repels most bugs.

  53. Duct Tape - Any linen cloth coated with pine pitch

  54. Tarps/stakes/twine/nails/rope/spikes - Tarps will be very valuable, nails can be fabricated from many types of wire, Rope can be made, SCREWS will be a big one! (+ Screwdrivers)

  55. Candles - see #5

  56. Laundry Detergent (liquid) - When you make lye soap it sometimes comes out too strong… disolve this in water to make liqiod laundry soap.

  57. Backpacks, Duffel Bags - freight frame and cordage will be more versitile in the long run.

  58. Garden tools & supplies - branch plow, stick hoe, wooden shovel.

  59. Scissors, fabrics & sewing supplies - Synthetic threads will last longer, needles will become rare so will need to make bone needles.

  60. Canned Fruits, Veggies, Soups, stews, etc. - Mason jars will become very valuable!

  61. Bleach (plain, NOT scented: 4 to 6% sodium hypochlorite) - lye water will do the same.

  62. Canning supplies, (Jars/lids/wax) see #60

  63. Knives & Sharpening tools: files, stones, steel Check the local Dept of Geological survey to see what natural stone is in your area that will serve as sharpening stones, and learn to dientify them.

  64. Bicycles…Tires/tubes/pumps/chains, etc - bikes wil be usefull… try to find SOLID RUBBER TIRES to avoid tubes and flats, a rough ride is better than NO ride.

  65. Sleeping Bags & blankets/pillows/mats - Furs, willow/cattail mats.

  66. Carbon Monoxide Alarm - catch a small bird and build it a cage.

  67. Board Games, Cards, Dice - Dice, chess, Jenga?? Dominoes, I spy?

  68. d-con Rat poison, MOUSE PRUFE II, Roach Killer - Don’t poison them EAT THEM!

  69. Mousetraps, Ant traps & cockroach magnets - see #68

  70. Paper plates/cups/utensils (stock up, folks) Plastic is washable, doesnt rust, and unfortunatly will NEVER break down. Just dont let them melt.

  71. Baby wipes, oils, waterless & Antibacterial soap boil down pine sap to make pine sol.

  72. Rain gear, rubberized boots, etc. - Car tire sandals, oiled canvas/cloth

  73. Shaving supplies Use a stick from the fire (1/2" diameter) with glowing coals in a quick pass to “singe” off wiskers.

  74. Hand pumps & siphons - leather bellows pump.

  75. Soysauce, vinegar, bullions/gravy/soupbase - Apple vinegar, powdered herbs.

  76. Reading glasses - Glass blowing?

  77. Chocolate/Cocoa/Tang/Punch - dried and powdered citrus peel.

  78. “Survival-in-a-Can” - will be gone in a day

  79. Woolen clothing, scarves/ear-muffs/mittens - Nettle fiber cloth?

  80. Boy Scout Handbook, / also Leaders Catalog - see #17

  81. Roll-on Window Insulation Kit - any transparent plastic that can be aquired.

  82. Graham crackers, saltines, pretzels, Trail mix/Jerky - seed crackers, homemade corn chips, corn bread sticks, dried berried and meats.

  83. Popcorn, Peanut Butter, Nuts - you can pop corn over a fire, acorn butter is YUMMMY, acorns/walnuts

  84. Socks, Underwear, T-shirts, etc. - Loincloths?

  85. Lumber - a good axe and saw! (and a file to sharpen them)

  86. Wagons & carts (for transport to and from)

  87. Cots & Inflatable mattress’s - Hammock

  88. Gloves: Work/warming/gardening, etc. - Mittens are easier to make

  89. Lantern Hangers - N/A

  90. Screen Patches, glue, nails, screws, nuts & bolts - abandoned autos?, melted rubber makes a good glue. Nuts and bolts abound (even if rusty)

  91. Teas - Pine/rose hip/nettle/dandelion

  92. Coffee - My blood type

  93. Cigarettes - Tobacco seeds? or a good time to quit?

  94. Wine/Liquors (for bribes, medicinal, etc,) - Simple to make a home still.

  95. Paraffin wax - Got me there

  96. Glue, nails, nuts, bolts, screws, etc. - see #90

  97. Chewing gum/candies - Mint chew

  98. Atomizers - Cool water whicker

  99. Hats & cotton neckerchiefs - Coon skin cap comeback?

  100. Goats/chickens - Every mammel and bird will be a possibility (learn to clip wings)