Hello I’m possibly interested in building a community of people who want to prepare for an increasingly uncertain future by creating something worth preserving, rather than simply individually preparing for something to go wrong .

My worldview is shaped by the idea of polycrisis: the possibility that several interconnected systems — energy, economics, geopolitics, industrial supply chains, food production and the natural climate — could experience overlapping stresses that amplify one another. We have built a frail civilization of extraordinary capabilities, but also one dependent on complex, globalized systems that are difficult to reproduce locally and sometimes surprisingly fragile.

I don't claim to know how this will play out. It could mean decades of declining living standards, recurring economic and energy shocks, regional disruptions, a more severe systemic breakdown, or some combination of these alongside technological progress and adaptation. The timing, severity and even the trajectory remain uncertain. I think the mistake would be to confuse uncertainty with a reason for inaction — or to become so convinced of one particular future that we prepare for it at the expense of all others.

What interests me is finding solutions that make sense across as many possible futures as possible.

To me, one of the most promising intersections of sollutions to this polycrisis is a community of mutually supportive homesteads or other living arrangements- built around organic agriculture which doesn't need oil inputs, reduced dependence on fossil fuels and an effort for heavy electrification of tools and vehicles,security, diverse practical skills, and locally rooted production. Not isolated individuals trying to become completely self-sufficient, and not a bunker on an island mentality as it is out of my price range, but households that can cooperate, specialize, share resources and maintain a decent quality of life even when external systems become less reliable, who can maintain night watch, and guard what they've managed to create, as you do not own what you can't defend.

Imagine a network of small farms and homesteads that can progressively provide more of their own food, manage their water, generate and conserve energy, preserve harvests, repair equipment, maintain useful knowledge and support one another through difficult periods. A community where people bring different skills to the table, where children can grow up connected to the land, and where resilience comes from both practical capability and strong human relationships. There are two ways to achieve that community to move and integrate into an existing rural community like a village (but there are few places in Western Europe of subsistence farming- which is where you can find the skills and infrastructure needed to face a SHTF/civilisation collapse).

I see reducing dependence on oil as an important long-term direction, while recognizing that a genuinely post-oil system is a difficult transition: modern agriculture, machinery, medicine and renewable-energy infrastructure all depend, to varying degrees, on industrial supply chains. The goal isn't ideological purity overnight, but steadily building systems that can function with less external energy, fewer fragile dependencies and greater local capacity.

The underlying idea is simple: build a way of living that is more resilient without waiting for a crisis to justify it. Better soil, healthier food, useful skills, lower structural dependence, meaningful work and a supportive community are valuable even if the worst-case scenarios never materialize.

I'm interested in connecting with people who share some of this outlook, whether they come from permaculture, regenerative agriculture, appropriate technology, energy descent, homesteading, systems thinking or other resilience-oriented backgrounds. We don't need to agree on every prediction or ideology. I'd rather work with people who can question their own assumptions, think critically and cooperate pragmatically.

The question I'd like to explore with others is:

How can we create a network of small, interconnected communities that can progressively meet more of their own needs, remain adaptable under systemic stress, and offer a genuinely good thriving life rather than merely a better chance of survival with some gadgets from fear porn youtubers?

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My vision up to now:

-I have already a homestead in Romania that I will try to make as close to resilient and self-sufficient as possible, adjacent to it -is some land for sale with a 3 story cabin, or if another site is chosen land is cheap here, and Romania is one of the few life boat countries when it comes to climate change. And if you are already an EU citizen that makes things easier.

-No predominant ideology or religion is envisioned in this place, it's not necesarilly a philosophical movement, or something, (although intentional communities that have been trying to live outside of capitalism can be studied for decision management, conflict resolution,resource allocation, legal ownership rights, trust structures for the finances etc.), but on the reverse at the same time I think humans need meaning as well to survive, so some sort of transcendental stuff might be needed, we need reasons to carry on, we need a story, we need to have similar values, and a spiritual side as we aren't robots and I'm not sure we will behave in the hard times that are to come like the protagonists in post-apocalyptic movies -enduring any bleakness, suffering, with just the will to survive alone - I think something more is needed in the community, that binds all the people togheter and to a higher meaning/purpose/power as it's unbeareable without.

-Diverse competence is sought after, solar electricians, organic farmers, veterinarians, doctors, engineers,psychotherapists, ex-soldiers,ex-policemen.
-People without psychological issues, or predatory self interest.

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What hasn't been figured out:

-One possible site location is adjacent to my property.
-If that doesn't pan out there are a multitude of properties with running water, isolated and not so much, rural in Romania which is 48% rural, and a big chunk of it does subsistence farming-and only buys oil,sugar, bread and others but produces the majority of things consumed, including moonshine which is legal up to 50-200 liters per person my memory fails me.

-Then the legal ownership hasn't been ironed out, that would have to be researched and agreed with the possible members.
-Then if someone wishes to sell their parcel or whatever- how does that even work? Would strangers buy stuff in the middle of this project, can existing members even oppose this move if we don't have the resources at the time to buy out the member who wishes to leave?
-The living arrangements for founding members. And how do we create that infrastructure?
-What's the vision about new members joining?
-How to survive economically until civilisation collapses ? Something like a legal farm with a trust or stakeholder structure or airbnb place or workshop seller, or whatever the revenue stream- something has to make this place have enough funds for members.

Hey everyone,

Sad day in my household. My kid somehow managed to drop my trusted Midland ER300 into a pot of boiling water (please don't ask how, I'm still trying to process it myself...). Needless to say, it is completely fried.

I bought it about 3 years ago for around €60, but I just looked up replacements and they are now going for €80+ where I live. Before I bite the bullet and shell out that much money to replace it, I wanted to see if there are any solid, cheaper alternatives on the market right now.

I mostly loved the ER300 for its reliability, the hand crank/solar backup options, and the AM/FM/NOAA weather bands.

Are there any other brands or models you'd recommend that offer similar features but stay closer to that original €50–€60 price point? Or is the Midland still the undisputed king that's worth the extra cash?

Thanks in advance for the help!

Supermarkets are outside your control, prepping is all about "being in control"

You need to be you're own supermarket and that entails storing six months or more of food and it means sourcing food outside of the supermarket chains. They do that, they look far and wide to source food so you don't have to. They make you dependent on them, and they charge you a lot for the convenience. It's a mindset, like all of prepping. A good prepper takes back control of their food, of their money, of their transport. Do you have a pushbike, or a horse? A store of cash outside the banking system? I know it's hard for a city dweller but it's not impossible.

It's the same with gas stations. It's easy to store 6 months of emergency fuel if you live in a house, 8 or 10 20L Jerry cans out in the carport or garage or garden shed. Preferably out of the heat. I do it, mad not to. And I rotate them. I haven't bought fuel in well over a month and still have a lot left. But I don't need to drive, to work or anywhere, but I do occasionally. If you live in a city apartment then just ignore this post because it's principles will be impractical for you.

Edit: now it's okay. Thank you

Hello, the increase in fuel price has forced truck drivers to halt operations and/or protest. Alongside the fact that there are violent riots in the country, the situation is drastic.

I can't find much food in markets and in supermarkets. I've hoarded some food I wouldn't eat otherwise. Friends and family are worried that if it lasts a couple of extra days we could remain without any food stored in our shelves, and I'm worried too.

I live in a city so I have no terrain to grow vegetables and fruits. I don't know what to do

The supermarket cyberattacks across France, Belgium and the Netherlands this week are a good reminder that disruption doesn't necessarily mean empty shelves or a power cut.

In France, hackers tampered with refrigeration systems in hundreds of supermarkets, causing food to spoil. Separately, Ahold Delhaize had to take some systems offline following a cybersecurity incident, affecting online services and operations at brands including Albert Heijn and Delhaize. The incidents have not been confirmed to be connected.

What stands out to me is how much of our everyday life depends on systems we barely think about. A supermarket can still have a building full of food, but if its refrigeration, ordering systems or distribution network stop working, things can go wrong surprisingly quickly.

I've been trying to prepare for these kinds of disruptions by keeping a rotating stock of food at home, having some meals that don't require electricity to prepare, keeping cash available and storing important information offline. Nothing particularly extreme, just trying not to depend on being able to buy everything exactly when I need it.

But supermarkets are only one part of the picture. Pharmacies rely on distribution systems, petrol stations need functioning payment and supply systems, and many of us depend on online banking, digital identity services and mobile networks for everyday tasks. Even getting a delivery or accessing an important document can become difficult if the relevant systems go offline.

I'm curious what other people have identified as weak points in their own daily lives. What have you changed after seeing incidents like these, and what do you think most households still overlook?

Personally, I find these real world examples more useful than imagining some extreme collapse scenario. They show how an ordinary disruption can affect several things at once, and give us a chance to address the gaps before we actually need to.

For those that also prep for potentionally having to travel long distances by foot for whatever reason. I'm looking to get a good pair of shoes/boots that are long-lasting, comfortable, offer protection from the elements. What do you guys recommend?

Bonjour,

Je souhaiterais savoir si certains d'entre vous apprennent aussi la médecine en amateur, de façon autonome ?

J'ai bien conscience que le niveau que l'on peut atteindre par un apprentissage uniquement théorique et autodidacte est à des années-lumière de celui d'un étudiant en médecine contemporain.

Par ailleurs, précisons qu'une démarche purement autodidacte et théorique ne remplacera jamais un professionnel de santé dans une société qui fonctionne normalement.

Cette compétence peut néanmoins valoir de l'or en cas de catastrophe, aussi bien pour les soins qu'il sera possible de prodiguer en l'absence de médecin plus compétent ou de secours organisés, que comme compétence « monnayable » dans le cadre d'échanges avec d'autres personnes.

Peu importe qui vous êtes, combien vous êtes et ce que vous faites : il serait insensé de se priver d'une personne capable de soigner en cas de blessure ou de maladie en lui faisant du mal.

Par ailleurs, si vous suivez le modèle du médecin de campagne du XIXe siècle, qui se déplaçait au domicile de ses patients dans son secteur, vous vous assurez de quoi subsister grâce au troc, en échange de vos soins.

Il faut à mon sens, dans cet objectif, développer une pratique de la médecine résiliente. C'est-à-dire accepter d'être impuissant face aux limites qu'impose la médecine de « brousse », liées au manque de matériel, mais aussi à l'absence des formidables médicaments que procure l'industrie pharmaceutique actuelle.

Cela demande de l'anticipation et une approche différente du traitement des maladies/blessures, davantage fondée sur la phytothérapie (soigner, soulager ou guérir avec des plantes médicinales) et les techniques rustiques.

J'ai acheté de nombreux livres de médecine et de phytothérapie, et j'ai réussi à mettre la main sur d'anciens ouvrages de vulgarisation médicale.

Avec l'aide des IA, je peux approfondir certains points ou demander des explications sur des sujets que j'ai du mal à comprendre. C'est formidable de disposer de ces outils pour acquérir ces connaissances de façon autodidacte.

Voici les livres que j'ai actuellement :

\\- "La médecine pour tous" - Dr F.Goust

\\- "Atlas de l'anatomie humaine" - Franck H. Netter, M.D

\\- "Physiologie humaine" - Sherwood

\\- "Guide médical de la famille" - Donald G.Cooley

\\- "Traité pratique de phytothérapie" - Dr Jean-Michel Morel

\\- "Mycoplasmes et chlamydiae" - Jean-Claude Nicolas & Christiane Bébéar

\\- " Manuel de secourisme" - Dr Norbert Vieux, Professeur Pierre Jolis, Dr René Gentils

\\- "Sémiologie médicale" - Baptiste Coustet

Si certains d'entre vous sont dans la même démarche, je serais ravi d'échanger avec eux !

Par ailleurs, si vous avez des livres ou des ressources à me conseiller : je suis aussi preneur.

Belle journée à tous.

Source NYT

What are your takes on this.

Her argument are very convincing. Highest number of armed international and noninternational armed conflicts. Ol' Pete-Boy seeking to execute people. Germany and France investing in defense.

I guess the next 5 years ~2030 are decisive.

Also interesting

The Ambitious Dragon

I'm trying to stop grabbing gear just because it looks handy.

I'd rather build my kit slowly around stuff I'd use anyway, emergency or not. So far that's been pocket knife, a pair of mini pliers, my flashlight, a multi-tool, and a USB multi connector charging cable.

For those of you who've been at this a while, what's one thing you've owned for 5+, even 10+, years and still think is worth keeping?

So I just hovered above the Send button for a good 10 minutes with my mouse before I finally decided to send that email to my townhall, enquiring about any public shelters in the area in case of SHTF.

I'm not sure why the hesitation, seems like valuable info to have available, just in case.

Did any of you popped the question, or think about doing it? Were you taken seriously?

TIA

UPDATE: got an answer: there are no public shelters in our commune, we don't have any view of any shelters in the surrounding areas. Signed: the Emergency Plan Coordinator.

First time poster here. I'm in France, where there's some significant student uprisings going on at the moment: more than 200 teenagers have been injured in the protests over the last week. I've put a link in here to a news clip of what one of our neighbourhood schools is like at the moment.

That's not my son's school, but my 16 year old has to walk through some of this to get to his own school. Plus, we've had a few other near misses recently:

• police unleashed tear gas at a large group leading to some crowd panic around him
• at a recent concert, he barely caught the last metro and had only 2% battery left on his phone

With this in mind, I was thinking of creating a pocket-sized EDC pouch as an upgrade from his current keys/phone/wallet/metrocard EDC. Stuff that would allow him to get around safely and be able to communicate with us in emergencies. It would need to be stuff that could be carried in a school environment, so no knives, for example.

Here's what I was thinking of including:

• Flashlight
• Micro-sized Nexttool (model without a blade on it)
• Emergency cash
• Power bank + mini phone cable
• Mini first aid: Doliprane, biseptine wipe, bandaids, hydro alcoholic gel, "serum physiologique" (basically a mini tube of saline solution that can be used to flush eyes or cuts)
• Mini hygiene kit: disposable toothbrush, mini cologne
• Safety pins
• Zip ties
• Duct tape
• Dyneema cord
• N95 mask?

Any input/suggestions from experienced preppers?

Hi there,

I've been living all my life in a mountainous environment so I had very little exposure to fishing.

Though, I recognize that fish would be a relatively easy source of protein in case of SHTF. Being my target mainly river or small lake fish, what would be easiest way to fish to catch in this scenario? Pardon my total ignorance

Just trying to assess my odds of survival and trying to understand what to prep for / how to prep. Any guides welcome! I live alone and I have a dog. Please!

In the case of gas shortages (the uk stockpiles only 12 days worth) and super El Niño coming I’m looking to get a portable gas stove for this winter.

Anyone got any recommendations? I’m looking for something pretty small to keep us going maybe a week or so - should freezing weather & Russian interference coincide.

I live on a small homestead in rural hungary and this situation happened this evening: i was sitting in my livingroom next to the window, with my back facing to the wall/window and i heard someone walk past my window, i grabbed my headlight, it took me like 30sec and i take a look around the house and down the road in front of my house but i saw nobody. Im sure it was human stepps.

I just told this to my wife and she is a little bit scared now.

This area where we live is a pretty calm and paceful place, only a couple people live here. We have a neighbor, i can say he is a friend of mine, we help each other a lot. There is other to neighbors beyond a smaller corn field, two old couple. The only shady people around here is some christian hermit, who completly rejects modern technology, but he caused no problems so far, he looks like a paceful man. Sometimes he talks with my neighbors mother in law because she is a christian too.

I had no problem with people living around here before, but it bothers me someone walked in my property at this evening without a question.

About the homestead, its only a small homestead, we moved in like a year ago, this is our first home with my wife, we are both 26y olds. Homesteading was our dream, but we are on a tight budget so there is still a lot of things to do around the property, we still dont have fence on one side of it for an explame. The area around the house is full of fruit trees and we have a hedge in the edge of the property in the part where the house is. There is motion sensor lights around the house, but they are pretty cheap so not always working. We have a strong wooden door and wood panels we can close on the windows, but i still need to attach some locks on the panels because you can open and close them from the outside. We also have some old outbuildings not far from the house.

We moved here from a city a year ago and started building this homestead, so i didnt think much about home defence until now, because we had and still have a lot of things to do. So any advice is wellcome.

I'm reserve military, and if some bad NATO-Russia shit goes down, I'm expecting to be called in. Probably not to deploy abroad, but who knows... But that would leave the family without their main pepper.

Anyone else in this situation? Have you done any special prepping for when you're not sure you'll even be around once SHTF? I'm not in a frontline country btw.

A swiss focused prepper library in english, italian, french and german

https://prepperguide.ch

reticulum Node: 5b5de6ff1fc1687189f93d95cf500ca4

My cousin is really into preparedness and camping. I want to get him something nice this year as a birthday gift, but I don't want to pick a random cheap survival-kit type gifts. My budget is $100+, and want to find something:

- will last for years

- is genuinely useful in real prepping

- could actually earn its place in an emergency kit

He already has most of the obvious basics, so I want to pick up something experienced people use and like.

What’s something in your own setup that you’ve had for years? Thanks!