Hi, I am involved in creating a list of cheap and simple ideas for self- sustainability for individuals and neighborhoods as a contingency for y2k's worst-case scenerio. I am trying to mobilize a movement where handy people, scientists, academics will come forward with good ideas that can be implemented quickly, cheaply, and easily. If you can contribute any information, please contact the address following this article. In 3-6 months, I won't be surprised if everyone will be aware of y2k and its serious danger possibilities. Panic could be the order of the day if there are no real contingencies happening. I have been involved in the internet around this issue since July, and I feel there will be no substantial contingency prep in place, only some stockpiling of goods on an indiv. basis. If this list could be created by then, the panic could be alleviated, and many able bodies might be willing to make the effort for sustainable implementation... if the ideas are there for them. So, you see, I'm talking about short-term sustainability, for this contingency, later we can deal with long-term sustainable practices. These ideas are not necessarily in a book, but can be culled from those who have lots of experience and engineering know-how. Things that can be constructed out of found scrap. Here is one example that I have. Vertical gardening: Make a column out of chickenwire and tarpaper or cardboard about 3 1/2 feet high, 14 inches diameter. Hold a 4 inches diameter pipe in center and fill with sand and stones (for watering), fill the rest of the area with good soil. Remove the pipe. Cut 3 inches slits around the outside thru the wire and paper in a spiral pattern. Insert seedlings in slits (40-60). Can be used on sidewalks, balconies, roofs. Sizes are arbitrary. 4 or 5 should feed a family plenty of vegetables, plant about 2 weeks apart to keep a steady harvest. Local gov’ts. should be asked to bring grains from the silos across America where they often rot every year and store them in accessible places for neighborhoods in your city. co-reliantly, Tom Osher, San Francisco please reply to Bagelhole1@aol.com
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