I have a Royal Berkeley and love it! The only con is you have to fill it with another container (or the sprayer hose if it’s near the sink). Can you recommend a water filter that connects in-line with the exterior water source (city or well)? Thank you! Kate
I am still looking for precisely this myself! We don't have a good place in the kitchen where we can keep the berkey, so we actually carry it over to the sink every single day to refill it. Not optimal, but it's the best we can do for now....but if I do find a really good inline, I'll definitely let you know!
Hi Ashley! I was going to ask about storing water for emergencies...but then scrolled down a bit, and there it was! I live in NH and truly appreciate your words of wisdom. Be well! Kim
Do you have any recommendations for a backup generator? We lost power for 24 hours this summer on a particularly hot day and our in house freezer started defrosting. Luckily everything was fine but we would like to be prepared for the next time. It's easier when it happens in the winter since we have a wood stove we can cook on and the freezers are fine in the cold. Thanks for any advice.
We use a Kohler that's hard wired into our house and runs on propane. It's more industrial because of off grid applications, but they are really dependable work horses. Propane is convenient for short term power outages, and always there if you have tanks like we do...but tricky if it's a longer term problem (like 1-2 weeks). You can't just pop down to the store to get it, at least not in the quantities a generator needs. I kind of wish we also had a diesel one, as when the power's out for extended periods, it's not like the roads are in a condition that a propane truck can get in.
If you're just trying to solve the occasional 24 hour outage and keep your freezers cold, a small portable Honda diesel or gas generator works great, and they're relatively inexpensive. (A few hundred dollars, vrs around 10K or so for a big Kohler generator). Do definitely have an electrician wire it in though, as that can be tricky and doing it wrong can be really bad.
I keep a dropper bottle of the oil in my kitchen and put it on burns (which I get all too frequently, I'm clumsy around the oven) and I think it prevents scars from small burns. At least, I burn my hands all the time, even pretty bad burns that form blisters, and yet I have no scars on my hands.
I’m new here and you’ve probably already covered this, but can you recommend a house solar generator that can just handle basics (we have a fireplace so not even heat is necessary) that doesn’t cost $10000 or more
Do you believe in synchronicity? I’ve been saving for months now to get a Berkey after reading your review, and because of your code I’ll be able to order it at the end of the month! My question is, will the code still be useable then?
Since I’m writing, I was wondering if you have a tick problem in your area; and if so how you manage it. I just got bit & ended up with the bullseye. ☹️ Doc says since we’re hitting it with antibiotics right away, it should be fine. But I don’t want to be afraid to go back out learning plants. Especially since this is a great time of year to do so! (Adirondack foothills)
One more thing I’ve been working on - 🤪 I‘m retired, live in a small apartment (about 400 sq ft) and haven’t come up with a good way to provide heat if I lose electric. I’m not allowed to put out solar panels but was wondering if any small window size ones would be strong enough to run a small space heater - the best I can understand, even the smallest heater draws a surprising amount of electricity!
Anyway, thanks again for all the useable information you write up. I consider your whole website invaluable for preparedness, not just those particular ones you mentioned! 😃
They didn't put an expiration date on the code, so it should still be good.
We do have a tick problem in our area, and sometimes we'd pull off 10 a day across the whole family. Last year was a really bad year, this year we've had maybe 10 all year.
In some ways, it's better if they're really everywhere...then you constantly check. The real problem comes when they're rare, and then you don't find them when they're on you. With diligent checks, we haven't had any real issues...but everyone in the family reacts pretty strongly when they do bite, so they're only on a very short time before we feel the itch. (The main issues come if they're attached for 12+ hours)
Hi Ashley, I’m always so impressed by your advice and information, incredibly well resourced without all the ‘trivia’ - always simply put and practical. Over here in the uk we are expecting huge huge increases of energy bills ( literally thousands of pounds- unbelievably high) thanks to Putin cutting off the gas tap! Many business will fail , it will be a tough year. Thank you for all your wisdom, I thoroughly enjoy your advice, please keep them coming…. you are our life line Ashley…quite literally….hugs xx
I've been hearing that, and it's really heartbreaking. No one can come up with alternative energy options on such short notice! I've seen all manner of new wood cook stove companies popping up in Europe, which is nice that people are trying to find solutions...but not great when wood can't be had at any price (or so I hear).
Anyhow, I wish you the best of luck navigating that, and I don't envy the position y'all are in over there. (We, honestly, have just as fragile a system...it just hasn't been tested that hard yet.)
Maybe you’ve covered? Importance of easy cooking of food with readily available fuel. I use a Stove Tec Sasquatch with either cast iron skillet, or a Kuhn Rikon stove top pressure cooker. People often buy dried foods like pinto beans & rice, but haven’t thought through how to cook. Presoaking beans, and cooking in pressure cooker in 15 minutes doesn’t take much fuel. Fuel can be anything from dried blackberry vines to twigs, or splintered pallet board.
Yes, exactly! Storing food you don't know how to cook, or simply wont be able to cook in an emergency is really common it seems. We have a lot of wood fuel and outdoor cooking options, but in apartment and such, with just electric ranges it's silly to store long cooking things like beans.
Hi Ashley….thank you SO MUCH from Texas! I recently found you and I really look forward to seeing your articles in my inbox. After our “frozen tundra” incident of 2021, I am trying to be even more prepared than the little bit I already was. Thank you again for your great (and easy to follow) suggestions and ideas.
I watched your "frozen tundra" experience from here and was blown away...the power goes out for 2 weeks at a time mid winter (when it's -20 F) here on a regular basis, that's considered normal. Insulation and heating is setup to account for that, and almost everyone has a backup generator. It's all what you're used to I guess. If we had an earthquake or tornado or flood even, we've be in trouble here.
i love your writings on self reliance. i have a question on how to make well water high in iron drinkable. and how to extremely conserve well water during summer. i am saving all gray water when doing dishes and use a compost toilet so never flush with water. and for emergencies, how would i make river water safe to drink? thanks.
To the best of my knowledge, high iron water is safe to drink...it just doesn't taste great. I'm not sure on the best way to filter it out, as it's not a problem I've come across. Using grey water is a great way to conserve water, as is a composting toilet.
If your water is in that short of supply, will you have river water in an emergency?
Anyhow, to the best of my knowledge a berkey is rated for filtering river water, though boiling it AND putting it through other highly efficient filtration systems should work too. In theory, the berkey both filters out particulate and bacteria/viruses, meaning you don't have to boil it. Personally, if I were filtering river water, I'd pre filter it until it was completely clear, and then put it through the berkey as a last step just so that I didn't clog up the berkey filters too quickly.
I have a Royal Berkeley and love it! The only con is you have to fill it with another container (or the sprayer hose if it’s near the sink). Can you recommend a water filter that connects in-line with the exterior water source (city or well)? Thank you! Kate
I am still looking for precisely this myself! We don't have a good place in the kitchen where we can keep the berkey, so we actually carry it over to the sink every single day to refill it. Not optimal, but it's the best we can do for now....but if I do find a really good inline, I'll definitely let you know!
Hi Ashley! I was going to ask about storing water for emergencies...but then scrolled down a bit, and there it was! I live in NH and truly appreciate your words of wisdom. Be well! Kim
You are quite welcome, and I'm so glad it's helpful to you!
Do you have any recommendations for a backup generator? We lost power for 24 hours this summer on a particularly hot day and our in house freezer started defrosting. Luckily everything was fine but we would like to be prepared for the next time. It's easier when it happens in the winter since we have a wood stove we can cook on and the freezers are fine in the cold. Thanks for any advice.
We use a Kohler that's hard wired into our house and runs on propane. It's more industrial because of off grid applications, but they are really dependable work horses. Propane is convenient for short term power outages, and always there if you have tanks like we do...but tricky if it's a longer term problem (like 1-2 weeks). You can't just pop down to the store to get it, at least not in the quantities a generator needs. I kind of wish we also had a diesel one, as when the power's out for extended periods, it's not like the roads are in a condition that a propane truck can get in.
If you're just trying to solve the occasional 24 hour outage and keep your freezers cold, a small portable Honda diesel or gas generator works great, and they're relatively inexpensive. (A few hundred dollars, vrs around 10K or so for a big Kohler generator). Do definitely have an electrician wire it in though, as that can be tricky and doing it wrong can be really bad.
Ashley, my calendula did fabulously! Lots of blooms. Can you point me to a good source for how to turn it into health aids?
Howard
Yes indeed. Most people use it in topical remedies, including:
-Calendula Oil (https://practicalselfreliance.com/calendula-oil/)
-Calendula Salve (https://www.growforagecookferment.com/calendula-salve/) or lotion bars (https://www.growforagecookferment.com/calendula-lotion-bars/)
I keep a dropper bottle of the oil in my kitchen and put it on burns (which I get all too frequently, I'm clumsy around the oven) and I think it prevents scars from small burns. At least, I burn my hands all the time, even pretty bad burns that form blisters, and yet I have no scars on my hands.
Beyond that, it's commonly used for immune support, and it's either eaten as is (in salads) or made into a medicinal broth (https://theherbalacademy.com/mushroom-immunity-broth-with-astragalus-and-calendula/) or tea (https://adamantliving.com/calendula-tea/).
The first step, regardless of how you're going to use it, is to dry the blossoms. Then you can use them internally or externally.
I’m new here and you’ve probably already covered this, but can you recommend a house solar generator that can just handle basics (we have a fireplace so not even heat is necessary) that doesn’t cost $10000 or more
I'm working on doing reviews of those at the moment....but I don't have any concrete suggestions yet.
Thank you Ashley...awesome and very practical information...so valuable...thank you so much! Hugs, Barbara from Oz xoxoxo
You're quite welcome!
Hi Ashley 😃
Do you believe in synchronicity? I’ve been saving for months now to get a Berkey after reading your review, and because of your code I’ll be able to order it at the end of the month! My question is, will the code still be useable then?
Since I’m writing, I was wondering if you have a tick problem in your area; and if so how you manage it. I just got bit & ended up with the bullseye. ☹️ Doc says since we’re hitting it with antibiotics right away, it should be fine. But I don’t want to be afraid to go back out learning plants. Especially since this is a great time of year to do so! (Adirondack foothills)
One more thing I’ve been working on - 🤪 I‘m retired, live in a small apartment (about 400 sq ft) and haven’t come up with a good way to provide heat if I lose electric. I’m not allowed to put out solar panels but was wondering if any small window size ones would be strong enough to run a small space heater - the best I can understand, even the smallest heater draws a surprising amount of electricity!
Anyway, thanks again for all the useable information you write up. I consider your whole website invaluable for preparedness, not just those particular ones you mentioned! 😃
Have a great day!
They didn't put an expiration date on the code, so it should still be good.
We do have a tick problem in our area, and sometimes we'd pull off 10 a day across the whole family. Last year was a really bad year, this year we've had maybe 10 all year.
In some ways, it's better if they're really everywhere...then you constantly check. The real problem comes when they're rare, and then you don't find them when they're on you. With diligent checks, we haven't had any real issues...but everyone in the family reacts pretty strongly when they do bite, so they're only on a very short time before we feel the itch. (The main issues come if they're attached for 12+ hours)
That’s a great way to look at it thanks! 😃
Hi Ashley, I’m always so impressed by your advice and information, incredibly well resourced without all the ‘trivia’ - always simply put and practical. Over here in the uk we are expecting huge huge increases of energy bills ( literally thousands of pounds- unbelievably high) thanks to Putin cutting off the gas tap! Many business will fail , it will be a tough year. Thank you for all your wisdom, I thoroughly enjoy your advice, please keep them coming…. you are our life line Ashley…quite literally….hugs xx
I've been hearing that, and it's really heartbreaking. No one can come up with alternative energy options on such short notice! I've seen all manner of new wood cook stove companies popping up in Europe, which is nice that people are trying to find solutions...but not great when wood can't be had at any price (or so I hear).
Anyhow, I wish you the best of luck navigating that, and I don't envy the position y'all are in over there. (We, honestly, have just as fragile a system...it just hasn't been tested that hard yet.)
Any savings on freeze dryers? Any advise on the best ones?
I just emailed Harvest Right to ask if they do coupon codes. I've never seen a coupon code for them, so I doubt it...but it never hurts to ask!
Thank you
Maybe you’ve covered? Importance of easy cooking of food with readily available fuel. I use a Stove Tec Sasquatch with either cast iron skillet, or a Kuhn Rikon stove top pressure cooker. People often buy dried foods like pinto beans & rice, but haven’t thought through how to cook. Presoaking beans, and cooking in pressure cooker in 15 minutes doesn’t take much fuel. Fuel can be anything from dried blackberry vines to twigs, or splintered pallet board.
Yes, exactly! Storing food you don't know how to cook, or simply wont be able to cook in an emergency is really common it seems. We have a lot of wood fuel and outdoor cooking options, but in apartment and such, with just electric ranges it's silly to store long cooking things like beans.
Hi Ashley….thank you SO MUCH from Texas! I recently found you and I really look forward to seeing your articles in my inbox. After our “frozen tundra” incident of 2021, I am trying to be even more prepared than the little bit I already was. Thank you again for your great (and easy to follow) suggestions and ideas.
Thanks Patti!
I watched your "frozen tundra" experience from here and was blown away...the power goes out for 2 weeks at a time mid winter (when it's -20 F) here on a regular basis, that's considered normal. Insulation and heating is setup to account for that, and almost everyone has a backup generator. It's all what you're used to I guess. If we had an earthquake or tornado or flood even, we've be in trouble here.
i love your writings on self reliance. i have a question on how to make well water high in iron drinkable. and how to extremely conserve well water during summer. i am saving all gray water when doing dishes and use a compost toilet so never flush with water. and for emergencies, how would i make river water safe to drink? thanks.
To the best of my knowledge, high iron water is safe to drink...it just doesn't taste great. I'm not sure on the best way to filter it out, as it's not a problem I've come across. Using grey water is a great way to conserve water, as is a composting toilet.
If your water is in that short of supply, will you have river water in an emergency?
Anyhow, to the best of my knowledge a berkey is rated for filtering river water, though boiling it AND putting it through other highly efficient filtration systems should work too. In theory, the berkey both filters out particulate and bacteria/viruses, meaning you don't have to boil it. Personally, if I were filtering river water, I'd pre filter it until it was completely clear, and then put it through the berkey as a last step just so that I didn't clog up the berkey filters too quickly.
Super excited for the apartment preparedness article! Chicago follower here!
I recently found you. Thank you for all your efforts to help others prepare
You are quite welcome! Thank you for being here =)