Tips You Can Learn from a Survivalist

What would it be like of you could no longer pick up your keys, get in the car and drive to work? Not because your car won't start, but your fuel tank is empty due to not being able to access gasoline at all. If a global shortage of oil occurs, many people will face that reality.

Many humans are concerned about the rising cost of gasoline, but don't take into consideration the reason behind the high prices--the supply of oil is gradually becoming scarce.

There are a growing percentage of people across the globe who realize that the day may come when they can't go to the pump and get gas--therefore conservation is key. These people may refer to themselves as survivalists.

Survivalists conserve what they already have and prepare for the inevitable if the day comes and they can't rely on gasoline to fuel their transportation. Many survivalists stockpile items and prepare for life if there was a natural disaster or nuclear war. Living a more minimalistic lifestyle can help you save money and the environment without going to extremes.

Not having access to fuel affects more than just getting back and forth to your job, it could stall your entire lifestyle. The ripple effect could force you to live more frugally and be forced to survive with what you already have by conserving goods for long-lasting use.

Survivalists are average middle-class working families making the transition to living more off of the land, stockpiling goods, finding better ways to conserve fuel and energy and cutting back on living a less commercialized lifestyle.

The ever growing increase of supply and demand of our own oil in the U.S. and abroad are just some of the factors that have played a part in the ripple effect of what the economy is feeling today. Making small changes now can help you hold on to more and allow it to last longer.

If you are not into making a full switch right now, try implementing small changes into your lifestyle. This will easily lead to simple steps of conservation that will spread worldwide, not just in your neighborhood.

Here are some tips for living like a survivalist:

Conserve gas by driving only when absolutely necessary. Try carpooling, riding your bike or even walking to work. If you are unable to do so everyday, cutting back on vehicle emissions by just 25 miles per week can reduce 1,500 pounds of carbon dioxide emissions from being released into the atmosphere, explains the Rideshare Company.

Cut back on extravagant necessities such as vacations, shopping sprees and housewares. Join freecycle groups to swap free items and get rid of items you no longer need, instead of just throwing them away.

Change out your old incandescent bulbs for compact florescent bulbs. While they may be more expensive per bulb, they can save you money by using up to two-thirds less energy, notes the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency.

Replace old outdated appliances with Energy Star appliances to save more energy over time and reduce your electric and gas bill.

Install solar powered panels on your home to help reduce your electricity and natural gas consumption.

Reduce your carbon footprint as much as possible. Recycle your household waste and avoid using storage items that can only be utilized once.

Eliminate eating out at restaurants. Prepare healthy, wholesome meals at home. Save money, gasoline and your waistline at the same time.

Plant a vegetable garden. Start eating fresh vegetables and try canning or freezing the rest.

Buy foods and household goods in bulk. Purchase necessary items only when they are on sale, then stockpile these items for future use.

Now is the time to implement small changes by making lifestyle modifications, conserving energy and reducing fuel usage so that there is enough to go around.

"Environmental Benefits," The Rideshare Company
"Find a Group Near You," The Freecycle Network
"Energy Star Qualified Lighting," U.S. Environmental Protection Agency