Self sufficient in a city?

Hello Tom, It seems difficult to imagine how every person living in a modern civilization,especially in big cities,could become self sufficient in terms of obtaining his main needs.Unless every appartement is provided with an independent mini electric power plant and a farm land the dependancy on a central supply will be necessary.It's easier for people in the countryside to grow their own food etc.(like you on Mt.Best) but how can you be self sufficient in a modern city? Dann

Dann

Move away from big city to a place in which you can collect your own water and grow your own food.

In times of disasters big cities will become traps. For example, global disasters (earthquakes, cyclones) are very likely to disrupt power supply.

Since food supplies rely on refrigeration, long power interruptions will mean food shortages and deterioration of food quality.

A big city without power is likely to be also without water, since all water is pumped.

Can you imagine what will happen in a large city that doesn't have water? People wouldn't be able to wash and even flush their toilets. After a few weeks without water epidemics in densely populated areas are likely.

If you think that you will be able to move away from the city in times of trouble - think again. You may find all useable roads blocked by millions of people and their vehicles.

Tom

I totally agree Tom but this is easier said than done. Most people are locked into the system by mortgages, jobs, children etc and making such a drastic change requires time. For myself I have had the oportunity to move from Sydney to 50Km South of Perth. While it is still not country it was easy to buy a 1/4 acre block which alows me to grow my own vegies and install a water tank etc. For my wife and children it is quite a big change but one they can cope with. The aim is to gradually move towards what you have in Mt Best. I only hope there is enough time. [Dave]

Not every person would want to up and leave their city dwellings. The majority don't even notice weather changes or even want to know about possible major climate changes.

It is a BIG decision to move away from your familar surroundings especially if you have grown up in city/metropolitian areas.

I am in the process of looking for land to buy outside of the metro/city areas. A lot of thought and education needs to go into this decision ie, how to grow your own food, generate power, incur water and how to be totally self sustained. [Marcus]

It is certainly a nice idea but not feasible for eveybody to move from the city.

I live on the edge of a big city in England and want to collect and filter rain water using a reverse osmosis filter. If I do this how safe would you guess such water is to drink? Or would you only recommend collecting rain water in the country?

Jon

Rain today is acid (due to co2 and other gasses in the atmosphere) and contains many pollutants from the atmosphere.

My guess is that none of these pollutants are as dangerous as chlorine and fluoride used to "treat" town water.

Tom