Many people, like myself, are looking for insight into a sustainable lifestyle. Whether it’s preparing for the next disaster, leaving a greener footstep or simply becoming more self reliant, I think the goal is admirable in more ways than one. There are a TON of resources online that can help you round out the skills necessary in order to become more self sufficient however I’ve always thought the idea of owning physical books to be invaluable during a time of uncertainty. This is especially so for things like medical and survival documentation that could save your life in a time of need.

In a modern survival situation you will likely have four priorities: food, water, shelter and safety. You can plan ahead for a bad situation as far as water and shelter is concerned but ultimately, when the time comes, you may have little control over these aspects (city water, rain, snow, who actually owns your home, etc). Food is the area where you may have the most flexibility. Emergency rations are great, but experience with gardening, fishing, trapping, bartering and hunting is all ideal to be truly sustainable. A key goal is to be able to provide food to you and your family as efficiently as possible. This means both providing the food AND storing unused portions (often overlooked). The skill of preservation can be invaluable in a time of short supply.

Most of this post has pertained to a survival situation where books like the U.S Army SF Medical Handbook and a engineering manual could make the difference between life and death, but for those looking to just get a head start on self sufficiency, you might want to check out books like:

• The Encyclopedia of Country Living
• Five Acres and Independence
• Back to Basics
• A Self Sufficient Life and How to Live It

Other recommendations that would be nice to have around are:

• The Forager’s Harvest
• Preserving Food without Freezing or Canning
• Gardening When it Counts
• Seed to Seed: Seed Saving and Growing Techniques for Vegetable Gardeners
• Where There Is No Dentist

Do I ever think we will be in a situation where we will need these? I don’t know, and that’s the point. We all control so little of what happens around us that it is impossible to tell if or when a disaster could occur. I, like everyone, would like to think we are not going to need this but I think the thought is worthwhile. Not to mention, we could all become a little more self sufficient!

Make sure to let me know about your favorite books so I can add them to the list!

Imagine if we lived in a world where there were no ulterior motives.

it would be WILD

199 / 2.4 = 83MPG

83 MPG is better than the last tank and I expect the next to be even better (considering it will be all city driving). Also take note that gas was a little over 3 dollars a gallon if you do the math on the gauge. A HUGE reason for getting the bike was to save gas, and in a future where gas may not will not be cheap, I felt it was a worthwhile investment all the way around.