10 Things That We Can Learn About Shortages And Preparation From The Economic Collapse In Greece

THE ACCIDENTAL SURVIVALIST ^ | 6/7/12

[Kartographer]

When the economy of a nation collapses, almost everything changes. Unfortunately, most people have never been through anything like that, so it can be difficult to know how to prepare. For those that are busy preparing for the coming global financial collapse, there is a lot to be learned from the economic depression that is happening right now in Greece. Essentially, what Greece is experiencing is a low level economic collapse. Unemployment is absolutely rampant and poverty is rapidly spreading, but the good news for Greece is that the global financial system is still operating somewhat normally and they are getting some financial assistance from the outside. Things in Greece could be a whole lot worse, and they will probably get a whole lot worse before it is all said and done. But already things have gotten bad enough in Greece that it gives us an idea of what a full-blown economic collapse in the 21st century may look like. There are reports of food and medicine shortages in Greece, crime and suicides are on the rise and people have been rapidly pulling their money out of the banks. Hopefully this article will give you some ideas that you can use as you prepare for the economic chaos that will soon be unfolding all over the globe.

[Kartographer]

The following are 10 things that we can learn about shortages and preparation from the economic collapse in Greece….
#1 Food Shortages Can Actually Happen
#2 Medicine Is One Of The First Things That Becomes Scarce During An Economic Collapse
#3 When An Economy Collapses, So Might The Power Grid
#4 During An Economic Collapse You Cannot Even Take Water For Granted
#5 During An Economic Crisis Your Credit Cards And Debit Cards May Stop Working
#6 Crime, Rioting And Looting Become Commonplace During An Economic Collapse
#7 During A Financial Meltdown Many Average Citizens Will Start Bartering
#8 Suicides Spike During An Economic Collapse
#9 Your Currency May Rapidly Lose Value During An Economic Crisis
#10 When Things Hit The Fan The Government Will Not Save You

[volunbeer]

Greece is going to be educational for those who understand that it could happen here.

I know many folks read these threads with a sincere interest in prepping so I will offer a tip that I rarely see mentioned.

For those who plan to garden or start a garden (I am sure many of you know it already) -

The forest floor (even pine forests) has a wonderful layer of soil that will grow just about anything. You can also find great soil in a creekbed or drainage ditch where there is lots of decaying vegetation. This soil usually requires less water than screened topsoil because the decaying vegetation retains water and attracts worms (improves root health).

If you are ever faced with creating a survival garden you should rake the top 12 inches of soil (chunks and all) from the forest or ditch to use for your garden soil. Give it a few days to remove any new weeds that germinate while keeping it moist before you plant your seeds. It won’t look like screened topsoil or the bagged stuff you get at the garden store and that is okay! It will still grow a great crop with good light and water.

If you have access to pine needles or leaves you should mulch after the plants are established. This will conserve moisture, cut down on new weeds, attract worms (God’s premium soil makers), and provide a constant food source for your vegetables as the mulch decays on top of the soil. The mulch also helps regulate soil temperatures and your plants will thank you.

I don’t see enough gardening information on these threads so I hope it helps somebody out that wants (or needs) to start a garden. If you plan on gardening when you need extra food you should be gardening now, even if it’s just in your backyard or pots on the apartment balcony. Gardening now will provide experience and confidence later.

Best of luck!