SODIS – And How to Use the Sun to Disinfect Water

Solar water disinfection, also known as SODIS, is a simple and effective way to purify contaminated drinking water. All you need is a transparent plastic bottle and some sunlight.

To use SODIS, fill the bottle with contaminated water and expose it to full sunlight for at least six hours. The sun’s UV-A radiation (wavelength 320-400nm) and the increased water temperature work together to kill harmful bacteria and viruses in the water. If the water temperature reaches 50°C or higher, the disinfection process is three times faster.

Mason jars can also be used for solar water disinfection, though plastic bottles may be easier to find and lighter to carry in a survival situation.

It’s important to note that SODIS is just one method of water purification and it’s always a good idea to have multiple methods at your disposal in case of an emergency.

 

The Health Benefits of Drinking Onion Water: A Nutrient-Rich Drink for Optimal Wellness

All the rage on TikTok, but the benefits of onion water have been around for centuries.
All the rage on TikTok, but the benefits of onion water have been around for centuries.

Onion water is a simple and easy-to-make drink that is packed with nutrients and has a number of health benefits. To make onion water, simply blend a few onions in a blender or food processor with water and strain the mixture through a cheesecloth or fine-mesh sieve. The resulting liquid can then be consumed as a drink.

Onion water is a healthy alternative to sugary drinks.

One of the main health benefits of drinking onion water is that it is rich in nutrients. Onions are a good source of sulfur, which is important for healthy skin, hair, and nails. They are also a good source of vitamin C, which helps to boost the immune system and promote healthy skin.

Any type of onion can be used to make onion water, but some varieties are more potent than others. Yellow onions tend to be the most effective, but red onions and white onions will also work.

In addition to the nutrients found in onions, onion water also has a number of other health benefits. It has been shown to lower blood pressure and cholesterol levels, reduce the risk of heart disease, and improve digestion.

Onion water is a simple and effective way to nourish your body and promote optimal wellness.

Overall, onion water is a simple and effective way to nourish your body and promote optimal wellness. It is a natural and affordable alternative to commercial drinks and can be easily incorporated into your diet. If you’re looking to improve your health, give onion water a try!

 

Survival Tips: The Importance of Having Multiple Options

In any emergency situation, it’s crucial to have alternative routes and options for transportation. While land-based options like cars and roads are often the go-to, don’t forget about the potential of water-based options in a crisis. Creeks, rivers, and other bodies of water can serve as valuable routes for travel, especially if roads are blocked or impassable.

One way to utilize water-based transportation is by using a canoe, kayak, or inflatable raft. These options allow for travel over long distances with minimal equipment and resources. In fact, in a worst-case scenario, a canoe or kayak could even serve as a temporary shelter if needed.

When it comes to survival, it’s always important to have multiple options and strategies in place. Don’t rely solely on one mode of transportation – consider the potential of using water-based options as well.

Here are a few top picks from our Year Zero Survival staff:

Travel Kayak 2 Person Inflatable Kayak

Travel Kayak Deluxe 12′ 2 Person Inflatable Kayak

Inflatable kayaks are perfect for bugging out, camping, vacationing, exploring remote areas, and cruising yachts. They’re also great for paddling enthusiasts that don’t want to drive around with a kayak on their rooftop! Travel Kayaks fit easily into the trunk of your car, duffel bag or suitcase. When you feel the itch to paddle, your boat is with you!

Inflatable Kayak

Rave Sea Rebel™ Inflatable Kayak

This one-person kayak inflates in minutes and features a water resistant dry bag and water bottle holder, with adjustable backrest. Includes a paddle, hand pump, carrying bag.

4 Person Inflatable Boat

4 Person Inflatable Boat

Gear bag, grab line, Four person inflatable boat.

Zodiac Zoom 230 Roll Up

Zodiac Zoom 230 Roll Up

It has an impressive load capacity so you can carry more supplies. The truncated cone tube ends provide great buoyancy.

Zodiac Wave – 5 Passenger

The big daddy of them all, The `Wave by Zodiac’ is an easy-to-use inflatable designed for a quick set-up and easy storage. The lightweight, durable design allows for rugged use in extreme conditions.

 

The Ultimate Guide to Long-Term Food Storage: Tips and Tricks for Preserving Your Food Supply

Guide to storing food for a long yime

Having a reliable supply of food is essential for survival, but how do you ensure that your food will last for the long term? In this guide, we’ll provide you with the tips and tricks you need to properly store your food for the long haul.

First and foremost, it’s important to choose the right foods for long-term storage. Non-perishable items such as grains, dried beans, and canned goods are great choices. You should also consider purchasing a food dehydrator, which allows you to preserve fruits, vegetables, and meats for extended periods of time.

Proper packaging is also crucial for long-term food storage. Use airtight containers to prevent contamination and extend the shelf life of your food. Vacuum-sealing is another effective way to remove excess air and prevent spoilage.

When it comes to storing your food, location is key. Choose a cool, dry place with stable temperatures to prevent the growth of mold and bacteria. A basement or cellar is a great option, as is a pantry or storage room with ample shelving.

In addition to these tips, it’s also important to rotate your food supply on a regular basis. This ensures that you are using the oldest items first and prevents waste.

By following these guidelines, you can ensure that your food supply will last for the long term and provide you with the sustenance you need in any situation.

 

10 Benefits of Following the Year Zero Survival Website for Emergency Preparedness

Are you looking for a comprehensive resource on emergency preparedness and survival? Look no further than yearzerosurvial.com! This website is a one-stop shop for information, advice, and resources on how to prepare for a variety of potential disasters.

Whether you are interested in natural disasters, economic collapse, or social unrest, yearzerosurvival.com has you covered.

Here are 10 benefits of following this website:

  1. Expert advice on how to prepare for a variety of potential disasters, including natural disasters, economic collapse, and social unrest.
  2. The latest developments in emergency preparedness and survival gear, including food, water, shelter, and medical supplies.
  3. A community of like-minded individuals who share your interests in emergency preparedness and survival.
  4. Valuable skills and knowledge that can help you and your loved ones stay safe and healthy in the face of a crisis.
  5. Tips and tricks for surviving in the wilderness, including how to find food, water, and shelter in unfamiliar environments.
  6. Advice on how to stay calm and focused in a high-stress situation, and how to make smart decisions that can help you and your family survive.
  7. Information on how to create an emergency plan that will help you and your loved ones stay safe and stay in touch in the event of a disaster.
  8. Expert advice on how to stay informed and stay connected during an emergency, including how to access emergency services and how to communicate with others.
  9. Information on the psychological and emotional effects of a disaster, and how to cope with the stress and trauma that can come with a crisis.
  10. A wealth of resources, including articles, videos, and expert interviews, that can help you stay informed and prepared for any emergency.
disaster prep

Don’t wait until it’s too late to start preparing for a potential disaster.

Follow yearzerosurvival.com today and gain valuable knowledge and skills that can help you and your loved ones stay safe in the face of a crisis. Sign up for the website’s newsletter to receive regular updates and stay informed about the latest developments in emergency preparedness and survival.

The Best Ways to Find a Perfect Name for Your Camping Brand

Camping is a well-loved recreational activity that’s enjoyed by people of all ages and social statuses. And, sure enough, we’re beginning to see more people taking breaks from their daily work-heavy routines to enjoy the soothing comfort of mother nature.

Now, the meticulous work and effort required to set up the perfect camping experience, from getting a good site, preparing the necessary gear, and making sure everything is in place, is quite demanding and can be quite discouraging for even hardcore campers.

And this is where camping brands step in. Brands like Darn Tough, Therma-a-rest, and The North Face, are focused on solving both the big and little problems campers encounter, from comfortable camping wears and tents to camping cookware. 

How to Raise Brand Awareness for Your Camping Business

If you plan on starting your camping brand, there’re a few things you have to do—once you’ve created amazing products—that’ll help raise brand awareness for your company. And one of them is getting your camping business a captivating name and solid, brandable domains that can capture customer attention. 

Luckily, we’ve compiled three key steps you can take to get the best name for your camping business.

Three Steps to Getting the Perfect Name for Your Camping Business

  1. Become More Familiar With Your Camping Brand

The most important parts of your brand are its tone, emotion, and image since they determine how customers interact with you.

Therefore, before you go on to name your camping business, remember that your brand is the most crucial factor to consider. Decide the values, identity, tone, and feelings you want your clients to have for your business before concentrating on creating a name that embodies these attributes, 

Giving your company a name that is not related to your brand, tone, values, etc., can cause your naming endeavor to be unprofitable. But when you align your name with your brand, the end result will be a perfectly matching name for your camping brand.

Therefore, for this first stage, focus on building your brand meticulously. Take the time to understand who your camping business is, what makes its products or services special, how it outperforms other camping brands, and why your target customers should patronize it. 

After you’ve finished creating your brand, the next step would involve creating names that capture it.

  1. Start Looking for Suitable Brand Names

If you have a group of individuals who can help you brainstorm name ideas, give them an overview of your brand’s tone and values and the necessary tools, including a board, a notebook, pencils, markers, and some snacks to keep them upbeat.

Your target should be to come up with as many as 200 original, creative, memorable, and interesting business names that can effectively describe your camping business. No matter how strange or weird the words initially seem, examining them closer in the final phase will reveal their actual potential.

To assist you in coming up with ideas, use the following resources:

  • Dictionaries and Thesauruses
  • Slang used in your field
  • Color-related visual names
  • Business name generators
  • Rhymes

During the brainstorming process, resist the need to verify the names you come up with because doing so could block the flow of ideas for both you and your team. A large collection of names means a wide range of excellent name possibilities.

  1. Choose the Best Option as Your Brand Name

After your brainstorming session, you should have 200 or fewer name suggestions that, without personal preferences or taste, have an equal probability of representing your business to the market.

Make a list of your most promising name ideas, and make sure they satisfy essential validation requirements. The following are some factors you should use to rank the names based on how useful they would be to your company:

  • Customer Reviews and Ratings: This is a crucial factor because it will reveal how much your target audience will be interested in the name of your camping business.

Get feedback on your names by asking family, friends, and even strangers who reflect your target demographic, and use their comments to rate your name options.

  • An Exact Match ‘.com’ Domain Name: Your camping business would be able to reach a greater portion of its market by going online. But to do this, you need a domain name, most especially one that matches your brand name.

Before choosing a name for your company, be sure you can obtain its matching domain name. Because without it, a solid social media presence and an eye-catching website brand name will not have as much effect in the online space.

  • Trademark Status: Registering your company name as a trademark with the USPTO is a guaranteed way to protect yourself from legal problems in the near future.

For new business owners, trademark registration can be quite a challenging and stressful procedure. That’s why we suggest employing the services of a knowledgeable trademark attorney as a solution.

Once the validation process is complete, you can choose the best name for your company.

Conclusion

The name you give your camping brand is a game changer for your business since it helps you stand out and increase brand sales, productivity, and recognition.

So, what are you waiting for? Grab your backpack and hiking boots and go on the journey to find a name for your camping brand.

Grant Polachek is the head of branding for Squadhelp.com, 3X Inc 5000 startup and disruptive naming agency. Squadhelp has reviewed more than 1 million names and curated a collection of the best available names on the web today. We are also the world’s leading crowdsource naming platform, supporting clients from early-stage startups to Fortune 500 companies.

What is Happening to the Crypto Market today, and is It a Good Time for Buying Cryptocurrency?

Investments in crypto assets have been very popular in recent years, for they have shown good results when many people have become millionaires. The crypto market now attracts more and more people willing to join this field and become owners of digital currencies. 

Buying crypto in the long term is one of the less risky options for investors who are not ready for intensive trading.

Crypto today is on its drop since spring 2022. Then the market collapsed, and all the crypto rates dropped significantly. That was the beginning of the bear market trend that lasts till today. However, the market is cyclic, and after every downtrend, an upward trend comes. What will happen next? Experts believe 2023 can become a new bull trend for the crypto market. So now is the best time to acquire popular digital coins at a low rate and hold them in the long run.

Crypto survival

What are Bear and Bull Trends?

Cryptocurrency live prices depend on the following factors:

  • The market trend
  • Investors’ sentiment 
  • Global economy, inflation
  • Demand and supply balance. 

Here are the market tendencies:

  • Bull tendency – optimistic investors’ mood and expectations, demand growth, crypto rates increase. 
  • Bear trend – pessimistic expectations, the drop in demand, and overall prices decline.

It is quite possible that in 2023 we will witness a new bull market. How will we understand that started? – Crypto rates will move up, demand for digital assets will grow, and new crypto projects will release and attract investment. During the bull trend, crypto rates can increase by 40%, which is just impossible in the traditional financial market. 

The fact is that many people pay attention to the crypto market during bull rallies only, which is wrong because, after every market skyrockets, a downward trend starts. So we recommend acting as smart investors and buying cryptocurrency when their crypto rates are low. Then hold coins and wait for the market trend to change. Hopefully, it will be in 2023.

Protect your financial assets

You can buy digital assets on the WhiteBIT crypto exchange. It is an official platform operating under European jurisdiction. 

Taking Your Home Off-Grid

living of grid

In this article:

  • How do you prepare to live off-grid?
  • Pros and cons of eliminating technology
  • Types of off-grid shelter
  • The basics of living off-grid
  • How to transform your house into an off-grid household

As more people consider their environmental impact, many search for ways to reduce their carbon footprint. Taking your home off-grid is one of the most effective ways to reduce energy consumption. In some cases, it could also increase the value of your home.

Being off the grid means not being hooked up to utilities by wires, pipes, or cables. Off-grid homes get energy from renewable energy sources such as the sun and the wind.

“The grid” is the electrical grid, a network that delivers electrical power to properties. Living off-grid means being disconnected from the electrical grid. While it might make you think of primitive living, it’s not the case.

You can live in an off-grid residential home and grow your produce. When a building is off-grid, it has no connection to any utilities, and its power comes from alternative energy sources.

How do you prepare to live off-grid?

If you are a city dweller looking to transition your life off the grid, take time to prepare for a big move. Spend time planning where you want to live and how you plan to sustain yourself. Consider your sources of energy, food, and water.

Explore all resources that could help you to learn about off-grid living. They could be blogs, websites, and online courses.

Defining off-grid living

Living off-grid is living a completely self-sufficient lifestyle. It means you don’t rely on public food, housing, and utility sources.

Off-grid homes generate their electricity through alternative sources like solar and wind. An off-grid home is self-sufficient and low-tech when it comes to its energy needs.

Off-grid living also involves recycling your wastewater and growing your food. Many people who live off-grid also transition away from electronics and the Internet.

Choosing a location for off-grid living

First, you need to find a perfect location for your off-grid living. Living off-grid means that you need to find the land where you can build your new dwelling. If you want to be off-grid, find a remote location where you will not have to deal with rules and building codes.

It also means you could be miles away from the nearest road, highway, or hospital. But the upside is that you will need less money to buy your land and have lower property taxes.

Sustaining yourself

To sustain your life while living off-grid, you must get creative. One of the most common ways to provide for yourself is to grow your food. You can start your garden or greenhouse since you will not have access to grocery stores. Consider your climate when planning what fruits and vegetables to grow and how to conserve them.

You can also start growing your livestock to produce eggs and meat. It’s a good idea to have a combination of both, so you are not left without food if your crops don’t grow for some reason.

Learning how to live off-grid

Living off the grid means you could be hours away from the nearest hospital and essential services. Learning basic first aid skills and knowing how to fix your home could be crucial for your survival.

First aid

Learn first aid techniques that you will need in case of any emergency. Know how to treat basic cuts and resolve more severe problems when you might need to provide emergency care like CPR. Always have your First Aid Kit handy.

Basic carpentry

Learn basic carpentry to build your furniture, maintain your house and take care of repairs.

Basic mechanics

Learn basic mechanics to fix your vehicles so you know what to do if you need to be your mechanic. It’s imperative because you might need a few vehicles like cars and tractors to sustain your off-grid lifestyle.

Pros and cons of eliminating technology

There are many benefits to unplugging from technology. Disconnecting can help you to reduce stress and anxiety. Most people get calls and emails daily, besides news alerts and social media notifications. It’s tough to be present when you constantly have digital information.

Benefits of eliminating technology

Connecting with nature

When you cut technology from your life, you have more time for other activities. One of them is reconnecting with nature. You can spend time outdoors, go for a walk, or hike in the mountains without having to check your phone.

Connecting with yourself

While technology offers a way to stay connected with our friends and family, it can also make you feel lonely and lost. When you spend time away from electronic devices, you can reconnect with yourself and spend time reflecting on your life. Meditating and doing yoga can also help.

Downsides of eliminating technology

While living off-grid has many benefits, it also has some drawbacks. Think about how you plan to overcome them before making a leap of faith and changing your lifestyle.

Running out of essential supplies

There might always come a time when you run out of some essentials. When the weather is bad and you can’t reach the nearest store, you could be out of food or water for a few days.

To avoid this situation, always keep an eye on the weather and have a phone or radio system in place if you need emergency help. Ensure that your house has enough supplies. Always stock it with food, water, medicine, and other essentials.

Feeling lonely

Living off-grid means you might not have immediate access to your friends and family. While staying disconnected offers a break from the chaos and constant barrage of information, it can also make you feel isolated.

You can always catch up with your loved ones when you get a chance next time. Remember to always look at the bright side – you are living the life that most people never will experience.

Types of off-grid shelter

Based on your location, consider what type of off-grid housing you can choose. Your climate and location will dictate your options. Some building materials are more suitable for colder climates rather than warmer ones. You also need to consider the size of your land and other things you plan to have on your property.

Other factors that could affect your choice are the cost of building materials and transportation options. Keep in mind that you will also need to maintain your housing on your own.

Cabin

Cabin in the woods sounds like a romantic escape, but it can also be your off-grid housing. A house in the woods is an excellent option if you live in a cold forested area and need a place to keep you warm.

RV

An off-grid camper allows you to stay disconnected from power and water supplies. Unlike other types of off-grid housing, you can move RV to any place. It’s a great idea, as you can escape cold weather in winter and enjoy sunny destinations when your home city is freezing.

If you love to travel and do not feel like being tied to one place, an RV is the way to go.

Tiny home

The tiny house might be like any typical house, just a mini version. You would downsize and let go of any extra stuff you have to live in a tiny house. Shipping containers are one of the most popular building materials for building tiny homes.

Some of the biggest reasons people opt for tiny homes are the savings and the size. A smaller home lends itself to a more minimal life — you’re not tied down by a lot of stuff or a hefty mortgage payment.

Tiny homes are about 225 square feet versus a whopping 2,301 on average for a traditional house.

Earthship

Earthships are sustainable homes that are built with recycled or natural materials. They get power from renewable sources like wind and solar. Earthships collect their drinking water, treat their sewage, and grow their food.

Earthships are often built in remote areas and are designed to be self-sustainable.

The basics of living off-grid

If you are starting your off-grid life from zero, you have some essentials to think about. There are several things you can’t live without, and you need to consider your plan to approach these things.

Water collection

A reliable source of clean, potable water is essential for living off-grid. Before you choose the location for your off-grid home, ensure that it has access to a water source. You will need enough access to haul your home’s water if it doesn’t. Many off-grid homes also have a water-collection system place and a well.

Always filter your water because even seemingly clean water could be unsafe to drink. Treating your water before using it for cooking and drinking is also advisable.

Power generation system

Solar panels are a popular choice among off-gridders. But don’t forget to install a backup generator that can supply energy in an emergency. If you have the financial resources, consider adding a battery power storage system.

Although costly, the power generation system could save you in the most critical moment.

A battery energy storage system collects energy from the grid or a power plant and discharges it later to provide electricity.

Food

Growing your food is essential for your survival when living off-grid. While you can collect certain things like berries and plants, doing so is not always the safe choice, as some of them could be poisonous.

Cultivate a vegetable garden to avoid having to look for food in the natural environment. Learn how to store your food, as you will need your supplies to last for a long time.

If you have any livestock on the property, learn how to preserve meat and other animal products. Having a supply of non-perishable food is vital for emergencies.

Emergency supplies

Always have emergency supplies well-stocked. You will need a solar-powered speaker to avoid losing communication in an emergency. Keep emergency lights, batteries, and signaling tools handy.

Make sure you have a cooking and water purifying system at your fingertips. A First Aid Kit and basic medicines are essential because they can help you to survive before the help arrives.

How to transform your house into an off-grid household

While living off-grid implies that you need to move to a remote place, it’s not true. You can start living off the grid by converting your property into an off-grid home. Most properties are not designed to go off-grid, except for homes built in the last 3-5 years and can be energy efficient.

To move your home off the grid, you need to replace high-energy-consuming appliances with more efficient options. They include electrical and air conditioning systems, water heaters, and cooking appliances.

Replace the source of your home energy

Inspect your home wiring and consider going solar, geothermal, or wind power, depending on your location. Wind power might be the best option if you live in a windy place. And if you live in a sunny climate, consider installing rooftop solar panels.

Change your water heater

A water heater is essential to any home, and you need to find out how to make it more efficient. Consider moving your water heater to the roof or making it more energy efficient. If it is old, you could replace it with a new version like a solar one. The solar heaters are suitable only for warmer climates with plenty of sunshine. They are not ideal for snow or icy regions.

You can also change it to an inline gas or electric model. These devices are installed near the tap or shower and switch on when water begins to flow.

Replace air conditioning and heating

Air conditioning and heating systems consume a lot of electricity. If you are serious about living off-grid, you need to replace them with options that don’t rely on the grid.

You can change your air conditioner to an evaporative cooler if you live in a climate with low humidity. If you live in a place with high humidity, consider using fans, which need 95 percent less energy than a typical air conditioner. For the heating, switch to gas or a solid fuel-based central heater.

Invest in new kitchen appliances

Consider gas-powered kitchen appliances for your off-grid living. Try to cook your food outside on an open fire whenever possible. If you have a refrigerator older than ten years, replace it. New refrigerators have better insulation. They also consume less energy thanks to inverter-based refrigerator systems.

If you live in a cold climate, you do not need a refrigerator as you can store the food outside or in the basement. 

Final thoughts

Off-grid homes have become popular in recent years. As more people are aware of their environmental impact, many seek to live a more sustainable way of life. Some also look for a quieter pace and a relaxed lifestyle that living off the grid offers.

While transitioning to the off-grid lifestyle is a big move, it has many rewards. If you transition your home off-grid, you might finally have the lifestyle you always wanted. And you can enjoy it while being a good steward of the environment.