There are many reasons why it is important to make good choices for your health and the health of our ecosystem. Living in Vancouver, we are lucky to have so many resources and tools that allow us to live within a sustainable means, while still enjoying the convenience of city life. As history has shown, societies collapse and disappear when they are no longer sustainable.
Then, of course, there's the zombie apocalypse.
We all know the story: It all starts with patient zero, then it spreads. Unexplainable illness, hospitals over capacity. We bury our dead, only they don’t stay in their peaceful slumber. They reanimate with a thirst and hunger like never before, a hunger that only human flesh can satisfy. Public panic ensues, turning into looting and despair. But wouldn’t it be great if we already had the tools and skills required to survive and not panic?
Here are some ways to live and eat sustainably in your urban dwelling and acquire some much needed skills for the inevitable zombie apocalypse.
Gardening
Urban farms and personal gardens bring both nature and a taste of the country back into the city. Even starting out small can have a huge impact. You don't need a backyard; you can grow food on your balcony and even inside in pots. If you live in Vancouver, a great resource is City Folk Farm folk. These kind folks can answer any question you may have about growing your own food, bee-keeping, and composting, among many other things.
Community Gardens
Get involved in your local community garden by volunteering, renting a plot, or even starting your own! These will also be good places to forage food when the zombies come, but beware they are often in very public places where there might be a greater population of our flesh eating nemeses.
Farmers' markets
Local, fresh, sustainable foods, and a fun day outside! This is a great way to learn about local farms and local seasonal foods. Knowing where your food comes from and also visiting the farms is not only important in the world we live today, but would be an amazing resource and place to camp out in during the reign of walking dead. You've seen the show, you know what I’m talking about!
Meatless Mondays
This is a global movement that encourages people to choose a veggie option, instead of meat on Mondays. The concept is to improve personal health and the health of the planet. I can only assume that meat will be very scarce and probably sketchy during the zombie uprising, so brush up on your veggie recipes and be a pro when the time comes.
Composting program
Waste less, produce more! Did you know that in Vancouver you can throw your compost in the yard trimmings bin and the city will pick it up? Don't have access to a yard trimmings bin? No problem. The farmer's market composting programhas you covered. Composting is also great for your zombie apocalypse garden.
Biking, walking, taking public transit or carpooling
Fossil fuels, the depletion of the ozone layer, and climate change are only a couple of reasons why we should do what we can to reduce our vehicle usage. In Vancouver, we are blessed with citywide bike lanes. Not to mention the weather is so mild, we can take advantage of this all year round. Also biking is great cardio! Be in shape to run fast and far distances to avoid those pesky zombies.
Preserving your food
Makeextra food tofreeze or can, the way your grandparents did! Not only is this a great way to be sustainable and economical, but it will also come in handy during the zombie times.
Choose thrift stores or clothing swaps
Every few months my girlfriends and I get together for a clothing swap. We drink wine, eat tasty foods, and swap clothing. Sometimes it even turns into a mini fashion show! Whatever clothes are leftover; we give to a charity of our choice. We usually take turns hosting the events in our respective homes, making this not only a fun cheap night out, but we are getting free clothes as well. Okay, this isn't a zombie survival tip, but it’s just plain fun!
Recipe: Veggie Broth from kitchen scraps
• Collect skins, peels, tops, stems, and ends from your veggies such as;
carrots, celery, onions, garlic, leeks, and other varieties of veggies that you use in your kitchen. Stay away from cruciferous veggies such as broccoli, cabbage, cauliflower
• Keep the odds and ends of your veggies in your freezer and when you have a good couple of handfuls (or more) you are ready for broth making.
Instructions
1. Place vegetable scraps and herbs such as parsley, basil, sage, rosemary along seasonings of your choice in a large pot, and cover with water, and a dash of apple cider vinegar and a bay leaf.
2. Bring to a boil.
3. Reduce heat and simmer for at least an hour.
4. Then, strain out the vegetables, and your broth is ready for use, freezing or refrigerating.
