I think this is the beginnings of an economy based on perpetual growth and fossil fuel energy running headlong into geological energy constraints. Basically I see an undulatory downward path for the rest of my life. From here out, I think any rallies in our economic condition are going to be met with spiking commodity prices that knock us right back down.
Joined: Aug 03, 2007 Posts: 4391 Location: Boston Suburbs
Posted: Fri May 30, 2008 5:04 pm Post subject: The longterm benefits of research
I was wondering, when I hear some people talk about subjects related to peakoil, it's clear to me that people have done a TON of research in related subjects (farming, solar and wind power, electric cars, biofuels).
Has anyone thought about ways of benefitting from this knowledge OTHER than just doing their preps?
For instance, anyone going back to school to get a degree in a relevant field? Or maybe starting a business?
Posted: Fri May 30, 2008 6:45 pm Post subject: Re: The longterm benefits of research
It is my intention at the end of July to leave the refractory biz and start an organic produce business. The market for fresh organic produce is high in demand, low in supply. I already have a restaurant that will take everything it can, as well as a number of people who want organic produce for their families. After that I have 3 farmers markets available locally on different days.
With the rising cost of petroleum, food has been expected to rise as well. We have seen food prices rise for many months, and the expectation is that it will continue to rise. This bodes well for a business which produces food, but growing it organically and marketing it locally keeps the costs down. I expect this scenario to only work in my favor for the foreseeable future.
As far as organics, I can offer fresh produce, canned, dried, and value added goods such as tomato sauce, relishes, jams/jellies, soups/stews.
Towards the end of the year I have some money coming in. This will serve to buy land and a home. I'll be able to expand into livestock and a farm stand, as well as work on projects associated with self-sufficiency.
I've been studying organics for 4 years, doing my homework diligently. I've tried numerous cultivars, saved open pollenated seed, developed an irrigation system that is cheap, efficient, and most importantly, effective. I've experimented with the greenhouse and transplants, solar heating for the greenhouse, potting soil mixes using local materials, and worked on and with compost until I can't clean my hands for weeks.
My bills are paid for a year-in the bank, enough food in the house to last me the best part of a year, got supplies up the wazoo. My ducks are in a row. I've been self employed for about half of my adult life, I'm ready to make a go of it again. Everything is in place except the plants. Gonna be some hard work, bring it on. _________________ If you want a picture of the future, imagine a boot stamping on a human face--for ever."
-George Orwell, 1984
Posted: Tue Jun 03, 2008 6:35 pm Post subject: Re: The longterm benefits of research
mos6507 wrote:
I was wondering, when I hear some people talk about subjects related to peakoil, it's clear to me that people have done a TON of research in related subjects (farming, solar and wind power, electric cars, biofuels).
Has anyone thought about ways of benefitting from this knowledge OTHER than just doing their preps?
For instance, anyone going back to school to get a degree in a relevant field? Or maybe starting a business?
No, I have better things to do. I do my preps out of necessity...not desire. I have no interest in doing it for a job.
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