Fukushima & Other Environmental Sources of Radiation & Toxins: Mitigation & 'Doable' Detoxing

We have all been exposed to harmful radiation effects, from an increasingly large number of environmental sources, but 'They' won't tell you…

The Fukushima Radiation Drift: It's not confined to Japan, folks...

In the past, one can include several acute radiation 'melt-downs' which have dosed the world with radiation; the Three-Mile Island, Chernobyl, and Fukushima nuclear power plant accidents. Although we have been kept out of the loop on the actual 'after' effects, these incidents have irradiated large parts of the earth, and the effects have been dispersed throughout the atmosphere, and to lands all over the earth, via global weather patterns. One can be assured that these effects have been denied or minimized by TPTB/ business/government and lame-stream media reports; don't be fooled by these tricksters--look it up.

Other radiation Sources:

Another unrealized, or even suppressed, source of contamination is the cumulative effects of over 2000 nuclear 'tests' which have been done since the advent of atomic bombs, both above and below ground. It is difficult to understand why governments have and still do such insane 'tests' in our biosphere. Especially now that we understand the gravity of its true effects. WTF? Stop it, you bastards; we don't need more radiation damage on our planet. Anyways, we are stuck with the aftereffects, so do try to detox with an appropriate solution (see below).

Other common radiation sources are medical injections and scans, x-rays, airport body scanners, and all microwave towers, home microwave 'ovens', cell phones & wifi 'hotspots' (appropriately named), home networks, transformer [power] blocks, wireless DECT phones, TV towers, Power lines, and on, and on; this stuff is affecting most everyone daily, on a 24/7 basis. There have been quite a few low exposure, but almost no long-term studies to find either possible heath correlates or causal attributions with which to associate with these sources of radiation. Can you say "insidious"? Good.

One often unrecognized source of environmental radiation is radon, which is rather ubiquitous; there are home tests available for this, and if found at certain levels in/around your home, one must evacuate. I know, right? Get educated or get irradiated...

Do we simply sheepishly concede or accept that these radiation sources are harmless? Do we simply ignore the effects, and put our heads back into the sand (or our collective arses)? Do we go into 'denial mode' Like the FDA does with GMOs? Or with our 'drugs', which not only harm our bodies, but then are dumped back into the water [and recycle back to us via 'tap-to-toilet' waste-water treatments]? What about all those 'known toxic' food colorings, sweeteners, and food additives? Plastics and chemicals like BPA, BPB, phthalates, and toxins in our food and beverage containers, soaps, cleaners, household items, makeup, and personal hygiene goods? Should we ignore the harms done to us like the EPA does regarding pesticides and herbicides, and other environmental toxins from various processing, big Ag and manufacturing outlets? I think not.

There are folks who are making the big bucks out there, pushing their toxins on us through their advertising and social engineering propaganda, while we suffer and die from their short and long-term 'soft-killing' effects, both via radiation and the many chemicals put into our food, water, and environment. Could 'they' be doing this with purpose and intent? I would say that a preponderance of the evidence shows that the originators of these toxins and effects know that they are harmful, but continue to use them on us, and/or deny or coverup their effects, and mainstream media just give them a pass. Seem like collusion or a conspiracy? Yup, it sure does to me, at least. (it's kind of a 'Duh!' thang)

Why 'They' would want to poison us all with radiation and other environmental toxins seems elusive, though. Is it simply about the money, or is it a veiled attempt at global population control, or are they hoping to make us sick and diseased so that we must access the 'services' of Big Med and Big Pharma, who will bleed out our savings as they drain out our life. Perhaps all-of-the-above? Just doesn't make sense to me, personally. However, thank God that I can't think like those evil bastards.

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[Rant: As I had nearly finished this report, the news broke that 1/3 of west coast USA children born around the time of the Fukushima accident have been found to have increased chances of thyroid problems, due to radiation drift across the ocean(see graphic, above). Of course, the gov and their insiders were protected with preventative meds, but the public was never alerted to the known dangerous effects, nor were they informed or suggested to take steps to prevent harm. Furthermore, fish, cattle, and plants from the Japanese areas were and are, quite contaminated, BUT they are still calling them 'safe'. The gub'ment solution? To increase 'known safe levels' for radiation in tuna and other products. WHAT A CROCK. I suggest the same radioactivity effects could be said for the flora and fauna across much of our entire western coast, and perhaps throughout the USA, where weather patterns have carried the fallout and ash. Is there any testing for this??? Not that I have seen in any lame stream media reports…
This shows another failure of our government , and their puppet media, to simply tell the truth; at least SOME OF US could have tried to avoid or mitigate exposures…ESPECIALLY PREGNANT FEMALES AND NEWBORNS! Damned BASTARDS!  WE HAVE BEEN ABANDONED AND BETRAYED BY OUR SO-CALLED 'REPRESENTATIVE GOVERNMENT'--AGAIN! This has simply reached the level of insanity…time to DO SOMETHING--WAKE UP, AMERIKA! There has obviously been a covert coup of fascist dictatorship and tyrannical takeover in the US. Don't you get it?]

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How to Avoid, Mitigate, or Decrease Harmful Environmental Effects…

So, what to do (re: radiation)? First, avoid as many sources of environmental radiation and toxic exposures to radiation sources and chemicals in foods, on your body, and in your immediate environs (home, work, etc.). For example, stay well away from your microwave when heating foods--and don't be 'peeking' through the 'shielded' window; you will get a large dose of ¡Zap! radiation. Although seemingly over-simplistic, such avoidance behaviors could do wonders, if one takes the time to learn about and analyze one's own exposure threats. 

Also learn about nontoxic cleaners, body lotions, makeup, hygiene products, and yard/household chemicals that you can replace. Alternatives are usually easy to make at home, and much cheaper, believe it or not, while being equal or better in effects, while being both safe and healthy. Yes, it can be that simple. Next, try adding some things to your diet or health regimen that can help to detoxify. We are all poisoned by numerous harmful effects within the confines of our modern homes.

For nuclear radiation, in particular, bentonite clay and zeolite are recommended as detoxicants. They work via chelation, binding, or through cation exchanges, on an electrochemical basis, thus eliminating harmful radioactive effects from your body. They also aid in eliminating heavy metals, free radicals, and generalized toxins that our bodies are constantly assaulted with. A product called Sea Clear [™] is also available, commercially. It purportedly utilizes miso, fermented seaweed, and chlorella to chelate and cleanse away toxins and radioactive effects. It is advertised to be both effective and inexpensive, as a related product combination was used successfully by Russians following the Chernobyl disaster. I have not personally used the product, and relay such info as hearsay, only. However, it contains ingredients suggested by others for detox in general, as well as for radiation poisoning, in particular.

Prevention or limitation of RF/EMF/EMR contamination is also possible. Presumably, internal cell structures can be affected, closing off intracellular communication and inhibiting some internal protein processes. Waste products and free radicals may also become bound by mitochondria, compromising cell energy and function, as well as altering mRNA functions, eliciting apoptosis, or cell death, and/or even cancers, autism, or myriad other potential genetic disease processes. Altering of melatonin levels has also been attributed, with implications regarding cancers and sleep /mood change. All such effects listed may differ based upon developmental changes or cell age, etc.  The various effects are not fully known, but it may be better to be safe, rather than sorry. Pregnant females, newborns, and young children should be particularly susceptible, and should take added precautions.

Apparently, EMF/RF effects are implicated in many chronic diseases and generalized maladies for which there is often little recognition, and even fewer [specific] treatments by medical personnel. Do not simply disregard these potential toxic effects offhand, because they are not well publicized; again, blame our lamestream medical professions and the media for protecting big businesses involved, like power, TV, internet, and phone service providers…see also www.klinghardtacademy.com, or look up "Smart Meters & EMF Radiation -> The Health Crisis of our Time" on Youtube.

Using an RF meter [widely available] to determine hot spots, one can then shield an area to reduce or eliminate most RF exposure. This can be achieved via sheet foils, metal screens, or even certain cloths made with particular lining materials which help to shield RF. Such could be used on walls, as drapes, or even floor coverings, to provide a 'safe' room or area which is occupied for extended periods daily, or to shield particular sources such as wireless phones, routers, transformers, etc. It seems likely that it would be both practical and economically feasible to line a room with (aluminum or steel/metal) screening to virtually eliminate most RF/EMR/EMF effects. This could even be done in stealth by 'floating' a coat of drywall 'mud' over the screening, and perhaps then texturing the walls and ceilings affected. Another possibility would be to cover the screening shield with a typical paneling, wallboard, or siding, either indoors or outdoors, and ceilings could be protected by covering a room from within the attic area above a particular room. This would also potentially protect any electronics stored within such areas from damaging EMF pulses due to nuclear attack, and/or electronic warfare tactics already developed by modern militaries (and probably our own DHS) (See alsowww.norad4u.com , www.EmFnews.org, or ElectricSense.com for helpful info, and the video "Shielding RF Radiation with Aluminum Screening" on Youtube.) 

With regard to cell phone use, it is highly recommended that one stay as far away and clear of them as possible, and to use an earpiece/microphone combo if possible. In particular, eyes and gonads are susceptible to radiation effects, so act appropriately to limit or deflect exposures. 

There is some indication that some types of mushrooms, and particular extracts thereof, can help mitigate some harmful effects. Also, planting wheatgrass indoors, and/or utilizing sea salt lamps was recommended on a video on Youtube [™] called "Ways to Protect Yourself from EMF-RF Radiation from Smart Meters.mp4"; these are thought to act via external electromagnetic effects, similar to the zeolites and clay, used internally. Again, look into several avenues more in-depth, if you care to explore remedies further…

Another more recent source of potential harm comes from so-called 'smart meters' now often mandated for utilities [gas/electricity meters]. One video I watched compared a smart meter to cell phone radiation levels; the former seemed much more powerful, in terms of burst potentials and in the number of bursts/min. Cancer concerns, infertility effects, headaches, Heart problems, sleep disturbances, autistic-like effects, and numerous other negative heath aspects have been implicated. I have seen videos on Youtube that were pretty scary, in which people roamed around inside and outside of homes with measuring devices. However, i doubt that there has been any real research in this area [at least not published by industry], and few, if any, guidelines as to what levels are deemed harmful (umm…Idunno). 

The additive exposure to multiple sources in nearly every home and workplace combine to present an apparently high-risk exposure that one rarely even recognizes, and one may never hear about on lame-stream media outlets. See www.EMFNEWS.ORG for tips tp protect from EMF, and elsewhere; do your research. (note: High frequency [CFL] lights are also a concern, which can mobilize or disturb deposits of mercury already present in the body. Again, these are being promoted, even mandated, by our loving government 'nanny'. Why don't they tell us this shit can make us sick, or worse?  Yeah; I learn of this just after I get changed over to 100% CFL in my home…now what?Another 'conspiracy theory' in the making? humph!) There are also privacy issues involved with the use of these 'smart meters', through that exceeds the scope of this article. Often, there may be little that one can do to mitigate exposure, besides avoiding or shielding the areas of greatest transmission. Supposedly, one can refuse installation, but I have seen accounts on the local news, on the Alex Jones Show, and elsewhere, in which protester homeowners were actually arrested.
Go figure--welcome to Amerika…Seig Heil!

Alternatively, or in addition, one can reduce or eliminate many RF/EMF sources by simply unplugging appliances and devices and power blocks, using 'smart' power strips which shut down unused devices, phones, and/or turning off your wifi transmission when not in use. This can be easily done via the web interface on your router; if you don't know how this is done, look it up or check your manual…[note: I just took my own advice and turned mine off, again]. One could purchase an RF meter to evaluate risk throughout one's home or office, fairly inexpensively. I plan on looking further into this, and testing a few potential mitigations that I have in mind, eg'; faraday-like shielding, etc.

Check out Youtube for some vids or browse a wiki, or whatever you do to learn more about such things. A number of additional or supplemental detoxicant aids are listed below; learn about their uses and applications, and try them to both help heal and restore health--All of us are affected, for sure. Add to the list via your own researching, and share your knowledge.  ;)  Here's to good health for us all  :)

Helpful Radiation Detox/cleanse routines and solutions:

• Sauna/sweat-lodge cleansing
• Sea Kelp: see Seaweed: Miracle Vegetable From the Sea | The Dr. Oz Show
• Spirulina: "a type of blue-green algae that is rich in protein, vitamins, minerals, and carotenoids, antioxidants that can help protect cells from damage."-[Complementary Medicine]. See also: Spirulina: The Amazing Super Food You've  Never Heard of
• Bentonite clay [bathe/eat]: see Bentonite Clay Provides a Safe and Effective Detox
• Zeolites (Sweet PCD brand ['stall freshener' from farm supply/feed stores) AKA clinoptilolite [oven 400 45-60m, let steam off mid-process to eliminate H2O]); tablespoon in gallon water--stir/settle/drink off top--let settled go on plants, etc…can put in foods, etc., too…cattle/chicken/animal feed/plants. see: Zeolites news, articles and information:
• Chlorella: see  Chlorella news, articles and information: and CHLORELLA: Uses, Side Effects, Interactions and Warnings - WebMD
• miso broth + seaweed soup
• lentil soup[?]
• Green/blk teas
• Garlic (for selenium)
• epsom salt baths
• Potassium Iodine and other anti-radiation [commercial] supplements to reduce threat of thyroid dysfunction and cancers: see Potassium Iodine Uses | LIVESTRONG.COM

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[note: Some materials used herein may be from copyrighted sources; however, I am including any such occurrences under the protection of the "Fair Use" clause, being that:

a) any such addition is not a proportionally substantial part of the whole, and 

b) this article is of a non-commercial nature, and 

c) Use is restricted for the purpose[s] of public education, evaluation, and/or criticism/research (see below:)

Limitations on exclusive rights: Fair Use

Notwithstanding the provisions of section 106, the fair use of a copyrighted work, including such use by reproduction in copies or phone records or by any other means specified by that section, for purposes such as criticism, comment, news reporting, teaching (including multiple copies for classroom use), scholarship, or research, is not an infringement of copyright. In determining whether the use made of a work in any particular case is a fair use, the factors to be considered shall include:

1.The purpose and character of the use, including whether such use is of a commercial nature or is for nonprofit educational purposes; 

2.the nature of the copyrighted work; 

3.the amount and substantiality of the portion used in relation to the copyrighted work as a whole; and 

4.the effect of the use upon the potential market for or value of the copyrighted work. (added pub. l 94-553,

Title I, 101, Oct 19, 1976, 90 Stat 2546)]

Prepping to Fail (Part 4): Essentials

Well, it's been some time since I made any additions to this 'series', admittedly. I simply had other things going on my mind, and distractions. However, I was busy improving my SHTF plan, among other things. Onward, through the fog...

The Essentials (continued)

Food, water, shelter, and security are the most basic human needs--the essentials researched by Maslow, and illustrated within his 'hierarchy of needs'. Thus far, we have touched upon some basics, a discussion far from complete. We continue now with a more in-depth discussion of food storage, pertaining to what kinds of foods might be better, in terms of several dimensions of note. In addition, water-related topics will begin to become more in focus, although not really in-depth, at this point...

Food Storage and Prep: Prepackaged?

Previously, we discussed the basics for acquisition and storage of food[s]. Rather than prepackaged meals, etc., the emphasis was on stocking staple items with extended storage capabilities: pastas, rice, beans, and canned/boxed goods. It is suggested that by utilizing basic staples [mostly carbs], and supplementing and/or preparing with canned, boxed,  and bagged sauces, veggies, and/or  other packaged foods, one can sustain a reasonably varied diet. However, a perusal of many 'survival' food sites, and the foods they promote showed an emphasis on pre-packed (PP) meal entrees, and then, mostly pasta dishes. Such would be fine, in my view, with the caveat that they were, indeed, 'good' and palatable. Unfortunately, several problems arise from such pre-packaging:

1. Palatability: One must first determine that a PP product is palatable. This suggests that one must purchase and sample a particular brand/item to ensure that one would enjoy it, keeping in mind that long-term storage foods preclude "...on-second-thought" or 'do-overs'. What you have is what you will be eating. So, if a preparation is borderline on palatability, it will likely go uneaten until all other alternatives are exhausted. Further, this could mean that one might have to endure prolonged periods of consuming that which may come to be reviled. It also could become quite expensive searching for the PPs that suit one's tastes, not to mention waste of those opened PPs which do not pass a taste test.
2. Variety: Although PP foods come in many varieties, and from different sites and/or packers, in order to get real variety in both tastes/textures, and nutrition, it may be impractical or even unreasonable to assume that one can afford to rely on PPs. As suggested, PPs are predominantly pasta/staple-based mixtures, and there really is not much variety. Conversely, with a little imagination, one can start with a staple such as pasta or rice, and add any number of ingredients, spices, flavors, etc., to suit one's mood or tastes, given they are part of your storage cache. 
3. Cost/Shelf-life: Many PPs come in large #10 cans for extended storage needs, and presumably, cost-effectiveness. However, unless one is sharing food with a crowd of friends/family, large PP cans may, in fact, prove to be more expensive, due to waste and/or secondary storage parameters. Yes, they have lids which can be used for very short-term storing of leftovers. However, it seems that one could expect to be eating a lot of the same foods, over and over, in the approximately 30-day window of its spoilage. This goes back to both previous points regarding palatability and variety, both of which are decreased by large PP cans. On the other hand, given that both preceding points (1 & 2, above) are corrected by the utilization of smaller, or single-serving portions, the additional cost may be prohibitive ($/meal or $/calorie)

Given the foregoing, it seems more reasonable, on several dimensions, to find and store items that you do [now], and will [in future], eat. Purchase staples with which to flavor and enhance other stored items, rather than rely mainly upon PPs. For example, given pasta dishes, it seems more reasonable to purchase and store a variety of noodles, macaronis, etc., in quantity, then stock up on various spices, sauces, flavorings, and veggies like tomatoes and mushrooms [canned or dehydrated] that can be added for palatability and variety. For both ST and MT storage, canned sauces are both cheap and practical, and come with great variety (alfredos, primaveras, etc...). The same can be said for both rice and bean-based meals, soups, stews, and so on.  One's food variety is limited only by imagination, resources, and storage capacity; emphasize variety by investing in staples, and an assortment of spices, flavorings, and sauces. Doing so will also conserve financial resources. Instead of opening a huge can of PP which will have to be consumed shortly, prepare meal-sized quantities using flavors you already know that you enjoy. (PS: If indeed a PP meal is preferred or established as 'good' food, one can always add variety by adding spices/sauces or additional ingredients...)

Water

Of course, the main essential in any survival strategy is the availability of potable water, not only for maintaining hydration, but also a necessity for preparing meals. Although one can go without food for extended periods, the same cannot be said for water (approx. 3 days). Thus far, the procurement and storage of water has been overlooked in this series, for a variety of logistical and psychological reasons. For example, being that it is a universal need, one might assume that our various governmental entities will ensure its availability. Second, it is difficult to store an adequate quantity of potable water, and many have neither the capacity for water storage, nor the basic knowledge of the processes involved. Some kind of a mental block relating to denial may be another aspect...

Realistically, one truly cannot count on dubious governmental departments to ensure our survival, that is for sure. Remember the victims of Katrina, and the futile FEMA efforts to get fresh water to thousands gathered at a stadium? Like, five days--DAYS! Further, we have no way of knowing for sure what particular situation will present a need for implementation of our SHTF plan; will it be natural disaster? financial collapse? war? plague? aliens or zombies (lol)? Given that most people rely upon pumps, and therefore, the availability of electricity, for access to water at the tap, there are several scenarios which might preclude reliance upon city water, even if it were known to be safe (and other scenarios in which it might be unsafe). Most folks don't have their own private wells, and even fewer have storage capacity for more than a few days or weeks worth. Granted, some investment in time and materials would serve us all well. 

However, what seems to be the simplest alternative, to me, is not actually storing a large quantity of water, but instead to maintain the capacity to filter water. It is said that over seventy percent of earth's surface is water, yet only a tiny fraction is drinkable. Utilizing the many existing sources, including rainwater, it seemed most tenable to rely upon a reusable ceramic filter element/system. These so-called 'ceramic candles' are available on the web, from Amazon.com, and elsewhere, at a reasonable cost (~$20-$30each), and a 10-12 gallon system fairly easily made for under $75.00 USD. At this point, I personally have two reusable filters, and plans/ideas for the system, not yet constructed. I hope to have a more detailed exposition regarding this system, later, but the following provides the basics... 

The Ceramic Candle Filtering System

Basically, the 'system' consists of two 5-gallon (or larger) buckets available almost anywhere (type = HDPE--evidenced by a '2' surrounded by the recycling code 'triangle' on the bottom of the bucket, and/or HDPE). The top bucket/lid is fitted with one or more of the ceramic candle filter elements, which will filter and drain into another bucket/lid upon which it sits, the latter of which serves as a short-term storage container. The more 'candles' fitted, the faster the filtering, and the greater capacity, in terms of gallons/hour. If the bottom bucket is elevated on a small platform, and fitted with a spigot, filtered water is available for use--easily and rapidly. It requires no power, and little space.

The .9 micron ceramic filter elements are said to filter out most impurities, bacteria, and even viruses. They also increase the clarity of the drinking water. Even greater filtration can be obtained with more dense ceramic filters, costing more, but realistically, such may be redundant. They are easily cleaned with a scotch-pad-like scrubber, and are thus reusable. One can use tap water, rain water, pre-filtered lake/river water, well water, etc. As stated, this type of filter is truly affordable (see above), making this system the simplest and most cost-effective purification system available, in my opinion. Compare to the Big B***** system and others, which use the same type elements. If you need or desire the stainless steel, you will pay much more for it. Given the dubious quality of 'tap' water and various biologic/chemical impurities present in most modern city water systems, it might be a good idea to filter all your water even now, pre-SHTF. I presently use an in-line filter for coffee and drinking water purposes, and I can attest to the difference it makes in both flavor, and in the time between cleanings (coffee maker, esp.). If indeed the quality of the tap water became in question, post SHTF, The filtering system mentioned would seem to ensure clean, usable water without boiling, regardless of the source. If used with tap water contaminated with chlorine, it may be advisable to set aside a 5G bucket overnight prior to filtering.

Additional Water Resources

As stated, filtration may be the easiest, and most cost-effective potable water solution. However, it is not applicable in every case nor is it practical for some. Without getting into detailed scenarios, it might be a good idea to have additional water resources. One such thing would be water treatment chemicals to either purify or maintain purity of stored water. Another would be storage containers, rainwater catchment systems, etc.

It seems prudent to have some chemicals on hand to purify questionable water sources, and especially for those occasions when one is away from known good resources, on-the-run, or in outdoors camping situations (etc). These may be used as adjuncts in addition to filtration. Some issues may be resolved by pre-settling particulates in cloudy water, or chlorination with simple bleach, found everywhere (unscented!). Note: Allowing chlorinated water to set seems a good idea, prior to filtering. Another chemical treatment is available for increasing the time that your stored water remains viable. Several purification and stabilization/storage chemicals are readily available online and likely even at the nearest Wally mart, in liquid and/or packaged powder or tablet forms. I cannot attest to their efficacy or cost, as I have not researched this other than informally. Because I have no real plan or capacity to store water at this time, and have little knowledge about this topic at present, I will just mention it, in passing. I do plan on having some bleach and/or purification chemicals on hand though, just in case. 

In terms of actually gathering and storing any quantity of water, it seems some type of rainwater system would be most practical. Gathering and storing rainfall depends, of course, upon getting some measurable rain, which can be problematic in some regions, and during droughts, which seem to be frequent in my region, the last few years. I have done some preliminary research into this topic, and have come to think that a simple sturdy trash container (again, HDPE--see above) might serve as the most economical alternative. Placement is fairly straight-forward--somewhere rain runs off a roof, or one may design/build a more intricate downspout system. There are many plans and ideas on the 'net, free or cheap, and others that can be purchased outright (see YouTube, also). I may implement a simple system in the near future, so again, more on this later...

Prepping to Fail (Part 3): Food Storage Basics

Thusfar, our 'fail' scenario has addressed a limited, short-term crisis; things to prepare for in months 1-3. One main assumption was that essential services like water, power, and gas would remain intact, short-term. However, an old military saying is "...ASSUME makes an ASS out of 'U' and 'ME'" (see also the hand-filling issue posted prior). Rather than making fatal errors via assumption[s], it is better to prepare for the worst, or at least, for less-than-optimal conditions. Therefore, one must be prepared to adapt to shortages or loss of one or more of these essential services.

Although a continuous outage of gas, and/or electricity will be daunting, there are offsets and behavioral adaptations which can be made to mitigate same. Adaptations to loss of potable water source[s] are more difficult, but I believe manageable, also with preparation. These adaptations will be discussed in later posts. However, without a long-term strategy for food storage, the aforementioned adapts simply fail; without food, fugetaboutit. So, this critical survival aspect will be focused upon now...

FOOD STORAGE: SHORT-MED-LONG TERM


We talked about stocking 3 months-worth of food as a minimum, previously, as short-term storage. However, given that most items ['non-perishables'] mentioned herein generally store ± 1 year, henceforth, for purposes of this blog, we will designate ± 1 yr as short-term (ST), 2-5 yrs as Med-term (MT), and 5 yr+ as long-term (LT)

A) Short-term: 
We previously discussed many S-T food issues, and these included stocking up on food items which are 'non-perishable', bought in bags, boxes, jars and cans. Many of these items will last 1-5 years, if stored in a cool, dry place. Some items will range up to 5 years or more, as purchased.

One should try to get the freshest sources of such goods, as hinted by their 'best-by' dates (dates often printed or stamped on the bag/box/can). Note that in order to rotate stock, the older items will be on the shelves, and often arranged to be most accessible (outer areas of shelves, etc). One can often mitigate by looking to the back of a stack (etc.), and checking dates (do this for milk , dairy, etc., now, regardless of storing). Note that 'best by' and 'sell by' dates are often merely recommendations or 'guidelines', not strictly denoting an item is 'bad' or spoiled, or inedible after such dates; 'use by' dates may be more tenable or accurate.

Keep in mind that the gub'ment likely has rules re: the dating, so they may just be approximations or 'guesstimates', and therefore dubious (eg., Back in the early '80's during military 'wargames' we only had C-rations to eat, many dating to the mid-50s). However, Inspect cans and containers for signs of age, dents, etc., and don't purchase any showing age or damage-related breakdown!! 

Oxidation is the enemy, in most cases. Acidic foods tend to store well, but also tend to eat away at can linings, etc., over extended periods. Given this, it might be better to purchase tomato products, etc, in bottles or plastic containers (glass bottles w/o metal tops,for med-LT storage). However, as alluded to earlier, assuming reliable 1 year+ dates, most bag, boxes, and cans will be sufficient for short-term storage, up to or greater than 1 year, if stored properly. However, for ST storage (1mo=>1yr+), a kitchen cabinet, pantry, or closet (etc) will suffice.

B) Med-Long-Term:
Storage is extended in cool, dry places in which light is minimized; keep in mind  that many items may be photo-reactive as well. However, oxidation is the biggest enemy. For extended storage, one would be better off if one were to have a dedicated storage area, as well as a means to reduce oxidation and spoilage factors. A dry basement, storm shelter (Okies) or 'root' cellar might be a good place to set up storage racks. However, keep things off the floor, at minimum, and storing in sealable plastic containers/5 gal. buckets is a good plan. Freeze-dried, and/or dehydrated foods offer the most extensive storage capabilities (claims up to 20 years). However, in truth, who wants to be eating 'crisis' food for such an extended time? I recommend getting some heirloom seeds and getting ready to farm-up, if need be. Some might have diminished capacity to do this (limitations), so I leave this in for discussion.

Two of the best ways to limit oxidation, and hence, extend storage times, are to employ secondary packaging techniques, and/or to utilize freeze-dried/dehydrated stocks; let us address the former, first...

1. Secondary Packaging:

This can be accomplished in two basic ways; double-packing and repackaging, though not mutually exclusive. Double-packing involves adding an extra layer of protection from the elements and oxidation. Repackaging is meant to replace the current packing method, which may limit its storage parameters. In either case, the main methods are vacuum-sealing, and/or using additional layers of protection.

a) Additional Layers:

Additional layers would be purposed towards extending storability, and/or separation of stocks for particular terms/needs. For example, packing several bags of beans, pasta, or rice into vacuum bags, and/or then into buckets (eg., 5-gal), perhaps with applicable sauces/seasonings, and so on. If one has a good idea as to how much of particular foods will be required in particular increments of time, it can help organize stocks. However, the main goal is preserving and extending shelf-life. Beans, rice, and pastas come in bags for limited storage, and by double-bagging, etc., the shelf lives are extended. This is especially true if they are vacuum-sealed. Adding packets of oxygen absorbers inside the vac-packs, or outside them, when included in a bucket or other sealable container, ensures even greater extension of food usability.

Vacuum sealers are readily available locally and via internet sales, as are bags, buckets, etc. I would recommend getting a better vacuum unit which has greater bag-size capacity, and more features, like a capacity to use rolled bags, which are more economical, and/or ability to seal jars, via accessories. "Cheap" units may not prove to be cheap, in the long run. Decent units can be had for under $150.00, and better or more commercial capacity units hundreds or more.

Shop around on the internet to get an idea how much bags are, by size, or rolls, and get plenty to save $$. There are many grades of bags, and thicknesses/materials. Mylar bags can be used for extending storage, and they are tough, reusable, and provide light protection as well. They are not cheap, however. I will explore this in more depth later, after I have purchased a decent vacuum unit and have tried a few alternatives...
C.A.B. alert: Some storage items may even be 'scrounged' locally from grocers, bakeries, restaurants, etc., by asking for discarded buckets or 'dumpster-diving' for them--both at considerable savings. Food-grade buckets are optimal (identified by a "2" in a triangle on the bottom), and colored/dark ones of this grade even better. You will likely have to sanitize them yourself (bleach 1:10, vinegar, or disinfectant soap).

b. Repackaging:

One may wish to repack large or bulk-bought items into smaller or more discrete units, and/or to facilitate LT storage. This often includes adding additional layers, or simply replacing larger (bulk) packaging with smaller, more storable vacuum packs and bags. For example, bulk purchased beans, pastas and rice can be broken down into more manageable quantities; eg., into meal/day/week/monthly portions. Such smaller portions can then be vac-packed and/or mylar-packed/sealed, and then placed into 5 gal. buckets, for LT storage. Another example involves eliminating store-bought packaging, which can save storage space; eg., boxed goods like mac-n-cheese, oatmeal, dried mashed potatoes, etc. Often there is a lot of wasted airspace in these, adding oxidative potential, and limiting storage capacity (easier to pack vac-packs into a bucket than boxes).

The foregoing are simplified storage strategies for med-LT storage. As mentioned, they are not mutually exclusive, but both should utilize vacuum packing AND oxygen absorber packets in most cases, either in-bag, or in-bucket (or other sealed alternative[s] storage), to promote extended shelf-life. Keep in mind that your shelf-life corresponds to your food shelf-life, and so, don't cheap-out here. 

2. Freeze-dried/Dehydrated Stocks:


These food stocks tend to be more expensive, and less-available, locally. They add variety and extend nutritive complexity to your diet, as well as adding flavor and viability. Claims of 20-year storage are fairly common, but may not be realistic.
However, they have a real place in any storage plan; many items that one needs to prepare other foods will come in such forms, and are readily stored for LT/MT/ST uses.

Although some of these are offered as 'meals', I personally would skip this concept, and simply order up a quantity of necessities (keep-it-simple-stupid). Such items include:

Powdered/freeze-dried/dehydrated milk, eggs (whole egg = optimal), butter, 'TVP' (textured &/or flavored vegetable protein--bacon, pork, beef, etc), cheese, coffee, creamer, and fruits (bananas/berries/etc.)

These are often needed for extending and flavoring other foods, and/or in preparing other dried- or powdered-form foods like biscuit, bread, and pancake mixes, and so on (with water). Powdered or freeze-dried eggs can be flavored with both cheese and milk and bacon bits (or flavored TVP) for increased palatability, for example. These items will store LT, and without refrigeration, in more compact form. I believe there is a wide variety of such foods available, so shop around, but don't get carried away (remember limited storage space!).

Such foods are often available in mylar/bags/cans; getting this stuff in bulk or in #10 cans might save some serious green, and can always be repacked into more realistic/discrete quantities, using your vacuum packer, etc (see above). I plan on getting a quantity of whole eggs, milk, butter, and ham/bacon-flavored TVP, at minimum. Given I am a 'coffee' nut, and that coffee takes up a LOT of space, I will likely invest some time into getting some freeze-dried stocks as well...

Right now, my goal is to get a 1 year supply of decent food stored up, and to get a vacuum sealer/supplies to get some of that into extended storage, as well as putting up some meats for ST freezing. I realize now that stocking up and freezing is really fail, without vac-packing, and even storing a lot of dry goods. Rotation of stock is essential, and storing foods that one actually eats is optimal. Might be doing some video blogging on this soon, though likely post Xmas...

GL and happy prepping!  ;)  Doit!
GT