System reboots - runs a start up cycle -I can only comment upon the systems we use and the other what I am aware of however.
Futurproofing your house
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System reboots - runs a start up cycle -I can only comment upon the systems we use and the other what I am aware of however.
So, not having taken part in this conversation, but now having got up to date on it, it seems to me that the best way forward would be for people to state what they've done to 'future proof' themselves and then leave it at that, there's way too much wanting to get people onside, or, there's only one way and it's my way. If someone has a constructive comment then post it, but don't have an expectation that everyone has to agree and don't react offended when they don't agree.
Also, think before posting, there's no point in posting negative comments when really it's better to just leave the conversation, if the thread is irritating or you find things offensive then stop posting in this thread.
Please remember that first and foremost this is a forum about Bushcraft, and while there's a wide degree of leeway on thread subjects it is not a forum built for politics, religion and other subjects where the conversation becomes personal. These are covered and welcomed by a myriad of other forums and groups, if your interests are firmly rooted in those subjects, outside of what we are comfortable with on Bushcraft UK then they may well be the place to find people with the same views.
As the forum owner I'm happy for most things to be discussed, nicely and with consideration of others, however, human nature and ego often dictate otherwise, and it causes problems, and then the mud starts flying and pride kicks in and someone has to be right, battle lines are drawn.... All avoidable when the conversation is approached appropriately considerately.
While I'm happy for there to be conversation on climate change I (and the mods) can't be doing with the reports and complaints that come along with it when people can't converse nicely and get offended by other people.
All these welcome in-depth conversation on climate change, or those that want in-depth conversations on climate change and are probably enthused to moderate any offence caused by disagreeing parties.
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Also, think before posting, there's no point in posting negative comments when really it's better to just leave the conversation, if the thread is irritating or you find things offensive then stop posting in this thread.
Please remember that first and foremost this is a forum about Bushcraft, and while there's a wide degree of leeway on thread subjects it is not a forum built for politics, religion and other subjects where the conversation becomes personal. These are covered and welcomed by a myriad of other forums and groups, if your interests are firmly rooted in those subjects, outside of what we are comfortable with on Bushcraft UK then they may well be the place to find people with the same views.
As the forum owner I'm happy for most things to be discussed, nicely and with consideration of others, however, human nature and ego often dictate otherwise, and it causes problems, and then the mud starts flying and pride kicks in and someone has to be right, battle lines are drawn.... All avoidable when the conversation is approached appropriately considerately.
While I'm happy for there to be conversation on climate change I (and the mods) can't be doing with the reports and complaints that come along with it when people can't converse nicely and get offended by other people.
All these welcome in-depth conversation on climate change, or those that want in-depth conversations on climate change and are probably enthused to moderate any offence caused by disagreeing parties.
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Please note that this thread started like this. Basically I was musing about how COVID and the lockdown changed your focus in your life. What was important? What did you change in response? The future proofing was as much my lifestyle as my house or place of abode.
To get back on this train of thought I will say we decided and actioned a move to a lovely village at the end of the road. Actually two roads that meet in a loop in the village. A road to nowhere except this village. Its on a branch rail line for access to places of work. It's a really nice village with amazing countryside, an AONB that is bypassed by ppl heading to the lake district, Scotland or the dates.
The idea was to get our son into a primary school in the next county that didn't close schools as much as our previous county. Had lower infection levels and to be in a beautiful but quiet area in case of another lockdown. An active village with an educational institute and library link open from 9am to 7pm every day except Sunday. Plus loads of other benefits. Such as a big garden to occupy our time a bit in a second lockdown.
Basically I was asking if you changed house, lifestyle or outlook after the covid lockdown in response to the events of that pandemic?
We made a big change. Moved to a nicer, more rural area. A place with a good train line which allowed us to reduce car use. Less car use because we lived in an area we could explore that was as nice as we needed for walks, rides and exercise. We changed our son's school, actually he did a term plus at the village school before we even moved there we were so committed.
I suspect some moved into prepping, likely where they were headed anyway. Some obviously became environmentally conscious, but that's not really covid related. It's this covid changes I'm curious about.
BTW I'm a guilty as anyone to get sucked into climate / environment discussions even despite starting the thread on another matter.
We made a big change. Moved to a nicer, more rural area. A place with a good train line which allowed us to reduce car use. Less car use because we lived in an area we could explore that was as nice as we needed for walks, rides and exercise. We changed our son's school, actually he did a term plus at the village school before we even moved there we were so committed.
I suspect some moved into prepping, likely where they were headed anyway. Some obviously became environmentally conscious, but that's not really covid related. It's this covid changes I'm curious about.
BTW I'm a guilty as anyone to get sucked into climate / environment discussions even despite starting the thread on another matter.
Sounds like your planning has paid off.
We're still plodding along, with hind sight we should have done more to be more self sufficient although things like cutting our own wood for heating has saved a fortune.
Looking forward I have noticed a lot of things like council services have been removed and not restored after COVID. Probably have to ditch the idea of giving up the car and switching to an ebike and look at a pickup.
Just wondering what the next disaster will be so we can plan what to do. I need to sort out some large scale water storage in case of fire as there's no mains water in the area.
With regards to covid, we have reassessed what we do work wise and what our plans are going forward and now have a new idea, but have yet to begin it due to various reasons.
At home we haven't changed too much as realistically we faired pretty well during the whole thing.... My wife did a lot of gardening bits and we have become surrounded by a lot more greenery which is delightful.
At home we haven't changed too much as realistically we faired pretty well during the whole thing.... My wife did a lot of gardening bits and we have become surrounded by a lot more greenery which is delightful.
Got to stop the damn fieldmice from getting indoors..........
Three outages this year already.
Purchased Ecoflow Delta Pro 2.88 Kw/hr (they say 3.6Kw/Hr storage but that's nonsense: 20% of the capacity is used to run itself and all the features) but with the xtra battery at a true 3.6 Kw/hr and a generator providing steady 1300W charge: charge job done in 2.5/3 or so hours on average. Power via this source works out roughly at 40% of mains and that's excluding the additional VAT/Standing Charges on mains. Got some solar but with my battery capacity just ineffectual. Now considering a, change-over switch installed just to be able to raise 'a two-fingered' gesture to Government and energy provider. Come off the Grid and their meters removed.................
Installed a diesel heater indoors last November and ran it on red diesel. Exhaust slips inside the woodburner door just a treat! Earlier in the year fitted a 28ml pump to replace the 22 which came with it. Pumps out anything up to 220C now and gone over to kerosene at about 80p / Litre compared with red diesel I'll save even more this coming winter. And 'Yes' before anyone comments, there is no seepage of Carbon Monoxide around where the exhaust goes into the logburner. Alarm meter sits on top the woodburner just above the partially open door (about 1'' open and secured by luggage elastic). Not a peep nor a registration of a ppm level. Yes, checked against another because I expected some level. But no.
Pressing: (for the inevitable coming) Go watch Georg Sprave on YT and gain some ideas.....
There's more but above is too long anyway.
Covid changed a lot in my life. It has taught me who my real friends are, soI've dropped some of them, and made new friendships that are more in line with my ethics and principles.
I have lived alone for many years, but being vunerable and needing to stay isolated made life a bit difficult, I've worked around a lot of that, and I'm now pretty happy that I can survive almost anything.
Today I'm under a big wind and rain event. I'm cosy, got a stew in the slow cooker, radio on, im making a macrame, wall hanging for an xmas present, and I'm content.
Being content with your own company, and with less possessions, is a big lesson to learn which sets one up for disasters of any sort.
I'm also spending an hour every day, looking at my possessions, and determining if they are needed or not, the charity shop has done very well out of me recently!
I have lived alone for many years, but being vunerable and needing to stay isolated made life a bit difficult, I've worked around a lot of that, and I'm now pretty happy that I can survive almost anything.
Today I'm under a big wind and rain event. I'm cosy, got a stew in the slow cooker, radio on, im making a macrame, wall hanging for an xmas present, and I'm content.
Being content with your own company, and with less possessions, is a big lesson to learn which sets one up for disasters of any sort.
I'm also spending an hour every day, looking at my possessions, and determining if they are needed or not, the charity shop has done very well out of me recently!
I was kind of like you in that I was happy with myself for company. I'd given up on having a family and all that. Funny how things change. Our lad is nearly 11yo and I'm still with his mother. Neither would have been expected 12 or so years ago.
Now I've just changed jobs which will make the cost of living less of a stresser 2 weeks from my first, new and bigger pay packet. That'll be a relief. Still reachable by public transport. No way of futurproofing the trains. They run or increasingly they don't!
Now I've just changed jobs which will make the cost of living less of a stresser 2 weeks from my first, new and bigger pay packet. That'll be a relief. Still reachable by public transport. No way of futurproofing the trains. They run or increasingly they don't!
Another day here and another storm. Tree down on power lines so power out for a few hours and phone line broken by the guys sorting the power.
A couple of hours later and a bit of handy chainsaw work by myself and two car loads of sycamore added to the wood pile and the power and phone lines have been fixed.
No need for a generator or mobile router so far...
A couple of hours later and a bit of handy chainsaw work by myself and two car loads of sycamore added to the wood pile and the power and phone lines have been fixed.
No need for a generator or mobile router so far...
That's the ticket, turn things to your advantage.
I do the same with downed trees, and as I don't have TV or a pooter, loss of power realy isn't too much of a problem. I have a decent camp stove, and plenty of gas, battery operated fairy lights and spare batteries , aswell as candles, and woolen blankets, a wood burner and battery radio plus a solar one.
A decent pantry full as I can get it.
Sorted.
I do wonder how many will cope if we have another Carrington event, or a major hack of our systems that we all rely on. So much nowadays won't work without some sort of electrical and or digital connection.
I've found an old spong mincer at my beloved charity shop, and purchased it. Today, I ditched the electric whizzer and attempted to make some hummus with it. It works brilliantly, all it takes is a bit more time and effort. That is real future proofing. !
I've found an old spong mincer at my beloved charity shop, and purchased it. Today, I ditched the electric whizzer and attempted to make some hummus with it. It works brilliantly, all it takes is a bit more time and effort. That is real future proofing. !
Currently renovating an old farmhouse to move into. Simple design done to a good standard. Well insulated and modern efficient multifuel burners as well as having the old solid fuel aga-type stove renovated.
Local builder doing it, he's a proper craftsman.
The person who came up from the builders merchant to do the kitchen spec was amazed when I was clear: no built in appliances, no dishwasher. Simple but decent quality, don't want to have to replace it in future. And others have expressed surprise we are NOT having an ensuite in every bedroom.
I feel very out of touch with modern trends
GC
Local builder doing it, he's a proper craftsman.
The person who came up from the builders merchant to do the kitchen spec was amazed when I was clear: no built in appliances, no dishwasher. Simple but decent quality, don't want to have to replace it in future. And others have expressed surprise we are NOT having an ensuite in every bedroom.
I feel very out of touch with modern trends
GC
My washing machine has just given up after 15 or more years, can't remember how long I've actually had it. Have been handwashing , even down to bedding and jeans. As long as you keep on top of it, it's not hard. I only had my first machine after I moved in to my present home, so I've hand washed most of my life. The only white goods I have left are my small fridge freezer and cooker. Other than an electric kettle wizzer for making purees and slow cooker, I have managed to dump most of my electrical goods. I am missing the washing machine, but then I missed my TV at first after It broke, now it never occurs to me to watch TV, so I'll get used to being without it. I've noticed the nice big dip in my electric bill too!
One thing I have found is that I have less confidence out in the big bad world and tend to stick to my own locality much more, partly because we've lost a lot of our buses, and I can no longer afford the insurance on my bike, so had to sell it. (Lots of tears, as I'd had my dream bike for 11 years)
At first I didn't mind, but I'm getting restless now. I need a change and a challenge, but I've no idea what, or how.
At first I didn't mind, but I'm getting restless now. I need a change and a challenge, but I've no idea what, or how.
Our fridge freezer went down and it took us a few days to get a replacement. It is smaller footprint but inside the capacity is greater with better energy efficiency too. That is real tardis technology. Smaller outside, bigger inside and more insulation to boot. Whilst I like to keep things going longer as manufacturing and disposal seems to be significantly polluting but as Dickinson might say, our old fridge freezer washed its face. By that it earnt its money and did good service for possibly 20 years!!
Unfortunately with a 11 yo son and busy lives we really have to have a fridge freezer. You need quick food for when your 11 yo invites mates round for dinner without letting you know other than asking when our dinner is ready like we should have known to get it on for everyone!!
I think my biggest change is that we too stick to our own area more since moving here post Covid lockdown. If you think what that means. Less diesel burnt, less rubber worn and less brake pad dust in the atmosphere. We also use food delivery which IMHO must be more efficient than 20 plus housholds getting in their cars and driving at least 10 miles to the nearest main supermarket once a week. Plus we use local shops for anything missed and go by foot to them. Also planning food and supermarkey shop means we really do not keep needing to go back. Efficient food planning prevents waste.
We are both within commuting distance by public transport with foot or bike. That is when we really need to go into site of course. We are very lucky being able to work from home. That is a real boon to reducing your footprint. Not least when our solar panels are generating well.
It is what you don't do as much as what you do do that contributes to being that change.
Plus i am living in an amazingly beautiful place too!! Win-win!!!
Unfortunately with a 11 yo son and busy lives we really have to have a fridge freezer. You need quick food for when your 11 yo invites mates round for dinner without letting you know other than asking when our dinner is ready like we should have known to get it on for everyone!!
I think my biggest change is that we too stick to our own area more since moving here post Covid lockdown. If you think what that means. Less diesel burnt, less rubber worn and less brake pad dust in the atmosphere. We also use food delivery which IMHO must be more efficient than 20 plus housholds getting in their cars and driving at least 10 miles to the nearest main supermarket once a week. Plus we use local shops for anything missed and go by foot to them. Also planning food and supermarkey shop means we really do not keep needing to go back. Efficient food planning prevents waste.
We are both within commuting distance by public transport with foot or bike. That is when we really need to go into site of course. We are very lucky being able to work from home. That is a real boon to reducing your footprint. Not least when our solar panels are generating well.
It is what you don't do as much as what you do do that contributes to being that change.
Plus i am living in an amazingly beautiful place too!! Win-win!!!
@Paul_B Unfortunately for us we just can't get on with supermarket deliveries... We have impossible substitutions, short shelf life and just poor quality fresh produce that ruined it.
I can accept substitutions in some departments - I can't think of specific accurate examples, but for instance lets say you order heinz baked beans and they were out, so you got branstons or something like that, no issue right... But we just found they always replaced stuff with utterly incompatible replacements can of kidney beans and they're out so they give you a can of custard (an exaggeration sure, but it was those levels of unhelpfulness when you've got a recipe to follow
).
Short shelf life was a nightmare, if you plan a weeks meals and order say 2-3 types of meats, and they all 'go off' the day after delivery...
Fresh veg and fruit on it's very last legs.
I'm a very efficient shopper when I go to the supermarket, I don't browse, I know what I want and why I'm there and I don't want to be in there for any longer than absolutely necessary, so my shops tend to be extremely precise to a pre-planned list..
I can accept substitutions in some departments - I can't think of specific accurate examples, but for instance lets say you order heinz baked beans and they were out, so you got branstons or something like that, no issue right... But we just found they always replaced stuff with utterly incompatible replacements can of kidney beans and they're out so they give you a can of custard (an exaggeration sure, but it was those levels of unhelpfulness when you've got a recipe to follow
).Short shelf life was a nightmare, if you plan a weeks meals and order say 2-3 types of meats, and they all 'go off' the day after delivery...
Fresh veg and fruit on it's very last legs.
I'm a very efficient shopper when I go to the supermarket, I don't browse, I know what I want and why I'm there and I don't want to be in there for any longer than absolutely necessary, so my shops tend to be extremely precise to a pre-planned list..
Interesting. We always do a click and collect from Tesco. Substitutions and short shelf life are flagged before pick up. They can be refused.
I’ve never worried about sell by dates anyway.
They have just changed the system so that you can’t do it without a smart phone but that’s OK because I’ve got one. What I can do is photograph the Q code so that I don’t have to be there to scan to say I’ve arrived. I can do it as I turn off the main road.
I approve of future-proofing but don’t protect me from the future - I’m enjoying it!
I’ve never worried about sell by dates anyway.
They have just changed the system so that you can’t do it without a smart phone but that’s OK because I’ve got one. What I can do is photograph the Q code so that I don’t have to be there to scan to say I’ve arrived. I can do it as I turn off the main road.
I approve of future-proofing but don’t protect me from the future - I’m enjoying it!
@Paul_B Unfortunately for us we just can't get on with supermarket deliveries... We have impossible substitutions, short shelf life and just poor quality fresh produce that ruined it.
I can accept substitutions in some departments - I can't think of specific accurate examples, but for instance lets say you order heinz baked beans and they were out, so you got branstons or something like that, no issue right... But we just found they always replaced stuff with utterly incompatible replacements can of kidney beans and they're out so they give you a can of custard (an exaggeration sure, but it was those levels of unhelpfulness when you've got a recipe to follow
Short shelf life was a nightmare, if you plan a weeks meals and order say 2-3 types of meats, and they all 'go off' the day after delivery...
Fresh veg and fruit on it's very last legs.
I'm a very efficient shopper when I go to the supermarket, I don't browse, I know what I want and why I'm there and I don't want to be in there for any longer than absolutely necessary, so my shops tend to be extremely precise to a pre-planned list..
That is very poor, but not something we have experienced so I am surprised it is that bad. I believe you and I guess some chains are probably better and others worse at the way they service home deliveries.
We used to get deliveries from Tescos which was not too bad but the occasional item we refused. That was a click and collect service from the store over the road from our road as we didn't feel it was right getting a delivery that close.
When we moved house we got home deliveries from them but realised ASDA from another town delivered into our village so tried them out. They are actually better IMHO. If they substitute the replacement item seems to be from a more expensive option. A better option that we would not normally justify spending the extra on. They often do not replace but just do not deliver some items. Annoying but at least we do not get what we don't want.
ASDA IME seems to be a better store for deliveries. No short dated items or replacements that are inferior. If we get substitutions that are more expensive and better we often choose to accept because we get them for the cheaper priced original choice. However not always as sometimes the expensive substitution is not as good.
Overall ASDA seems to be very good locally to us. Is there another supermarket company that delivers to near you that you could try? Which shop did you have issues with BTW? Of course it is not a universal solution for all but when it works, like for us, it is a better option I reckon.
One thing though, we do not get meat from ASDA or any other delivered place. About 8 minutes drive away there is a Booths so why would we go anywhere else for meat? Seriously, we have not bought meat from anywhere else ever since I got the better minced meat from Tescos and as it was cooking it had a distinct smell of urine coming out of it. If I was not so cheap I would have thrown it away!!
I should also say that Booths is about 20 minutes away by bicycle which I should use for those small, extra purchases of meat, etc. I have a good few bikes and panniers. One bike is a recumbent touring bike that has two standard ortlieb panniers and two of the plus sized ortliebs that give 70 litres capacity. That totals 110 litres total capacity. That tourer could probably cope with a full load too, even if I can't!!
