A pragmatic approach to survivalism and resilience

Pandemic, climate change, war: The growing concern among citizens seeking self-reliance has reached political institutions.

While the subject of autonomy was once the domain of the fringe, the European Commission recently addressed food security in crisis situations. In early November, a former Finnish president presented a report to the Commission on Europe’s civil preparedness for unexpected events. The key recommendation? Every household should be prepared to sustain itself autonomously for 72 hours—an answer to the question: “How can we prepare 450 million Europeans for a major crisis?”

This question raises the thorny issue of resilience—and even the more provocative theme of survivalism. In this article, we aim to provide a pragmatic, practical perspective.

Survivalism or resilience?

It might seem surprising to hear such recommendations from European institutions, especially given the tendency of leaders to offer reassurance rather than alarm. But the former Finnish president aimed not to stoke fear but to strengthen confidence. Prepared citizens are more resilient citizens. This mindset is deeply ingrained in some cultures (like Switzerland) or in countries accustomed to crises (e.g., Lebanon).

Defining the terms:

Survivalism advocates preparation for crises or disasters, focusing on acquiring skills and resources (e.g., food reserves, potable water systems, survival gear) to survive independently during societal collapse, natural catastrophes, economic crises, or shortages.

Resilience, on the other hand, refers to the ability of individuals, groups, or societies to adapt and recover from difficulties or disruptions. Unlike survivalism, which focuses on surviving major crises, resilience involves proactive adaptation and recovery—building systems and communities capable of withstanding and bouncing back from shocks.

Recent climate events in Spain demonstrate that both a “survivalist” approach to natural disasters (e.g., flood-proofing homes, food stockpiling) and fostering resilience to recover quickly make a lot of sense.

The various crises of the past four years (COVID-19 pandemic, shortages, sudden inflation, war in Ukraine, floods, etc.) have highlighted the likelihood of crises and, more importantly, the lack of preparation and resilience among European citizens.

What if Europe’s security starts in your garden?

Decentralized systems are inherently more resilient in crises (e.g., decentralized electricity production, agriculture, food supply). Beyond short-term stockpiling, especially in cities (where storage and supply logistics dominate), the conversation shifts entirely in suburban and rural areas.

Establishing a rotating stock management system

Individual households with gardens or outdoor spaces have significant opportunities to enhance decentralization and resilience. Setting up a rotating stock management system for non-perishable items is both practical and recommended. Understanding food shelf lives—beyond commercial expiration dates—is key to efficient stock management.

Allocate one or two storage cabinets in a cool, dry, light-free space protected from pests (mice, moths) and invest €500–€1,000 in a rotating stock of cereals, canned goods, etc. This is not only practical for daily use but also prudent for short-term crisis preparation. The same applies to storing water, fuel, and medications—but avoid stockpiling items you don’t typically use.

Planning for home production

For fresh produce, adopting a home production plan can provide additional security in building resilience. Becoming self-reliant with vegetables, eggs, fruits, and water significantly boosts household security. For more on this, refer to this article detailing implementation.

The Myfood greenhouse in a major crisis

At Myfood, the topics of resilience and survivalism are central to our work. Whether you’re seeking food autonomy at home or testing a Myfood greenhouse’s capability during societal shocks, we provide precise answers.

Here’s our “Myfood Survivalist FAQ” 😉:

Q : How resilient is the greenhouse to weather (wind, flooding, hail, etc.)?

A : Over 10 years, our extensive network of installed greenhouses has faced extreme weather conditions.

• Storms: Myfood greenhouses have withstood severe storms in Brittany and Réunion. For exposed locations, we’ve developed reinforced anchoring. For flood-prone areas, the screw foundation elevates the greenhouse structure.
• Hail: Coming from Alsace 😉, we’re familiar with hailstorms. The tempered glass is as resistant as car windshields. Hail-related replacement orders are rare. However, selecting your greenhouse location wisely is crucial for durability.

Q : How does the greenhouse operate autonomously during power outages?

A : The greenhouse consumes minimal electricity, and our solar module is designed for resilience. Four panels, two batteries, and efficient energy use ensure critical systems like pumps, ventilation, sensors, and aerators remain functional. However, lighting and heating modules won’t operate in alternative scenarios. Installing the water recovery module is also advisable if you anticipate supply disruptions.

Q : What about autonomy in supplies if Myfood can no longer deliver?

A : For long-term survivalism or independence, stock seeds (or save your own) and store 20 liters of bioponic nutrients in a cool, dry place. These provisions ensure nearly two years of vegetable production for your household. Additionally, keep natural pest treatments on hand. Interested in making your own fertilizers? Contact us here.

Q : What if there’s no internet? How does the greenhouse function?

A : The greenhouse includes a local Wi-Fi mode to access sensor data without relying on cellular or internet networks. The Sigfox network, used in Myfood greenhouses, offers long-range, low-energy connectivity designed for remote areas. Unlike traditional internet or cellular networks, Sigfox ensures reliable communication, even in rural locations—perfect for connected greenhouses.

In conclusion, don’t wait to adopt measures that bring the right level of resilience to your household. And remember, Myfood’s 2024 pricing is available until the end of November!